LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Stop Wasting Wisdom :
The Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Is Relying On You !
BY : CHIP CONLEY
We all need coaches and mentors . Mentors have gotten me through some of the most trying times of my career , and coaches have helped me soar in business . If the Warren Buffets and Bill Gateses of the world coach others , then why wouldn ’ t you ?
Despite knowing how important coaches were early in my career , I lost touch with the importance of coaching others as I became a more seasoned entrepreneur . It wasn ’ t until a happenstance reminder helped show me how vital mentoring and coaching is at all career stages . It ’ s not just for industry titans ; it ’ s for everyone , no matter how long they ’ ve been building their careers .
We ’ ve oversimplified coaching and mentorship to be something that helps people “ get ahead ,” but in reality , it is the foundation that upholds the entrepreneurial ecosystem that is responsible for driving innovation and progress around the world .
During my time as the Head of Global Hospitality and Strategy at Airbnb , I got the opportunity to participate in the company ’ s intergenerational mentoring programs as a “ modern elder .” I noticed that there were so many midlife professionals who still had so much to give the world but who had no idea where to focus their efforts . Mentoring helped my colleagues find their footing in their careers , and it also helped me get back in touch with mine .
As I examined my own relationship with mentoring , I knew that many other “ modern elders ” were struggling with their own momentum in their careers , so I
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