Jonathan Hanson, co-founder, ecd, Unconquered
Source your existing relationships—friends, networks of colleagues, family. The best potential relationships are often only a phone call or two away. Similarly, be present in the everyday; look beyond your phone when in a coffee shop or on the train. You never know you'll be sitting next to.
Brad Casper, CEO, OH Partners
Make it known you are looking for a mentor. Identify the professional and personal characteristics you wish to emulate, plus the objectives you seek in a mentor. Do research and network to identify people who may match those characteristics. See if you can get a warm and welcoming introduction to your mentor target(s) from a mutual friend, alumni, co-worker, or LinkedIn connection. Perhaps you set-up an informational interview with the target to ensure that your assumptions are correct and the chemistry seems good. Then, pop the question.
Jayme Maultasch, evp, group account director, Deutsch NY
Mentorships are deep, long term relationships—chemistry matters. Look for which senior lead offers unsolicited feedback, engages you in a discussion or solicits your perspective. Build on that initial engagement and have a few conversations before you make a mentorship explicit.
