Snack 21: Finding a Mentor That Gets You (Without the Awkward Ask)

Workday Playdate

In today’s snack, Erin’s busting the myth that a mentor is just going to magically appear and fix everything.

The Problem:

We’ve all heard it—“You need a mentor!” But asking for one feels like proposing after two dates. We freeze, wait, and convince ourselves no one has time for us.

The Improv Hack to Try: The Spotlight Flip

Instead of waiting for someone to spotlight you, flip the light on THEM. Next time you meet someone you admire, ask:

"I love how you [specific thing]. If you were giving a TED Talk to your younger self, what would it be about?"

No pressure, just pure curiosity.

Why it works: In improv, making others look good builds trust. Spotlighting someone makes them more likely to engage with you, so mentorship might follow naturally.

Bonus Tip: Mentorship isn’t always formal. Keep a list of “unofficial mentors” to learn from passively.

Wednesday Tease: Catch Episode 298 this Wednesday: Stop Waiting for a Mentor to Magically Appear—Start Here Instead. Don’t miss it!

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No, You Hang Up First (Let’s Keep Connecting)

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