Mentors & Companions

The Power of Mentors and Companions

Recently I was asked a really thoughtful question during a company meeting: What can you do if you are really nervous about something or facing a situation that feels incredibly uncomfortable? The examples people gave were things like having to talk to a client, terminating someone, having a difficult conversation, starting a business, or stepping into something that feels overwhelming.

This struck me because I have lived through those moments. My mind immediately went back to lessons I have learned from people like Jim Collins, Patrick Lencioni, Tony Robbins, and others. There is a clear pattern in how successful people face fear and uncertainty. The key is that you need both a mentor and a companion.

Let me explain this with a few moments from my own life.

When I asked Kate, my wife, to marry me, I was nervous beyond belief. I sought advice from my parents and one of my closest friends. They acted as mentors by helping me know what to say and how to approach it. But right before I actually did it, I needed someone to be there for encouragement, to walk with me through the moment. That was the role of a companion.

Starting my business was another one of those experiences. Leaving the comfort of a corporate safety net and cashing in retirement savings was one of the scariest things I have ever done. My mentors included people like Tony Robbins and Dean Graziosi, but also Kate and Kevin, who guided me with advice and perspective. Yet they did not stop there. They shifted into the role of companions, supporting me and walking beside me while I took the leap. That blend of guidance and presence made all the difference.

I have also had to terminate people, which is never easy. Beforehand, I would call HR, legal, or a supervisor to act as mentors who showed me the right process. But when it came time to sit in the room and have the conversation, I always made sure someone at my level came with me. That companion ensured that I did not carry the weight alone and that the process was done fairly.

The same principle has carried into public speaking and training. I sought mentorship from Tony Robbins on how to deliver effective training sessions. But when I first started giving presentations, I did not do it alone. I had people like Brandon Montero standing with me as a companion so that I could step into the fear with confidence.

When you look at the hardest things you have ever done, you probably had a mentor and a companion helping you through, even if you did not realize it. And if you did not, you likely wished you had. As you look ahead to the challenges in front of you today, whether that is saying no to unhealthy work conditions, leading a company forward, or simply taking the next big leap, remember that you do not have to do it alone. Find a mentor to guide you and a companion to walk beside you.

Key Takeaway

Whenever you face something intimidating, the best way through is to have a mentor to guide you and a companion to support you. That combination gives you clarity and courage to move forward.