4 Women On The Power Of A Business Mentor

Success isn’t only about having a great idea. It’s about navigating challenges, making smart decisions and learning from those who’ve been there before.

That’s where a business mentor comes in. To highlight how transformative mentorship can be, here are four women who’ve experienced firsthand the power of having a guide in their corner. 

Corie Barry is the force behind Best Buy, a key player among top women-led Fortune 500 companies in this decade. Corie believes that mentorship is a two-way street. While mentors can provide invaluable guidance, it’s up to individuals to seek their support. In an interview with the Consumer Technology Association, she shared that she has benefited from the advice of mentors throughout her career but also needed to take the initiative to make those essential relationships happen. 

“The mentor doesn’t always know when you need their help, advice, support,” she said. “You, I believe, need to put yourself out there and ask and make it clear when you need some support.”

Corie said she believes that surrounding yourself with mentors is crucial when making tough decisions, but ultimately, it’s up to you to set the objectives and make the most of those relationships. 

Kristen Riggs believes in building a personal board of directors or a group of trusted advisors who provide guidance inside and outside your organization. 

One of her key mentors is The Hershey Company CEO Michele Buck, who has played a significant role in Kristen’s development. Rather than simply giving advice, Buck helps Riggs uncover the answers herself, a lesson that has boosted her confidence.

“It’s a powerful thing to help people discover they have the answers to their questions within themselves,” Kristen said in an interview with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “I leave our conversations feeling more confident and assured about the direction I’m heading.” 

Oprah Winfrey credits Dr. Maya Angelou as a key mentor in her life.

“Anybody who’s had any level of success in their life got to where they are because somebody, somewhere, was a guiding light or a guiding force or a hand up or something that helped you to become who you are,” Oprah wrote in an article for Oprah Daily, referencing one of Angelou’s poems. “Maybe they weren’t a full-on, consistent mentor in your life, but nobody, but nobody makes it out here alone.” 

Now, Oprah pays it forward by mentoring young women, helping them recognize their potential and guiding them toward success. Having a mentor who understands where you are and can offer real-world advice can make all the difference. Though many online resources are valuable, nothing compares to personal insights from someone who navigated the same challenges. 

In an interview with Vogue, Whitney Wolfe Herd shared that she did not have many women mentors throughout her career. Determined to change that, Whitney said she mentors the women who work for her – about 85% of Bumble’s workforce.

Having a mentor can help you avoid common mistakes based on their experiences. Whitney said she believes in celebrating and supporting fellow women, creating the community she wished she had when starting her business. Her goal with Bumble was to build more than a company. She also said she wanted to foster a supportive network where women uplift each other. 

These women show that mentorship isn’t merely about receiving guidance. It’s about paying it forward. Whether it’s Corie building fulfilling relationships, Kristen surrounding herself with the right people, Oprah uplifting the next generation, or Whitney creating the community she never had, each leader proves that success is rarely achieved alone. 

Their stories highlight the power of mentorship in shaping careers, building confidence and ensuring that more women rise to leadership. By supporting one another, women aren’t only advancing individually. They’re changing the landscape of business for future generations.