How to find your next mentor (author & entrepreneur Janice Omadeke) | Masters of Scale

TL;DR

Janice Omadeke shares insights on effective mentorship and entrepreneurship.

Transcript

So, if you can just give me some advice on why it will work, why it won't work, I promise you, coming from defense contracting, I have a very thick skin. So, if you think that this doesn't have legs or my baby is ugly, tell me why so I can fix it. Entrepreneurs were stubborn. We are a stubborn lot. Part of me was very ego-driven of like, let's get ... Read More

Key Insights

• Janice Omadeke emphasizes the importance of not building an emotional dependency on mentors, highlighting that they are there to support and guide you towards becoming the best version of yourself.
• Janice's entrepreneurial spirit was nurtured by her parents, who encouraged problem-solving and thinking big, leading to her early interest in entrepreneurship and eventually the creation of the Mentor Method.
• The Mentor Method was inspired by the challenges Janice faced in finding mentorship in her career, especially in industries dominated by certain demographics, prompting her to create a platform for meaningful connections.
• Janice's journey was deeply influenced by her mother's support and eventual passing, which motivated her to build a company culture that values employee well-being and empowerment.
• Janice strategically approached potential mentors and advisors by researching their backgrounds and aligning her goals with their interests, ensuring productive and meaningful interactions.
• In 2022, Janice decided to sell the Mentor Method after realizing it was time to explore new opportunities, guided by her intuition and supported by her mentors.
• Janice is currently focused on collaborating with builders and visionaries to create a world that aligns with her values, including supporting black women-led businesses as an angel investor.
• Her advice for those seeking mentorship is to stay open to learning from all sources and to allow mentor relationships to develop naturally without forcing them to fit specific needs.

Questions & Answers

Q: What inspired Janice Omadeke to create the Mentor Method?

Janice Omadeke was inspired to create the Mentor Method due to the difficulties she faced in finding mentorship in her career, particularly in industries dominated by certain demographics. She recognized a gap in the accessibility of meaningful connections and sought to create a platform that would make mentorship more accessible and impactful for others.

Q: How did Janice approach finding mentors and advisors for her business?

Janice approached finding mentors and advisors by conducting thorough research on potential candidates, aligning her goals with their interests, and ensuring that her interactions were productive and meaningful. She maintained a list of individuals and companies she hoped to learn from and approached them with specific questions and objectives, demonstrating her commitment to learning and growth.

Q: How did Janice's personal experiences influence her business decisions?

Janice's personal experiences, particularly her mother's illness and passing, deeply influenced her business decisions. She was motivated to create a company culture that valued employee well-being and empowerment. Her mother's support and guidance continued to inspire her even after her passing, and Janice used these experiences to shape the Mentor Method's mission and values.

Q: Why did Janice decide to sell the Mentor Method in 2022?

Janice decided to sell the Mentor Method in 2022 after experiencing a panic attack that made her realize it was time to explore new opportunities. She listened to her intuition and sought advice from mentors and advisors, who supported her decision. The acquisition presented the perfect opportunity for her to move on and pursue other ventures aligned with her values and goals.

Q: What is Janice's current focus after selling the Mentor Method?

After selling the Mentor Method, Janice is focused on collaborating with builders and visionaries to create a world that aligns with her values. She is interested in supporting black women-led businesses as an angel investor and is exploring philanthropic endeavors. Janice is eager to learn and expand her knowledge in new industries while using her entrepreneurial experience to amplify the voices of those who need support.

Q: What advice does Janice offer for those seeking mentorship?

Janice advises those seeking mentorship to avoid building an emotional dependency on mentors and to have clear objectives for the relationship. She emphasizes the importance of allowing mentor relationships to develop naturally and encourages individuals to stay open to learning from all sources. Janice believes that integrating educational moments into one's life can lead to unstoppable personal and professional growth.

Q: How did Janice's upbringing influence her entrepreneurial journey?

Janice's upbringing played a significant role in her entrepreneurial journey. Her parents, immigrants from the Congo, instilled in her the importance of education, problem-solving, and thinking big. They encouraged her to identify problems and think creatively about solutions, which sparked her interest in entrepreneurship from a young age and ultimately led to the creation of the Mentor Method.

Q: What challenges did Janice face in her career regarding mentorship?

In her career, Janice faced challenges in finding mentorship, particularly in industries dominated by certain demographics. She often encountered situations where she was matched with mentors based solely on shared characteristics, rather than meaningful connections. This experience highlighted the need for a platform like the Mentor Method, which aims to make mentorship more accessible and impactful for individuals seeking guidance.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Janice Omadeke discusses the importance of mentorship in her career and how it inspired her to create the Mentor Method, a platform for corporate mentorship. She emphasizes the need for clear objectives in mentor relationships and advises against emotional dependency on mentors.

• Janice's entrepreneurial journey was influenced by her parents' encouragement to think big and solve problems, leading her to identify gaps in mentorship accessibility. Her strategic networking and research helped her connect with mentors and advisors who supported her vision.

• After facing personal challenges, including her mother's illness and passing, Janice channeled her grief into leadership and continued to grow her business. She later decided to sell the Mentor Method to pursue new opportunities and support other entrepreneurs.