IMPORTANCE OF A MENTOR

“Seek direction from one who is already there”-Old Zulu Saying

ONE question I am often asked is, “Dayo, you talk and write a lot about your mentors, why do you need mentors?” I often reply that my mentors help in giving me direction and clarity of purpose.

They are three of them and they are men of integrity and honour. Two of them are Nigerians and the third is an Asian. They are: Professor Pat Utomi who mentors me on entrepreneurship and corporate strategy, Richie Dayo Johnson who mentors me on public speaking and Joe De Souza on finance and family values .

Professor Pat Utomi is the Director of Centre for Applied Economics at the Lagos Business School, Pan African University, Lagos, and one of African’s top-flight strategy scholars. He is a Political Economist and Management Consultant. He sits on the board of 36 blue chip companies ( 16 of them as Chairman ). He was a Special Adviser to the President of Nigeria before he was 30. He is also a well-sought after Public Speaker. He taught me how to balance work and family. He often tells me that “hard work does not kill;” “man’s self worth outweighs is net worth” and “what determines a man’s long term worth is his integrity and competence.”

Richie Dayo Johnson is a man of style and panache; his credo is that you must be passionate about doing things well and exceeding expectations. He taught the art of motivational speaking and introduced me to the Toastmasters Club where people learn the art of public speaking. Today, I am the President of one of the toastmaster’s clubs in Croydon. His two favourites quotes are: “At the end of our lives we never regret at things we failed at but the things we hoped for bur never attempted” and “an effective plan executed today is better than a perfect plan delayed till next year.”

Joe De Souza is a Speaker and certified Accountant. A man of passion and compassion; he has experienced many adversities, yet he has turned them into success. A devout Catholic, he is committed to his health and family. He told me no matter how hard I work I should always take good care of my health. He taught me that my setback or obstacle that appears in my life should be seen as an opportunity for growth. He is my financial adviser and he educated me on the essence of having multiple streams of income.

Can you believe that one person can make a big difference in the outcome of your life?
Would Tiger Woods be the legend he is today without the influence of his father, Earl Woods, who is credited with preparing Tiger to becoming a professional golfer?
When super- successful people tell their story, they always mention how important one or more individuals helped to shape their success. Bill Clinton said meeting President John Kennedy when he was just 16-years-old led him to decide to pursue a life in politics.

Tony Robbins recounts that as a 19-year-old he got his first glimpse of life as a personal development guru when he sat in a Jim Rohn seminar. Napoleon Hill, author of the classic “Think and Grow Rich,” said that the book came about as a result of the influence of tycoon Andrew Carnegie.

According to Chris Widener, “One whop wants to achieve success should beware of pride. Pride can make things so difficult sometimes – particularly when you are trying to find your way to that destination we call success. Like proud, obstinate husbands, we refuse to stop and ask for direction! The best way to success and by far the list painful is to learn from someone who is already there. They can show us the way, give us tricks of the trade and encourage us not to worry or over-react when things get tough or go wrong, thus be a great guiding light. What do they call these people? Mentors and coaches and you should have one!”

You might ask, “How does someone get a mentor?” Well, sit down and identify someone who is already where you want to be. I don’t care how big or small they are. Dream BIG! Make a list of ten of these people. Start with the one you want to learn from first. Now, contact them and ask if you can speak to them on the phone or in person. If they can’t or won’t, go to the next person on the list until you hit someone who will take the time to give you direction.

The influence of one person CAN make a gigantic difference in your future. This is why you need a mentor. This article is specially dedicated to Prof. Pat Utomi on his 50th birthday. Happy birthday, Prof! You are indeed a living example that those who are really successful are never afraid to share the secret of their success.

May the Lord increase your greatness.