How well have you unlocked mentorship in advancing your career?
 
Research confirms that quality mentoring relationships have powerful positive effects. And, in the words of Isaac Newton, “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.”
 
I have been fortunate to have had mentors guiding me throughout my career and beyond; by leaning in on their years of experience and wisdom, my career progression was accelerated. As a result, I avoided certain mistakes and generally had a more fulfilling experience. I know some of my mentors personally and others through reading their books or/and listening to their messages.
 
Let me use this medium to acknowledge and celebrate these giants and what I learned from them:
 
Tunde Orukotan was my first manager, and he taught me the art of delegation and the benefits of nurturing productive relationships even beyond the workplace. After that, I learned to leverage my internal resources and use every situation to my advantage from Gbemiga Owolabi, whose belief in my capabilities was astounding and still remains a booster for me.
 
Andy Erhabor taught me early in my career that integrity was non-negotiable if I wanted to be unique. My ability to be blind to limiting biases, which has earned me several complements, was a skill I learned from Yemi Ade-John, who also taught me to take big bets on talents. Anthony Arabome expanded my understanding of talent strategy.
 
Solomon Itegboje taught me the power of personal branding, appearance, and consistency. Likewise, I learned from Yemi Adetunji that my signature of excellence on all my work and managing my visibility are critical necessities for career success.

Udom Inoyo taught me that beyond success at work, success in every other area of my life was critical. He reinforced in me the power of character, storytelling, community service, developing others with passion, and building a broad-based network. And Oluseyi Afolabi elevated my awareness of the benefits of career sponsorship and demonstrating executive presence.
 
Bishop David Oyedepo reinforced in me the place of spirituality in personal growth and advancement. I will always remember these words from him that spurred me to make my first career move of changing jobs even when I was having a blissful time at what I was doing then – “no matter where you are today, there is always a place called better.”
 
And most recently, Marshall Goldsmith. Thanks to him for responding to my emails and providing invaluable guidance and resources on my new career journey.
 
I learn and grow every day, and I have these people whose experiences I use as my road map to navigate life.
 
Do you have a mentor(s)? What have you learned from your interactions with them?