How mentorship from tech leaders transforms careers: 25 insights on growth and development
Ever wondered how top leaders in technology have harnessed mentorship to skyrocket their careers? In this article, insights from a diverse group of professionals, including founders and CEOs, reveal how guidance from experienced mentors has profoundly influenced their professional development. Learn how a Founder & CMO experienced a transformation in leadership understanding, and discover how a Senior Tech Lead benefited from continuous self-improvement through mentorship. With twenty-five unique insights, this Q&A is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone looking to leverage mentorship for career growth.
CEO Mentor Transformed My Leadership Understanding
A CEO mentor once completely transformed my understanding of leadership through his ability to listen deeply and attentively.
Initially, I assumed he’d be too busy to fully hear me out, but he was remarkably patient, allowing me to express my thoughts without interruption—even when I struggled to articulate my ideas.
Before responding, he would rephrase my points, ensuring I felt understood and that he truly grasped my perspective. Only then would he offer guidance, with a vision that connected his advice to long-term outcomes. This experience taught me that a great leader listens first, providing thoughtful, actionable advice rather than quick fixes. That lesson has shaped how I approach my own team, making me a more empathetic and effective leader.
Nirmal Gyanwali, Founder & CMO, WP Creative
Mentor Shifted Focus to User-Centered Design
Yes, I’ve had the privilege of learning from a mentor who specialized in user-centered design, and it changed the way I thought about building tools at our company. He made me realize that technology isn’t about the code; it is about the experience we create for the user. That mindset shift helped us focus on simplicity and usability, making our products more intuitive and beloved by users.
Being mentored by someone who understood the user-experience side of technology helped me grow as a leader who prioritizes empathy in product development. I learned to see beyond the technicalities and focus on how our tools fit into the daily lives of our users. That mindset has been crucial in driving customer loyalty and trust in our products.
Alari Aho, CEO and Founder, Toggl Inc
Mentorship Key to My CEO Growth
Mentorship has been key to my personal growth during my 17-year journey as a CEO of a technology company. I turned to mentorship later—around my seventh year—when I felt stuck in a cycle and needed a fresh perspective on growth. Despite my early achievements and my interest in reading books to grow personally, I realized that the only way to elevate both myself and my company was by working with more-experienced CEOs who had achieved much more in their businesses.
I found reliable and trustworthy allies in these mentors, whom I regularly seek guidance from, particularly before making complex and challenging decisions. Additionally, I gained a great deal of self-confidence and valuable connections, leading to significant business deals and partnerships over the years. Seeking mentorship was pivotal in transforming my approach to leadership and company growth.
Barkan Saeed, CEO, Vizteck Solutions
Mentorship Encouraged Risk-Taking and Innovation
Mentorship has been a cornerstone of my professional journey. Early on, I had the privilege of working closely with a seasoned technology leader who truly understood the intricacies of the industry. Their insights went beyond technical know-how; they shared invaluable lessons on navigating challenges, embracing innovation, and fostering a culture of collaboration.
One pivotal moment was when they encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone and lead a cross-functional project. That experience not only honed my leadership skills but also taught me the importance of diverse perspectives in problem-solving. Their guidance helped me understand that growth often comes from taking calculated risks and learning from failures.
Additionally, their emphasis on continuous learning inspired me to pursue further education and stay updated with emerging technologies. This not only enriched my knowledge but also shaped the vision for my recruiting platform, ensuring it meets the evolving needs of the tech industry.
Ultimately, their mentorship instilled a sense of resilience and adaptability in me, qualities that have been essential in building my career and guiding others as a career coach. I often reflect on their words of wisdom, and I strive to pass on that knowledge to those I mentor today. Mentorship is a powerful catalyst for growth, and I’m grateful for the impact it has had on my journey.
