One of my mentors is a 60 year old American man.
When we think of mentorship, it’s natural to gravitate toward those who look like us or share similar lived experiences. Representation matters and it’s inspiring to see someone who mirrors your identity succeeding in spaces you aspire to navigate. However, my journey has taught me that the value of mentorship extends far beyond those shared traits.
One of my most impactful mentors is a 60-year-old American man, a stark contrast to me as a Black African woman. At first glance, we seem worlds apart, shaped by vastly different histories and contexts. Yet, his guidance has been instrumental in my personal and professional growth.
This relationship has underscored an essential truth: mentorship isn’t about finding someone who looks like you—it’s about learning from someone who sees your potential and is invested in helping you realize it. The diversity in our perspectives has been our greatest strength. He’s offered insights I might not have encountered in spaces where everyone shares my worldview. In return, my experiences and lens have enriched our conversations, fostering a relationship built on mutual learning and respect.
It’s important to seek mentorship from individuals who challenge you to think differently, who bring perspectives that broaden your horizons, and who equip you with tools you might not have considered. Yes, shared identity can create a comforting sense of solidarity, but mentorship is also about stepping out of comfort zones. It’s about finding people who push you to grow, regardless of where they come from or what they look like.
This doesn’t mean dismissing the importance of shared cultural or identity-based mentorship. I’m a proud advocate for empowering women, especially African women, to lead and thrive. I deeply value mentors who intimately understand the unique challenges I face. But my experience reminds me that growth often comes from the unexpected—from embracing the unfamiliar and learning to see the world through a different lens.
So, to those seeking mentorship, I encourage you to look beyond the surface. Be open to receiving guidance from people who don’t look like you, who don’t share your experiences, and who might see the world differently than you do. In those differences, you might find exactly what you need to rise.