For bicultural professionals, mentorship isn’t a single, monolithic relationship—it’s more like assembling a tapestry from fragments of conversation, observation, and shared ambition.
According to Harvard Business Review, employees with mentors are promoted 5x more often than those without. Building meaningful mentorships isn’t just a smart career move—it’s how you create a network of support and find your place in a workplace that doesn’t always reflect who you are.
1. Rethinking mentorship
- Mentors are everywhere, not just assigned: A mentor isn’t always the person with the official title or the corner office. Sometimes, they’re the colleague whose offhand comment sticks with you, or the manager whose actions speak louder than their calendar invites. As Emma Grede, Co-founder of Good American, puts it, “The best mentors don't have time to mentor you. So ask questions. Learn from whoever's in the room.”
- From structured to fluid learning: The old model—formal pairings with fixed agendas—is just one tool in a broader toolkit. What matters is being proactive—identify people you admire regardless of title, ask specific questions as they arise, and take notes during meetings or projects to follow up with thoughtful feedback or requests for advice.
- Learning from multiple sources: Don’t limit yourself to finding just one mentor. Instead, build a network of people who challenge and inspire you in different ways. Research shows that professionals who seek guidance from a variety of mentors—across roles, backgrounds, and industries—gain broader perspectives, sharper skills, and stronger support systems. The most successful careers are rarely shaped by a single guiding hand; they’re built from the collective wisdom of many voices.
2. How mentorship accelerates your career trajectory
- Strategic advice and real-world wisdom: Mentors are your shortcut through the maze of technical skills and office politics. They’re the people you turn to when you’re weighing a job offer, negotiating a raise, or figuring out how to bounce back from a professional misstep. Their experience helps you sidestep rookie mistakes and see around corners you didn’t know existed.
- Confidence through guidance: When you’re one of the few, having someone in your corner who’s seen it all makes a difference. Mentors help you find your footing, speak up when it counts, and take smart risks.
- Long-term vision: It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day, but mentors help you zoom out. With their perspective, you can plot a career path that actually fits your ambitions and values, not just your next performance review.
3. How to find (and approach) your mentors
- Start with your current network: Look around: some of the best mentors are already in your orbit. That colleague who always has a sharp question, the manager who gives constructive feedback, or even the acquaintance whose advice lingers long after a meeting. Notice who consistently adds value and don’t be afraid to reach out.
- Tap into professional organizations: Industry groups and community organizations are goldmines for mentorship. Programs like Roots Inspire connect up-and-coming professionals with seasoned leaders—often those who’ve been the “only one in the room” themselves. These connections can open doors and expand your perspective.
- Conferences and LinkedIn: Don’t underestimate the power of a well-timed introduction. Whether it’s approaching a speaker after a panel or sending a thoughtful LinkedIn message, most people are open to sharing their experience—especially if you’ve done your homework and ask a question that goes beyond “Can I pick your brain?”
- Be proactive and respectful: Mentorship isn’t a spectator sport. Set up meetings, come prepared, and be clear about what you’re hoping to learn. Respect people’s time, follow up, and always say thank you. The more intentional you are, the more you’ll get out of the relationship.
4. Multiplying the impact of mentorship
- Cultivate the relationship: Set expectations, follow through, and show up with real questions or challenges. Take notes, ask “how” and “why,” and treat each conversation as a learning opportunity—not just a box to check.
- Pay it forward: Mentorship isn’t a one-way street. As you gain experience, look for ways to support others—share advice, make introductions, and celebrate wins. As Indra Nooyi, former CEO at PepsiCo says, “Please help others rise. Greatness comes not from a position, but from helping build the future. We have an obligation to pull others up.”
- Mentorship across boundaries: Sometimes the best advice comes from outside your field. Sergio Panday, CEO of Roots Inspire, points out that the higher you climb, the more you realize leaders across industries face the same core challenges. Cross-sector mentorship can give you fresh ideas and a more adaptable toolkit.
- Visibility and access matter: Making role models visible and accessible breaks the cycle of “exceptionalism.” As Panday puts it, “We make [ethnic leaders] visible, and we make them accessible.” For those navigating workplaces where representation is thin, external mentors can provide a safe space for honest growth.
The ripple effect
Mentorship isn’t just about climbing the ladder—it’s about changing the building. When bicultural professionals invest in each other, they don’t just open doors for themselves; they help redesign the workplace to be more welcoming, creative, and future-ready for everyone. In a world that’s only getting more diverse, mentorship is both your amplifier and your anchor—fueling leadership, belonging, and real progress.
Photography by the one and only Webster Mugavazi
