.png)
Finding the right mentor can transform your career. Here's how mentorship can help you grow and the steps to get started:
Mentorship isn’t just about career advancement - it’s about building a long-term relationship that helps you grow while staying aligned with your values. Start your journey today!
Having a clear sense of your career goals is essential for making the most of a mentoring relationship. By identifying what you want to achieve and the areas where you need guidance, you can ensure that your mentorship journey is focused and productive from the very beginning.
Vague ambitions like "I want to do better in my career" won’t cut it when it comes to effective mentorship. Instead, aim for specific goals. Are you looking to become a senior Customer Success Manager within 18 months? Or perhaps you're eyeing a leadership role, such as Head of Customer Success at a growing company?
Break down your long-term vision into manageable milestones. For instance, if your ultimate aim is to become a VP of Customer Success in five years, a two-year goal might be stepping into a Customer Success Director role. This step-by-step approach makes your objectives feel more achievable.
The SMART framework is particularly useful here. Instead of saying, "I want to be a better leader", try something measurable and time-bound, like: "I want to lead a team of five Customer Success Managers within the next 12 months, achieving 95% customer retention and £2M in expansion revenue." This gives you and your mentor a clear target to work towards.
"To ensure each step is impactful, align your goals with your core values and the insights provided by your mentor."
Your personal values should also guide your goal-setting. If maintaining work-life balance is essential to you, make sure this is reflected in your plans. A mentor can help you grow your career while staying true to what matters most to you.
Be prepared to adjust your objectives along the way. The Customer Success industry evolves quickly, and your mentor may introduce you to opportunities you hadn’t considered. Regularly revisiting your goals ensures they stay aligned with both your aspirations and the changing landscape.
Once your objectives are clear, the next step is to figure out where you need to improve.
To get the most out of mentorship, it’s important to take an honest look at your current skills and identify areas for growth. This process helps you focus on what matters most for reaching your career goals.
Data shows that 87% of businesses are aware of skill gaps in their workforce or expect to face them soon. In Customer Success, these gaps often involve a mix of technical expertise and soft skills like strategic thinking or stakeholder management.
"A skills gap is simply the distance between what you currently know and what you need to know to be successful in your job." - Dorie Clark, Columbia Business School professor and author
Start by reviewing job descriptions for the roles you aspire to. If you’re aiming for a Customer Success Director position, you might notice requirements like revenue forecasting, enterprise account experience, or team leadership - skills you may need to develop further.
Seek feedback from those around you. Your manager might point out that you’re great at building relationships but need to improve your data analysis skills. Customers might praise your responsiveness but suggest you could be more proactive with strategic advice.
Consider both technical and interpersonal skills in your evaluation. Technical skills might include mastering Customer Success platforms or understanding SaaS metrics. On the other hand, soft skills could involve conflict resolution, presentation abilities, or cross-team collaboration.
Interestingly, 12% of employees feel they could contribute more if they had better training and skills. Addressing your skill gaps not only boosts your confidence but also positions you to make a bigger impact in your role. Once you’ve identified these areas, you’ll be better equipped to find a mentor who can help you grow.
Now that you’ve defined your goals and pinpointed your growth areas, it’s time to think about the kind of mentor who can best support you. This isn’t about finding someone perfect but rather someone whose experience and approach align with your needs.
Look for mentors who have already achieved what you’re working towards. For example, if you’re transitioning from a Customer Success Manager role to leadership, find someone who has successfully navigated that path and can share their insights.
While industry experience is important, so are qualities like communication style and leadership approach. The most effective mentors aren’t just knowledgeable - they’re also great listeners and skilled at offering guidance in a way that resonates.
"The best mentors are excellent listeners, extremely patient, and skilled at extracting insights from conversations. They are empathetic, genuine, and truly have their mentee's best interests at heart." - Ben Winn, Manager of Community at Catalyst
Consider their availability as well. A busy executive might not have time for regular mentoring sessions, whereas a consultant or advisor might offer more flexibility. Think about whether you prefer a formal, structured relationship or a more casual, conversational dynamic.
A mentor’s network and reputation can also be valuable. Someone well-connected in the Customer Success community can introduce you to new opportunities, share industry knowledge, and connect you with other professionals who can support your growth.
Finally, don’t underestimate the importance of compatibility. You’ll be sharing your challenges and aspirations with this person, so mutual respect and rapport are crucial. Make sure their communication style matches your learning preferences and that their values align with yours.
While it’s helpful to create a shortlist of potential mentors, stay open to unexpected connections. Some of the most impactful mentoring relationships develop with people you might not have initially considered but who genuinely invest in your success.
