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Updated: October 6, 2025

Ask ACE: Beyond the satisfaction of paying it forward, are there other reasons to be a mentor?

By Melissa Olander, OnPoint Business Consulting

Q: Beyond the satisfaction of paying it forward, are there other reasons to be a mentor?

ACE advises: We often think of mentorship as wisdom flowing one way — from the seasoned leader to the rising professional. But the best mentorship isn’t a download of answers or a tidy checklist. It’s a conversation that sparks new ideas, challenges assumptions and sometimes makes you sit with tough questions. In those exchanges, both people grow.

As a mentor, I’ve learned that guiding someone else sharpens my own perspective. Fresh ideas, new approaches, and different ways of seeing the world keep me on my toes. Mentorship forces you to stay curious, humble and open — qualities that make you not just a better leader, but a better colleague and partner. And often it’s the casual moments — the quick coffee chat, the hallway conversation, the unexpected text — that leave the biggest mark.

For mentees, the benefits are obvious: confidence, guidance and a safe space to test ideas. But the real power of mentorship shows up when it’s a dialogue, not a directive. That’s when the relationship shifts from transactional advice-giving to something richer — a true partnership where both sides push each other to grow.

Organizations that embrace this kind of mentorship culture unlock more than individual potential. They build teams that are innovative, resilient and engaged. When mentorship is done right, it’s not about titles or programs — it’s about creating a two-way street where everyone benefits: the mentee, the mentor and the business as a whole.

In the end, it’s not the polished reports or the metrics that stick with us. It’s the lessons shared, the challenges navigated side by side, and the connections built along the way. Those moments are what shape careers — and often, they’re what shape leaders too.

Melissa Olander is the founder and fractional CFO of OnPoint Business Consulting, where she offers modern client accounting and advisory services that extend far beyond traditional bookkeeping. She turns complex numbers into clear insights so owners can make confident decisions and focus on growth. melissa@onpointbusinessconsult.com

About ACE

The Association for Consulting Expertise (ACE) is a nonprofit association of independent consultants who value “success through collaboration.” The public is welcome to attend its regular meetings to share best practices and engage with industry experts. For more information go to www.consultexpertise.com.

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