Amit Doshi, Founder & CEO, MyTurn
Mentor Helped Transition to Marketing Agency
Here’s how finding a mentor transformed my career from dead-end freelance marketing on Upwork to heading a successful digital marketing agency:
It all started when I realized I needed to learn from someone already successful if I wanted to level up my career and truly understand the intricacies of the industry. So, I identified a marketing-technology leader whose work I admired and took the leap to reach out. I crafted an email where I offered to work for free for a couple of months, solely to gain knowledge from one of the best in the field, consciously avoiding using the word “mentor.” I knew how off-putting it can be to ask someone to invest their time in teaching you to be their competition for free. Instead, I focused on showing my willingness to contribute and learn.
I landed this single response after reaching out to around 30 professionals, but that was all I needed. Once I began working with my mentor, I made it a point to demonstrate my value. I worked hard, asked thoughtful questions, and became a quick learner. The goal was simple: become indispensable in those initial 1-2 months so that they’d want to keep me around.
Initially, most of the work I did for my mentor was email copywriting to get more subscribers for his podcast. He soon encouraged me to use the skills I developed to independently pitch to potential clients and offer them my services. He also suggested I email his podcast guests to appreciate their insights while building connections. A simple message saying, “Hey, I’m Rayyan. I work with [mentor] on the XYZ project, and I listened to you on his podcast. I liked what you said about XYZ [business tip, funny story, etc.]. Just wanted to express my appreciation for your advice,” helped me create meaningful connections and even land a couple of clients.
In around four months of working with this mentor, I gained three major clients of my own, two for multichannel marketing and one for social-media management. It was then that I decided to create my digital marketing agency, partnering with an old colleague. We’ve now grown into a team of 15 people, providing full-spectrum marketing solutions for global businesses. Personally, I’ve hit four times the income I made in my best month freelancing, and that’s after all team members collect their salaries.
I strongly suggest those looking for mentors to find a way to provide value in exchange for learning. Also, don’t hesitate to reach out repeatedly; persistence pays off!
Syed Rayyan, Founder and Digital Marketing Strategist, Bizitron
Mentorship Enhanced Strategic Decision-Making
Absolutely, I have greatly benefited from mentorship throughout my career, particularly from experienced technology leaders. One mentor, in particular, had a profound impact on my professional development by providing insights into the ever-evolving tech landscape and guiding me through complex business decisions. Their experience in navigating challenges and identifying opportunities helped me cultivate a strategic mindset, which has been crucial in leading effectively.
This mentorship not only provided me with invaluable knowledge but also instilled confidence in my decision-making abilities. I learned the importance of being adaptable and proactive, especially in the fast-paced world of technology. Moreover, having a mentor offered me a safe space to discuss ideas, seek feedback, and explore potential pitfalls before making significant moves. This relationship has shaped my approach to leadership and innovation, encouraging me to foster a similar supportive environment for my own team, ultimately driving growth and success within our organization.
Shehar Yar, CEO, Software House
Mentorship Balanced Technical and Leadership Skills
Yes, I’ve had the privilege of benefiting from the guidance of seasoned technology leaders throughout my career, and it has made a huge difference in my professional development. Early on, I connected with a mentor who not only shared valuable technical insights but also helped me navigate the challenges of managing a growing team in the IT-services industry. This mentorship allowed me to gain confidence in my leadership skills, which became crucial as I transitioned into my current role.
One of the key lessons I learned from my mentor was the importance of balancing technical expertise with strong communication and leadership abilities. It’s easy to get lost in the technical aspects, but leading a team effectively requires understanding people just as much as the technology. By observing my mentor’s approach to managing teams and interacting with clients, I was able to adapt these skills and apply them in my work, ensuring our clients feel supported 24/7 by real, caring professionals.
For those looking to grow in their careers, I recommend finding someone in your field who is where you aspire to be. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice or observe how they handle challenges. Whether it’s through formal mentorship or just observing from a distance, learning from experienced leaders can help you refine your skills, grow professionally, and position yourself for future success.