Once you've outlined your career goals and sketched an ideal mentor profile, the next step is finding and assessing potential mentors. This process involves a mix of strategy, exploration, and open-mindedness. Mentors often come from unexpected places, so it's worth casting a wide net and considering various avenues as you work towards building a meaningful connection.
Your professional network is a great starting point when searching for a mentor. Platforms like LinkedIn are especially useful for connecting with Customer Success leaders across the UK and Europe. Search for individuals in roles you aspire to, particularly those working for companies or industries that spark your interest. Look beyond job titles - check their posts, comments, and recommendations to get a sense of their expertise and engagement.
Industry events also offer valuable face-to-face networking opportunities. For instance, the Customer Success Collective hosts events and runs a mentor programme that carefully screens candidates to ensure quality matches. Attending meetups in cities like London, Manchester, or Edinburgh can help you meet potential mentors in a more casual setting.
Other resources include university alumni networks and professional associations. Many successful Customer Success leaders are eager to guide fellow graduates or association members. Organisations such as the Customer Success Association or conferences like SaaStock in Dublin are excellent places to connect with experienced professionals.
When meeting potential mentors, focus on building authentic relationships rather than jumping straight into mentorship requests. Attend their talks, ask thoughtful questions, and follow up on LinkedIn referencing your conversation. These steps create a foundation for more formal mentorship discussions later on.
While networking and LinkedIn outreach are effective, mentorship platforms like Stackd offer a more structured way to find a mentor. Stackd specialises in pairing Customer Success professionals with experienced leaders from prominent European scaleups, streamlining the process of finding a good match.
The platform tailors its matching process to your career goals, experience, and challenges, aligning with your professional roadmap. This targeted approach not only saves time but also increases the likelihood of forming a productive mentoring relationship.
One standout feature is Stackd's free 45-minute trial session, which allows you to gauge a mentor's communication style and approach before committing. Use this session to discuss your aspirations, explore their expertise, and evaluate how they might support your growth.
Beyond matching, Stackd provides structured support. Mentorships include custom session plans designed around your specific challenges, ensuring each interaction is purposeful. Flexible scheduling and email support between sessions mean you can address issues or opportunities as they arise, rather than waiting for formal meetings.
Finding a mentor with impressive credentials is just the beginning. The real key to a successful mentorship lies in compatibility, trust, and mutual respect. Before committing, take the time to evaluate whether a potential mentor aligns with your needs and personality.
A strong mentor delivers critical insights to navigate challenges and refine skills. - gpac
Start by ensuring their experience matches your growth areas. For example, if you're aiming for a leadership role, look for someone who has successfully managed Customer Success teams. If your focus is on enterprise accounts, seek a mentor with hands-on experience in that niche.
Communication style is another critical factor. Some mentors are direct and to-the-point, while others adopt a more collaborative and reflective approach. During initial conversations or trial sessions, observe how they listen, ask questions, and provide feedback.
Availability is just as important. A mentor juggling frequent travel or major projects may struggle to offer consistent support. Discuss their schedule early on to confirm they can commit to regular meetings.
Finally, consider their professional network. A well-connected mentor can open doors, share opportunities, and offer insights into industry trends. However, their connections should complement the personalised guidance they provide, not overshadow it.
The ideal mentor is one who can inspire and irritate me at the same time. - Felix Lagemann
Ultimately, trust your instincts. A good mentor-mentee relationship requires openness and vulnerability, so choose someone you feel comfortable sharing your goals and challenges with. Take the time to find a mentor who balances inspiration with constructive feedback, creating a partnership that helps you thrive.
Once you've identified the right mentor, the next step is to build that connection. This stage is crucial - it determines whether your potential mentor will commit their time and energy to help you grow. The secret lies in crafting a thoughtful outreach message, respecting professional etiquette, and setting clear expectations for the relationship.
Your first message to a potential mentor is a pivotal moment. It should be concise, tailored, and purposeful. Instead of relying on a generic template, take the time to research your mentor’s background, recent work, or accomplishments.
Start with a subject line that references something specific they’ve done - a recent article, project, or achievement. In your opening lines, explain why you admire their expertise and what drew you to them as a potential mentor.
Be upfront about the kind of guidance you’re seeking and suggest a short meeting to explore how they might support your career goals. Show appreciation for their time and remain flexible when it comes to scheduling. Once you’ve sent your message, make sure it aligns with UK professional norms.
In the UK, professional interactions are shaped by courtesy, respect for boundaries, and a preference for understated communication. These nuances can make a big difference when building a mentoring relationship.
