What it means to be a mentor
By Marty Cayton, posted Apr 25, 2024 on BizFayetteville.com
It’s a true statement that we become like those with whom we spend the most time! Of course, that can be good or bad, depending on the company you keep. But in this edition of the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal, we are focusing on the good things we have learned from our mentors.
For most of us, our parents were our first mentors and then later in life, perhaps a teacher or professor. I have had some really good mentors in my life. Of course my mom and dad were and still are at the top of the list.
One mentor in particular comes to mind. I met him as one of his students at Methodist College (now University). His knowledge of economics was amazing and I think if I would have followed some of his investment advice in the mid 80s, well who knows!
His passion, though, was entrepreneurship, and making sure that his students learned to appreciate the value of business ownership and taking risks.
It was much later in life when our paths connected once again and I was able to be part of his advisory council. As he planned on retirement, he asked me if I would consider stepping in his shoes as the director of the Center for Entrepreneurship at Methodist University. He felt sure that I could do it, even though I was not so confident. I had many other things on my plate, including a business to run. However, he was a hard man to say no to, and so I decided to give it a shot. It was a great time in my career, and I am grateful for his confidence in me.
The last time I saw him was a lunch that we had together at Olive Garden. We spoke about our families, life, health and spiritual things and I believe both of us were encouraged. Little did I know that approximately two weeks later, he would be gone.
Dr. Siddhartha (Sid) Gautam will always be one of my most impactful mentors.
What I learned from Dr. Gautam and other good mentors is they see things in you that you don’t. They believe in you when you don’t believe in yourself. And finally, they want what’s best for you!
I hope you enjoy the stories, and please feel free to share some of your own on social media or on our website. We’d love to hear from you.
God bless you and yours!
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