Is mentoring truly the golden key to success, or just another overhyped ritual?🗝️
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Welcome back to "The Microdose Diet" newsletter, where success, passion, and happiness converge to elevate your life and career. I'm Peggy Van de Plassche, and after two decades in the financial services and tech industries, I discovered the transformative power of mushrooms for mental wellness and peak performance. This revelation led to the creation of "The Microdose Diet" protocol, a game-changer for personal and professional growth. Dive in to explore more!
So, I was on a panel the other day, and the usual question popped up: “How important is mentoring, especially for women?” And I couldn’t help but think, Is it really important though? I mean, we’ve been spoon-fed this idea that you absolutely need a mentor to succeed, but have we actually stopped to ask—is that even true?
Mentoring in 2024: The Quick Fix Fantasy ☕️
I have been on both sides of the fence as a mentor and a mentee and I have yet to see any value in that process. Over the years I had discussions that had mattered to me and to other parties, but these exchanges were never in the context of a mentoring relationship.
And let’s be real—mentoring today often feels like a glorified 15-minute coffee chat where someone’s basically hoping for a shortcut to success. Picture this: you’ve barely said “hi,” and your new “mentee” is already hitting you with, “Can you introduce me to your network and help me get a job?” 😳
Hold up. You don’t even know me! I could be a terrible mentor for all you know. Maybe I’m giving advice straight from 2008’s playbook—“Invest in Blockbuster; it’s the future!” 😬 Not everyone who’s “successful” got there by genius strategy; sometimes it’s just about being in the right place at the right time, and guess what? That’s not transferable.
And let’s not forget the classic and vague advice: “Work hard, stay passionate, and the rest will follow.” 🙄 Really? If passion alone paid the bills, we’d all be living in beachfront mansions. FMP, no specifics, no value.
Senior Mentors: Outdated Playbooks, Anyone? 🏛️
Ever been assigned a mentor who’s, say, just a little too senior? It’s like asking your grandpa for dating advice in the age of Tinder. Sure, he may have been a heartthrob back in the day, but let’s be honest—the game has changed. 💁♀️
The same goes for career and business advice. What worked for someone 20 years ago might be completely irrelevant today. The business world is moving at lightning speed, and what was useful even three years ago may not cut it in today’s market. I don’t need a mentor telling me to “keep my nose to the grindstone.” I need someone who understands how the game is played now. And again who is ready to share specifics with me.
Why wait for outdated advice when you can unlock your potential now? The Microdose Diet rewires your brain, calms your body, and helps you think independently—no mentor required.
Peer Power: Where the Real Value Is 💬
Forget the outdated advice from people who made it two decades ago. The real gold comes from your peers—people who are in the same trenches as you or maybe just a step ahead. Why? Because they get it. They understand the current challenges, and they’re more likely to give you advice that’s actually relevant.
What we need are more “open kimono” moments (figuratively speaking, of course). Real, candid conversations where people share what’s actually going on—no fluff, no vague generalities. I don’t need to hear, “Just keep networking, and things will happen.” I need specifics: What’s the exact salary range? Who can I reach out to for an intro? 💸
And don’t forget that these relationships are a give and take. Don’t be the one asking a random peer for intros and monthly discussions about your business or career. Or if you do, pay for it, and I don’t mean paying for the coffee or the lunch. Pay a coaching fee, because that is what it is.
Don’t wait for a mentor to spark your transformation. The Microdose Diet is the toolkit you need to level up your mind, body, and career.
Sponsorship: The Rare Gem 💎
Now, let’s get to the potentially real game-changer: sponsorship. While mentoring is nice in theory, sponsorship is what really moves the needle. At least that is what we are being told. A sponsor doesn’t just offer advice—they actively advocate for you. They’ll drop your name in important rooms, vouch for you, and help you access opportunities you didn’t even know existed. 🚀
But here’s the kicker: finding a sponsor is like finding a diamond. It’s rare. Why? Because, honestly, what’s the upside for most senior leaders? They’re not out there putting their necks on the line for just anyone. Let’s be real—most of the time, this kind of support is reserved for friends, family, or fellow alumni. If you’re not in the inner circle, you might be waiting for a long time.
So, what’s the best way to get a sponsor? Common interest. If your goals align with theirs, you’ve got a better shot at getting them on your side. It’s not about pulling random favors—it’s about mutual benefit.
Why rely on old wisdom when you can rewire your brain for the future? The Microdose Diet unlocks your personal and professional growth—on your terms.
Mentoring or Bait and Switch? 🎣
Sometimes mentoring feels like a bait and switch. You’re promised all this wisdom and guidance, but in the end, what do you really walk away with? A few nice clichés and maybe a LinkedIn connection? It’s like being promised a luxury cruise and getting stuck in a rowboat. 🚤
On the flip side, have you noticed how some mentors love to glorify themselves for “supporting women” or “mentoring underrepresented groups”? It's all over LinkedIn: “Proud to have mentored the next generation of leaders!” 🎉 It’s more of a self-promotion campaign than actual mentorship.
I’ve had my fair share of these “mentors.” It feels more like they’re using their "support" to pad their own public image rather than offering real help. And let’s not forget the people who claim they’ve mentored someone who went on to be wildly successful. They shamelessly take credit for that person’s success—meanwhile, if you ask the so-called mentee, they can barely remember that 15-minute coffee chat.
What should we really be looking for? Real information. Specific insights. People who are willing to give you the hard truths. And more importantly, people who will sponsor you, not just mentor you.
Get off autopilot and stop waiting for someone else’s roadmap. The Microdose Diet empowers you to create your own path to success—mentorship optional.
Critical Thinking: Stop Following the Script 🧠
Here’s the thing: so many of us are on autopilot, following this mentoring party line without ever questioning it. But critical thinking matters here. Ask yourself—are people really benefiting from the structured mentoring that’s constantly pushed on us? From where I stand, it’s not looking great. Mentoring sounds nice, but does it actually deliver the goods?
This is where microdosing has been a game-changer for me. It’s helped me break free from that autopilot mode, tap into my independent spirit, and start questioning things like, “Why am I blindly following this advice?” It helps me see beyond the surface and dig into what actually works—whether that’s mentoring or something else entirely.
So, what’s been your experience? Have you had a mentor that truly helped you, or have you found that sponsorship is where the magic really happens? I’d love to hear your thoughts! 🎢
Thank you for being part of this journey with me. Remember, the path to MORE is one of exploration, growth, and continuous learning—and I’m here to support you every step of the way.
I'm Peggy Van de Plassche, a former banker and VC with 20 years in financial services and technology. "The Microdose Diet" combines alternative medicines like microdosing psilocybin for personal and professional growth.
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Remember, this newsletter is for entertainment and information. Always consult a medical professional for health advice. 🩺
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