Maintain professionalism throughout your interactions and respect your mentor’s personal boundaries. Initially, it’s best to keep things formal - use their title and surname unless they invite you to use their first name.
Punctuality is highly valued, so always be on time for meetings. If you need to reschedule, do so with plenty of notice to show respect for their schedule. If you plan to reach out to someone in your mentor’s network, seek their consent first. It’s also important to agree early on that any discussions during your sessions remain confidential.
Decide together on the most suitable communication methods, whether that’s email, LinkedIn, or another platform. This ensures a professional and respectful correspondence that strengthens your connection.
A strong mentoring relationship begins with clear, shared goals. These goals should build on the mentor-mentee connection you’ve already established, creating a structured and purposeful partnership.
During your first formal meeting - whether it’s over coffee or through a platform like Stackd - define the purpose of your relationship. Discuss what both of you hope to achieve. A great way to do this is by using the SMART framework. For instance, instead of saying, “I want to improve my leadership skills,” you could specify: “I want to successfully lead my first Customer Success team of eight within the next year, focusing on delegation and performance management.”
Clarify the roles each of you will play to avoid misunderstandings and ensure accountability. Discuss how your mentor will provide guidance and what they expect from you in terms of preparation and follow-through. Taking the initiative - like scheduling meetings, setting agendas, and tracking progress - can make the relationship more productive.
Agree on how often you’ll meet and through which channels. For example, you might schedule monthly 90-minute sessions or opt for shorter, more frequent check-ins. If you’re using Stackd, you can also take advantage of email support between sessions, which is great for quick updates or addressing time-sensitive questions.
Finally, establish a system for giving and receiving feedback. An open exchange of insights not only helps you grow but also allows your mentor to gain fresh perspectives. This creates a balanced and rewarding relationship for both of you.
Once you've established a solid connection with your mentor, the real work begins. The difference between a good mentorship and one that truly makes a lasting impact lies in how you approach each interaction. Success requires thoughtful preparation, consistent progress tracking, and using all the tools at your disposal. This builds on the earlier steps of setting clear goals and choosing the right mentor.
Every session with your mentor is an opportunity to grow, so make sure you're ready to make it count. Preparation is the foundation of a productive mentoring relationship.
Start by creating a structured agenda for each meeting. This should include both immediate challenges you're facing and your long-term aspirations. As Andy Lopata, mentoring expert and author, explains:
"Both mentor and mentee need to be clear about what they want to achieve and the ground they expect to cover. Outlining objectives at the beginning of any call and then refreshing and reviewing them at the end is good, including the mentee summarising takeaways and commitments."
Stay informed about your mentor's recent updates or industry insights - they can serve as great conversation starters and show you're actively engaged. When it comes to asking questions, be specific. For example, instead of asking, "How can I improve as a leader?", try something like, "I'm struggling with delegation in my Customer Success team. How do you balance giving autonomy while maintaining quality standards?" This level of detail helps your mentor provide advice that’s directly relevant to your situation.
Set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) for each session. For instance, you could aim to practise delegation with three team members over the next week and then discuss the outcomes in your next meeting.
Lopata also stresses the importance of intentionality:
"The golden rule is to be intentional - focus on what you want to achieve on the call."
After each session, follow up within 24 hours with a thank-you note. Summarise the key takeaways and confirm any agreed next steps. This not only shows your appreciation but also helps maintain momentum.
Once you're consistently preparing for sessions, the next step is to monitor your progress and adapt your goals as needed. Without tracking, it’s easy to lose focus or miss opportunities to improve.
Use a simple system to keep track of your progress. Whether it’s a journal, a spreadsheet, or a digital tool, record insights from each session and measure your achievements against your goals. Regular feedback is essential to staying on course.
Schedule periodic one-on-one reviews with your mentor to evaluate your development. These meetings are crucial, as around 70.4% of one-on-one sessions focus on identifying and overcoming obstacles. Revisiting your goals regularly using the SMART framework ensures they stay relevant and realistic as your career evolves. Seeking feedback from colleagues, supervisors, and peers can also help uncover areas for improvement and validate your growth.
A quarterly SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) can be a helpful tool for assessing your professional development. Research shows that employees with development plans are 3.6 times more likely to stay committed to their organisations, and 56% of companies report improved employee retention through formal learning initiatives.
In addition to your personal efforts, taking advantage of platform support can make your mentorship journey even smoother. Stackd provides tools like tailored session plans, flexible scheduling, and ongoing support to help you stay on track.