Elmo Taddeo, CEO, Parachute
Mentor Guided Successful Product Development
One mentor in particular, a veteran founder who had grown his business to hundreds of employees, took me under his wing early on. He helped me understand what it really takes to turn an idea into a successful product. He showed me how to develop a plan, focus my efforts, and get the most important features done first to start gaining users. His experience launching multiple startups taught me valuable lessons in marketing, customer acquisition, and managing growth that I still rely on today.
Talking through challenges with someone who had “been there before” eased my stress levels as an indie entrepreneur. When things weren’t going as smoothly as I hoped, my mentor helped reframe problems into opportunities. He encouraged me to celebrate small wins and remain optimistic. His guidance was crucial for my mental well-being during stressful periods.
A decade into my career in the online space, I am grateful for mentors who shared their expertise to help me avoid missteps. We now have a strong user base, and I have the skills and confidence to take my business even further because of the insights gifted to me from leaders in tech. For anyone starting out, seeking guidance from experienced mentors can help accelerate your learning curve and professional growth.
Burak Özdemir, Founder, Online Alarm Kur
Mentor Inspired Innovation in Manufacturing
Early in my career, I worked under an experienced leader who not only knew pretty much every process in our industry, but was skilled at inspiring innovation in her team. This mentor drilled me in the delicate line between technical rigor and problem-solving creativity that has become the cornerstone of my manufacturing-process challenges.
This advice was key in getting me thinking about how technology can continually optimize and automate production processes. My mentor’s drive to continually seek out better, faster ways to produce high-quality products without any loss of safety or environmental considerations has made a huge impact on my leadership approach. It’s made me strive to lead not only in an aggregation of bottom-line objectives, but with an emphasis on innovation and quality at every level of the company. This has made me appreciate mentorship, which is something I’m trying to emulate with my own team, pushing them to think outside the box and always learn new skills.
Alex LaDouceur, Co-Founder, Webineering
Mentorship Shaped My Leadership Approach
I’ve been fortunate to have stellar mentorship throughout my career. Early on, I got to work alongside a tech leader who genuinely took me under their wing. You know, they just had this natural talent for breaking down complex ideas, and this transformed how I think about technology’s role in business.
Their guidance opened my eyes to what data-driven marketing could accomplish, which became the foundation of my approach. They pushed me to venture beyond my comfort zone and step into leadership roles. That confidence boost made all the difference as I climbed the ladder.
A year ago, when I moved into the CEO role, I found myself drawing from everything I’d learned. I kept returning to their wisdom about building strong teams and nurturing open communication. Those lessons shaped the leader I became and helped me navigate the challenges of running a business.
Looking back, that mentorship charted the course of my entire career. It showed me firsthand how real leaders lift others up. Now I pour that same energy into my team, and I’ll admit that nothing beats watching them grow while sharing what I’ve learned along the way.
Scott Cohen, CEO, InboxArmy
Mentorship Improved Decision-Making and Team Management
I have benefited greatly from the guidance of experienced technology leaders. Their insights have been invaluable, helping me see things from different angles. Talking with these mentors helped me handle challenges and make better decisions, which has been key to my professional growth. Learning from their successes and mistakes gave me practical ideas for being a better leader and managing my team.
Their advice not only deepened my technical knowledge but also improved my ability to explain complex ideas clearly. Overall, having a mentor has been important in shaping my approach to cybersecurity, boosting my confidence in decision-making, and inspiring me to create a culture of learning within my team. Mentorship has been an essential part of my journey, highlighting the importance of teamwork and continuous improvement in the fast-changing tech world.
Christian Espinosa, Founder and CEO, Blue Goat Cyber
Mentor Taught Strategic Approach to Technology
Yes, I’ve definitely benefited from having a mentor. Early in my career, I worked closely with a CTO who taught me that technology is about solving real business problems, not just building cutting-edge solutions. This helped me approach marketing in a more strategic way, focusing on how our software solutions meet client needs.
The mentorship also taught me leadership skills, especially the importance of trusting your team and fostering open communication. These lessons have been crucial as I now manage both marketing and HR, balancing business growth while keeping a strong company culture.
Overall, the guidance I received shaped how I think about both technology and people, which has been key to my growth.
