E23 P2: Leaders Need Mentors Too! A Search for the Perfect Mentor with Chantal Kozar: The Follow-up
Mentorship Reimagined: Learning from Everyday Interactions
When Chantal first joined us on the podcast to talk about mentorship, she was looking for a single guide — someone who could challenge her, hold space for her, and help her grow without the weight of responsibility she often feels in her friendships and leadership roles.
A few weeks later, she came back with a completely different perspective. Her biggest takeaway? Mentorship doesn’t have to come from one perfect person — and it doesn’t always have to be formal.
How Her Perspective Shifted
Chantal realized that mentorship can happen in two ways: through a formal mentor relationship or through self-directed mentorship — staying open to learning from everyday interactions, moments of reflection, and the people you might not expect to teach you something.
Both approaches have value, and both have limitations.
The Value of Formal Mentorship
Formal mentorship — the classic guide-mentee relationship — offers something you can’t always give yourself: accountability. A mentor will call you forward, challenge you when you’re avoiding something important, and help you navigate blind spots with the benefit of experience.
But Chantal also acknowledged that formal mentorship isn’t always easy to find. The search for the “right person” can feel intimidating, and no single mentor will meet every need — which is why it’s helpful to stay open to other forms of support.
The Value of Self-Directed Mentorship
Self-directed mentorship is about seeing mentorship everywhere — in casual conversations, passing advice, and even in your own self-reflection. It’s less structured but can be incredibly powerful because it keeps you curious and receptive to wisdom from unexpected places.
The trade-off? It doesn’t naturally provide the accountability that formal mentorship does. Without someone checking in, it’s easier to drift or avoid the harder questions.
The Balance That Works
What struck me most about Chantal’s reflection is that she’s no longer looking for one perfect solution. She sees the benefit of combining both approaches — seeking intentional guidance from a mentor while also cultivating the ability to learn from everyday life. This balanced perspective has freed her from the pressure of finding “the one” and opened her up to a richer, more dynamic approach to growth.
The takeaway for you: If you’re on your own search for mentorship, consider both sides of the equation. Ask yourself:
Where do I need accountability and deeper guidance?
Where can I start noticing the wisdom that’s already around me?