The Mentors I Never Asked For (But Desperately Needed)

Since the beginning of my career, I’ve been lucky to have mentors.

I never went out searching for one, and I never formally asked, “Will you be my mentor?” But somehow, I always found myself surrounded by leaders and supervisors who chose to guide me. They saw something in me, something worth developing, and I will always be grateful they did.

The Interview That Changed Everything

I’ll never forget my first professional interview.

It was at a manufacturing company in Puerto Rico, right in the middle of a major re-engineering process. They were bringing in junior engineers to help streamline operations and boost productivity.

I was selected by a direct and honest Cuban-American manager. After a few straightforward questions, he looked at me and said:

“I chose you because, although you seem extremely shy, you also seem to have a lot of potential.”

The Night Shift and the Real Lessons

I was placed on the third shift, from 10 PM to 6 AM. But my manager didn’t stop there. He asked me to stay after my shift for conference calls and meetings with our U.S. headquarters. His reasoning was simple. He wanted me to improve my English, build confidence, and gain a deeper understanding of the business.

One day he told me, “You’re doing excellent work, balancing production lines and creating productivity tools, but nobody knows who you are.’ ”

That hit hard. His advice? Start networking. Get to know the other managers. Let people see your work.

At the time, that suggestion caused me considerable stress. I was introverted and hesitant. But I took his advice and pushed myself. Soon after, I was promoted to the first shift. Then came a new opportunity as Master Production Planner, where I helped implement a plant-wide supply chain system.

It all started because one manager believed in me and took the time to help me grow.

Mentorship Isn’t Always Formal

Throughout my career, I’ve had many supervisors and colleagues who mentored me without ever calling it that. No formal programs. No titles. Just people who cared enough to offer guidance.

Being a mentor is not always easy. Giving advice that wasn’t asked for can feel risky. But if you see someone who could benefit from your support, don’t let the opportunity pass.

Mentorship works both ways. The mentor grows just as much as the mentee.

Want to Be a Mentor? Start Here

If you're in a position to guide others, here are a few powerful ways to start:

• Pay attention to those who quietly do excellent work. Introverted employees often deliver great results but may overlook the importance of visibility and connection.

• Start a conversation. Ask them about their interests. Let them know you are available if they need guidance or support. Most of my biggest breakthroughs came disguised as extra tasks, often outside my comfort zone. My managers would say things like, "I believe in you more than you believe in yourself". This statement changed the way I saw myself forever.

• Reviews are more than check-ins. Use them to explore aspirations, challenges, and new opportunities.

• Discuss future projects, areas for improvement, cross-training, lateral moves, or involvement in professional organizations and social initiatives.

Mentorship Is Leadership

Being a mentor is both a privilege and a responsibility. You help shape careers and influence your organization’s performance in a meaningful way.

When people feel supported and seen, they become more engaged, more productive, and more committed.

The best part? Mentors often become lifelong friends. Many of mine are still a part of my life today. They helped shape who I am, and I carry their lessons with me.

If you have knowledge to share, pass it on. If you’ve learned from experience, teach someone. If you see potential in someone else, help them bring it out.

That’s leadership. Go for it.