Vikrant Bhalodia, Head of Marketing & People Ops, WeblineIndia
Mentor Focused on Customer Experience
I had the privilege of learning from a tech leader who really knows what it takes to scale a platform with customer experience at the core. They showed me how to think strategically about how to develop scalable yet user-friendly systems, and that was a game-changer for me as I co-founded my company. This tip reminded me that tech choices are not purely about how things work; instead, the end-user should always be the front-end user to create a better experience.
A very important lesson I remember from this and live by every day is that you need to be proactive in your growth-control. My mentor showed me how to anticipate challenges that come with scaling a platform, from handling increased data loads to ensuring features remain intuitive and don’t become overwhelming as we add more tools. This has been invaluable in our growth plan.
Anders Bill, Cofounder/CPO, Superfiliate
Mentor Emphasized Trust in Team Dynamics
One of the most influential things I learned from a mentor was measuring the life cycle of trust among my team and with stakeholders. They challenged me to periodically chart where trust was building, where it might be slowing down, and even where it might be slowly being eroded—whether with an investor, a team member, or a partner.
This is not the sort of number that most people imagine they should track, but it’s helped me figure out where to direct energy so that relationships can remain resilient and flourishing. For instance, I found that during the most stressful periods, distrust deterioration would sometimes occur with team members who weren’t getting their voices heard on decision-making. It also prompted me to set up brief, open communication, even on minor disappointments, to remind them I appreciated their contributions. In the long run, it’s reduced confusion, raised morale, and made a more efficient and cohesive team.
Thomas Franklin, CEO, Swapped
Mentor Improved Local SEO Strategies
Having guidance from an experienced mentor can be transformative, especially in a specialized field like local SEO. I had the opportunity to work closely with a seasoned technology leader who had a deep understanding of Google Business Profiles. This mentorship was crucial during a period when I was trying to refine our approach to helping clients rank higher on Google Maps.
One specific instance stands out. I was struggling to optimize a client’s GBP effectively, and my mentor stepped in to share valuable insights. He introduced me to advanced strategies for keyword optimization and taught me how to leverage customer reviews more strategically. This wasn’t just about adding keywords; it involved understanding the client’s unique audience and crafting a profile that resonated with local consumers.
Through regular discussions, I learned to analyze data more critically, allowing me to adjust strategies based on real-time performance metrics. This mentorship not only improved our client’s ranking but also enhanced my confidence in delivering results. As I applied these new skills, I saw tangible growth in my professional capabilities.
The ongoing support from my mentor helped me navigate challenges with greater ease. I learned the importance of continual learning and adapting to changes in the digital landscape, which is vital for success in local SEO. Ultimately, this experience underscored how valuable mentorship can be in developing both technical skills and strategic thinking in a competitive field.
Ramzy Humsi, Founder & CEO, Vortex Ranker
Mentor Enhanced Understanding of Blockchain and AI
Yes, I’ve gained a lot from the guidance of Tausif Ahmed, our CTO. His deep knowledge of blockchain and AI has been really helpful in improving my understanding of how these technologies can be used in our projects. He’s always available to provide insights on technical challenges, which has allowed me to make better decisions and understand complex solutions more clearly.
With Tausif’s support, I’ve been able to grow professionally by learning how to approach new tech trends, improve our services, and streamline our processes. His guidance has not only helped me but also played a key role in keeping my company at the forefront of blockchain and AI innovation.
Gagandeep Singh, Founder of Blocktech Brew, Blocktech Brew
Mentorship Expanded My Long-Term Vision
Having a mentor was a game-changer for me. I used to stress about achieving short-term goals. I was always in a rush, worrying about the next month or the upcoming quarter; however, my mentor taught me a valuable lesson: think big and plan long-term. This doesn’t mean ignoring the small things; it just means not getting lost in them.
Now, I visualize growth that spans years, not just weeks or months. This has not only reduced my stress levels but also helped me see the bigger picture. When you look at growth over the years, you realize that minor setbacks are just minor. They don’t impact the grand scheme of things.
