a16z Podcast
a16z Podcast: On Mentors and Mentees
Jul 12, 2018
Ken Coleman, an experienced executive from tech giants like HP and Activision, joins Michel Feaster, CEO of Usermind, to unpack mentorship dynamics. They explore how personal connections, rather than mere qualifications, drive effective mentorship. The duo discusses finding unconventional paths to success in Silicon Valley and the importance of emotional intelligence in mentor-mentee relationships. They highlight the reciprocal nature of mentorship—how mentors can learn from mentees—and the necessity of fostering genuine, diverse connections within professional networks.
32:45
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Mentorship requires persistence and the right connections, as demonstrated by the importance of personal relationships over traditional qualifications in career advancements.
- Diversity and inclusion in mentorship can enhance organizational talent by focusing on varied strengths, fostering innovation and establishing more inclusive environments.
Deep dives
The Journey to Finding a Mentor
Finding a mentor often requires persistence and the right connections, as illustrated by the story of how Ben Horowitz secured his first internship. His father leveraged a yoga class acquaintance, which led to an introduction to Ed McCracken, who passed the opportunity to Ken Coleman. Coleman's willingness to follow up demonstrates the importance of personal attributes over traditional qualifications, emphasizing that mentors should see potential beyond resumes. This insight highlights that a good mentor recognizes drive and skills that may not be immediately visible in a candidate's background.