Custom session plans are a key feature. Work with your mentor to create a plan that addresses your unique goals and challenges, ensuring each session builds on the last. Between meetings, you can stay connected with your mentor through continuous support - whether to ask questions, share updates, or seek advice as opportunities arise.
Quarterly strategy reviews with the Stackd team offer a chance to reflect on your mentorship experience. These check-ins help you assess your progress, refine your development plan, and adjust your approach as needed. Plus, your dedicated account manager is there to provide extra guidance and address any challenges you encounter.
Feedback from users highlights how Stackd’s structured support and flexibility can significantly accelerate career growth. By combining your preparation and progress tracking with these tools, you can maximise the impact of your mentorship journey.
Finding the right mentor is just the beginning. The true value lies in growing and nurturing that relationship as your career progresses. According to research, 90% of people with a workplace mentor find it valuable, and 89% of those mentored go on to mentor others. This creates a ripple effect of professional development that extends beyond individual careers, fostering growth across the entire professional landscape.
At the heart of any lasting mentorship is mutual respect, trust, and open communication. As your career evolves, so will your needs, and your mentorship should evolve alongside them. Staying connected through regular emails, messages, or calls keeps the relationship active. Scheduling recurring check-ins and coming prepared with specific questions or challenges helps ensure productive interactions. Both mentor and mentee need to remain adaptable and dependable - understanding shifting goals and applying advice consistently strengthens the bond. Lori Hunt, Director of Multicultural Services and Outreach at Spokane Community College, captures this sentiment perfectly:
"Starting a mentoring relationship may seem like a lot of work but if you take the time to be selective in seeking the right mentor, it will be worth the investment. Seek a mentor that aligns with your values, can provide advice on the career path you are on and where you are headed and that will encourage yet challenge you to stretch beyond your current thinking."
Mentorship does more than just advance your career - it expands your professional network and provides emotional support. A mentor can open doors to opportunities you might not have considered while also offering guidance during tough times. They help build the confidence you need to take calculated risks and push boundaries in your Customer Success journey.
What’s more, mentorship is a two-way street. The growth you experience today becomes the foundation for mentoring others in the future, creating a continuous cycle of learning and support.
For those looking to maintain long-term mentorship relationships, platforms like Stackd make it easier to keep things organised and effective. Their tools for flexible scheduling and ongoing support ensure that your mentorship remains impactful as your career advances. Whether you're aiming for a promotion, transitioning to a new company, or exploring uncharted areas within Customer Success, having a seasoned mentor by your side can make all the difference.
Start investing in a strong mentorship relationship today - it's a cornerstone for sustained growth and success in your Customer Success career.
To figure out if your mentor's communication style matches how you learn, start by considering what works best for you. Do you prefer visual aids, hands-on activities, or in-depth conversations? Once you've identified your learning style, observe how your mentor communicates - how they explain concepts, provide feedback, and interact with you during your sessions.
It’s a good idea to have an open conversation about your learning preferences. See how they respond and whether they adjust their approach to suit your needs. After a few meetings, share honest feedback about how things are going and ask for their perspective on the mentoring process. Keeping this dialogue open ensures you both stay on the same page, making the experience comfortable and effective for both sides. A strong mentoring relationship thrives on mutual understanding and the ability to adapt.
If your career aspirations change during your mentorship, it’s crucial to address this openly with your mentor. Begin by reflecting on your new goals and understanding the reasons behind this shift. This self-reflection will help you articulate your updated direction clearly when you discuss it.
Schedule a dedicated meeting to share your thoughts and ensure your mentor understands your evolving ambitions. Together, you can reshape your objectives using tools like the SMART framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound), which helps create a structured and actionable plan. By regularly revisiting and refining these goals, you’ll ensure your mentorship stays aligned with your career journey and strengthens your working relationship.
To make the most of Stackd and take your career in Customer Success to the next level, start by defining what you want to achieve. Pinpoint your career goals and identify the skills or knowledge areas you’d like to strengthen. This clarity will help you select a mentor whose expertise matches your ambitions.
Before each session, take some time to prepare. Outline the questions you want to ask or the topics you’d like to discuss, and approach the conversation with an open mind. Being receptive to feedback and actively engaging with your mentor will allow you to gain meaningful insights and practical advice. Plus, don’t overlook the value of your mentor’s network - leveraging their connections can open doors to exciting opportunities.
As you progress, regularly check in on your goals and adjust them if necessary. This ensures your mentorship journey stays aligned with your career aspirations. With Stackd, you’ll have access to personalised guidance designed to help you grow in the ever-evolving world of Customer Success.
.png)
.png)