The beauty of long-term planning is, it gives you a broader perspective. It helps you to focus on what truly matters. This shift in thinking was a crucial part of my professional development. It made me a better problem-solver, a strategic planner, and above all, a growth manager who can see beyond the immediate.
Khanh Tran, Growth Manager, Italy Villa Finder
Mentor Shaped Strategic Web Development
Having a mentor in the tech world is like having a seasoned navigator on a sea of constant innovation. I’ve been fortunate to have had guidance from an experienced tech leader early in my career, and it’s been instrumental in shaping my journey.
My mentor, a veteran web developer turned successful agency owner, taught me to see beyond just coding. He showed me how to view web development as a strategic business tool. It was like upgrading from a basic website builder to a full-fledged development suite—suddenly, I saw so many more possibilities.
One of the most valuable lessons was learning to communicate technical concepts to non-technical clients. It’s a skill that’s been crucial in growing our agency. My mentor would say, “If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.” That’s become a mantra in our client interactions.
He also encouraged me to stay ahead of the curve. In this industry, if you’re not learning, you’re falling behind. It’s like how we constantly update our websites to keep them relevant and secure.
Perhaps most importantly, my mentor taught me the value of building relationships in the tech community. It’s not just about what you know, but who you know and how you can help each other grow.
Remember, mentorship is a two-way street. While you’re learning, you’re also offering fresh perspectives to your mentor. It’s a relationship that can evolve into a lifelong professional friendship.
If you haven’t found a mentor yet, start networking in your local tech community. You never know where you’ll find that guiding light for your career journey.
Harmanjit Singh, Founder and CEO, Origin Web Studios
Mentorship Guided Transition from Athlete to Entrepreneur
Having guidance from mentors has been pivotal in my journey, especially transitioning from being a professional athlete to a tech entrepreneur. A stand-out moment was when I transitioned from sports to tech and received pivotal insights from mentors on leveraging my athletic discipline in the business world. This blend of discipline and strategic thinking was crucial when selling over $10 million in payroll software, a foundation that drove our success.
Mentors also guided me in navigating the complexity of technology and innovation as I moved into leadership roles, like serving as Chief Strategy Officer at Kairos, a facial recognition startup. Their advice on understanding evolving tech landscapes and customer-centric innovations helped me build my business into a platform that transforms contractor payments, backed by feedback like that from the CFO of a hospitality staffing business who praised our ability to cut down payment processing time.
The ability to see the bigger picture—a skill accentuated by mentors—was key in creating partnerships and collaborative solutions. As evidenced by our work with companies that seek a “real partner” in payment solutions, having mentors to steer strategic partnerships has been invaluable in fostering growth and innovation in the gig economy.
Craig Lewis, Founder & CEO, Gig Wage
Mentorship Boosted Cybersecurity Career Growth
Finding a mentor is one of the most beneficial decisions people can make when finding their feet in tech sectors like cybersecurity. Now that I’ve been in the industry for almost 20 years, I can look back on my career and really appreciate the industry leaders who helped foster my career growth.
When you’re dealing with an industry as large and fast-paced as cybersecurity, being able to tap into someone’s knowledge and experience is incredibly helpful for finding your direction and staying ahead of the curve. For instance, this process can inspire someone to learn a new technology or level up their communication skills to become a more effective leader.
Of course, the other main benefit of finding a mentor is the networking opportunities. I think just about every leader in the cybersecurity space has benefited from strong relationships with more senior members of the community who provided knowledgeable career guidance and helpful connections.
Looking at my own career, my manager from early on has turned into a friend and mentor for me—and has been for over 15 years now. It is incredibly helpful to have someone to help you when making big decisions in your career. Someone who knows the space, who has had their own success, and who can help you make an informed decision.
My mentor has given me amazing advice on building a team, managing big organizational changes, and much more. It’s also worth noting that the cybersecurity industry is a small industry in a lot of ways, and my mentor knew everyone—so when I need to reach someone, he can help me do so.
