10.1.9 Foundation Series: Essay 9
Related: Introduction to the Foundation Series · Essay 1 · Essay 2 · Essay 3 · Essay 4 · Essay 5 · Essay 6 · Essay 7 · Essay 8
Welcome
One of the greatest treasures of my life is the deep, lasting relationships I have built. Beyond friendships and community ties of many kinds, I am most grateful for the heroes and mentors who shaped not just my path but my character.
What Makes a Mentor?
I have learned that while the words mentor, coach, teacher, and advisor are often used interchangeably, they are not the same. For clarity, this is my working definition, not a universal one: coaches, teachers, and advisors typically serve a specific season or purpose. Mentors, by contrast, are lifelong companions. Once they enter your life, they never truly leave. A mentor is committed, relevant, and enduring. Their lessons do not fade; they live within us and guide us when we need them most.
The Board of Seven
Soon after my twin daughters were born, I created something deeply personal: a visual board of the seven people whose mentorship most shaped who I am. It was never meant to be all-inclusive. Many others have influenced my journey: my wife, children, siblings, lifelong friends, and colleagues. Over time, I have added other collections such as my “Magic Makers” and “Second Moms,” but this original “Board of Seven” remains the cornerstone.
The Mentors Who Shaped Me
My Mom: Love and Responsibility
From my mom, I inherited two lifelong gifts: the capacity to love deeply and the responsibility to own my actions. These form the bedrock of who I aspire to be.
My Dad: Passion and Devotion
My dad’s drive and dedication fueled my early sense of ambition and purpose. His selflessness continues to inspire how I show up, both at home and at work.
Ken: Memory and Legacy
Ken taught me to honor those who came before us. He instilled a quiet reverence for where we come from and a sense of responsibility to carry that story forward.
Warren: Time and Drive
From Warren, I learned respect for time and relentless drive. He showed me that honoring commitments is a quiet, powerful form of integrity. His perseverance continues to guide me today.
Mike: Dream and Kindness
Mike, whom I met at fourteen, was a dreamer with a heart of gold. His big vision and greater kindness remain guideposts for how I aim to lead.
Don: Transparency and Generosity
Don quickly became one of the most defining figures in my life. His integrity set the standard for every relationship that followed. For decades I have made the 90-minute drive to visit him, each trip a quiet act of gratitude.
Dave: Commitment and Delivery
Though I had known Dave nearly all my life, our mentorship deepened in 2017. Until his passing in 2021, he modeled what it means to show up consistently and fully. His words still guide me every day.
Fourteen Words That Anchor Me
Each of these seven mentors has two words beside their photo on my board: a simple pair that captures the gift they gave me. When decisions feel heavy or I lose my footing, I study those words. I breathe in their lessons. I remember who I am. None of us becomes ourselves alone.
Reflection Point
Mentorship is not about advice. It is about presence that shapes our character long after the words are spoken.
The Lesson: Mentorship Is a Living Legacy
- True mentors do not just advise us; they shape us.
- Mentorship weaves into our choices, leadership, and voice.
- We honor them by living the values they modeled.
- Mentorship is not about the past; it is about how we lead in the present.
Practical Takeaways
- Create your own mentor board with photos and two words that capture each person’s impact.
- Reach out to a mentor this week with a note of gratitude.
- Share one mentor’s lesson with your children, team, or community.
- Identify a way you can serve as a mentor for someone else.
Two Questions to Explore
- Who are the heroes and mentors who have shaped your life, and what values did they instill in you?
- If you created your own board of mentors, what words would you assign to honor their lasting influence?
Further Resources
- The Mentor Leader by Tony Dungy. A guide to leadership through service, with real-life lessons on influencing others with humility and integrity.
- Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek. Explores how great leaders build trust and protect those they lead, much like mentors do in our personal lives.
- Thanks for the Feedback by Douglas Stone and Sheila Heen. Practical strategies for receiving guidance and feedback that mentors often provide.
- The Go-Giver by Bob Burg and John David Mann. A parable that demonstrates how generosity and service are the essence of lasting mentorship.
Thank you for being part of my journey. May you honor your mentors by living their lessons forward.
Live. Lead. Love.
Billy
Please Subscribe Here to Receive My Weekly Blog
Explore the Foundation Series · Essay 1 · Essay 2 · Essay 3 · Essay 4 · Essay 5 · Essay 6 · Essay 7 · Essay 8
