I got a message the other day from my friend Dean Harkins. He was walking across campus when a student handed him a few 3D-printed objects to pass along to me as a thank-you for my mentorship. The funny thing? I haven’t taught in the business school for a year.
I don’t remember the exact conversation I had with this student, but I know the kind of chat it was. I love talking to people about their business ideas—helping them see what’s possible, challenging their assumptions, and introducing them to the right people to test their ideas. For me, it was just another conversation. For them, it was something more.
And that’s the thing about mentorship: you never know the impact you’re making. Studies show that entrepreneurs who have mentors are twice as likely to succeed in their businesses than those who go it alone. Just one conversation—one moment of encouragement, one connection—can be the spark that keeps someone moving forward.
So here’s my encouragement to you: use your network, ask for guidance, and share what you’re struggling with. You never know what doors might open when you’re open and honest about your journey. The right conversation at the right time might just change everything.
GO BLACK BEARS!
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