At Huntress, our leadership team appreciates just how beneficial mentorship has been for our careers, so we’ve installed a robust internal framework for professional mentorship. By surrounding our junior team members with like-minded mentors, we help to drive their professional development and career progress while fostering their unique talents.
Seth Geftic, Vice President Product Marketing, Huntress
Mentor Highlighted Importance of Soft Skills
A tech leader who mentored me told me being technical is only part of the equation; soft skills like communication and leadership are just as important. They helped me improve how I present technical information to non-tech stakeholders, so I could bridge the gap between tech teams and executive leadership. That skill was crucial when I moved into roles that required clear and effective communication with diverse teams.
Also, the mentor’s influence helped me develop a deeper understanding of empathy in leadership, which has shaped how I manage and support my own team. By following their example, I’ve been able to create a collaborative work environment where open communication and shared learning are encouraged, and that leads to higher team productivity and satisfaction.
Dan Bowen, Founder at Bowen, Bowen Media
Mentor Focused on Human-Centered Design
During my early career, I learned from Sarah Martinez, a colleague with a unique approach to technology and business strategy. What stood out was her focus on human-centered design and how technology could genuinely serve people’s needs rather than fulfill technical requirements. She taught me that understanding the customer’s journey in depth before building any solution was critical to long-term success, something I hadn’t fully grasped before.
One specific lesson that shaped my career was her advice on storytelling in technology—she showed me how framing a product’s development within the context of the customer’s problem could completely change the team’s approach to building it. This shifted how I view product development, and I still apply this method in my own tech company today, ensuring that our innovations are always aligned with real-world customer needs.
Jason English, Entrepreneur and CEO, CG Tech
Mentor Taught Strategic Business Thinking
Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to have had a few mentors who really shaped my approach to leadership and technology. One, in particular, a former CTO at a company I worked for early on, made a big impact. He didn’t just focus on the technical aspects but also taught me how to think strategically on things, like how to see beyond the code and architecture and really understand how technology can drive business outcomes. That shift in mindset was critical for me as I moved up in my career, and I still carry that approach today.
Having someone experienced to bounce ideas off of, someone who had already navigated the challenges I was facing, was incredibly valuable. It helped me avoid a lot of common pitfalls and gave me the confidence to take on bigger projects. More than that, it taught me the importance of mentoring others, which is something I try to prioritize now as a leader.
Paul DeMott, Chief Technology Officer, Helium SEO
Mentor Bridged Law and Technology
Early in my career, I was fortunate enough to work closely with an accomplished technology leader who had a wealth of experience in navigating the complexities of tech law.
This mentor opened my eyes to the dynamic relationship between law and technology, teaching me not just the legal frameworks but also the strategic implications of emerging technologies on our clients’ businesses. Their guidance helped me understand the nuances of intellectual property rights in the digital age and the importance of proactive legal strategies in a rapidly changing environment.
What truly made a difference was their emphasis on critical thinking and innovation. They encouraged me to look beyond the legalities and consider how technology could be leveraged to create value for our clients. This perspective shifted my approach to problem-solving, allowing me to develop solutions that were not only legally sound but also strategically advantageous.
Overall, the insights and encouragement I received from this mentor were instrumental in shaping my career trajectory. They helped me build the confidence to take on complex cases and to stay ahead of industry trends, ultimately contributing to my growth as a lawyer. Their influence continues to guide my approach to mentorship, as I strive to support and empower the next generation of legal professionals in the ever-evolving tech landscape.
Ilan Bergel, Partner and Lawyer, Bergel Magence LLP
Mentorship Highlighted Continuous Self-Improvement
Through the years and through the influence of mentors that crossed my path, I came to understand that one of the traits of great leadership is to develop a self-awareness that the journey towards excellence is an ever-ascending path. Along the way, one needs to build on top of the shoulders of giants—our mentors—and apply the wisdom and knowledge passed along.
Miary Andria, Senior Tech Lead, Ellumen
