When we talk about mentorship, we often picture a single wise guide—a veteran who takes us under their wing and shapes our entire career. While I’ve had a few standout mentors, the truth is that most of my growth has come from what I call a “mentor mosaic”—a collection of people who taught me different things at different times.

Some were formal mentors. Others were colleagues, clients, or even people I didn’t get along with at first. Each one added a piece to the puzzle, giving me a more complete picture of what leadership really looks like. And I think that’s how the best leaders are shaped—not by one voice, but by many.

Learning From the Best—and the Rest

Early in my career, I was lucky enough to work with a few senior traders who took the time to explain not just what they were doing, but why. They didn’t just teach me about interest rate derivatives—they taught me about discipline, preparation, and decision-making under pressure. They also taught me the value of staying calm when things got chaotic, which is still one of the most useful tools in my kit today.

But I’ve also learned from people outside the traditional “mentor” mold. I’ve learned leadership from assistants who managed tough personalities with grace. I’ve learned negotiation from clients who pushed back hard but stayed respectful. I’ve even learned from bad bosses—what not to do, how not to lead, and why fear never works long-term.

The point is, if you’re paying attention, everyone around you is a potential teacher.

Why Different Perspectives Matter

In today’s world, leadership isn’t one-size-fits-all. The more complex the business environment becomes, the more you need a variety of perspectives to stay grounded. That’s where the mentor mosaic really shines.

One mentor might teach you technical skills—how to evaluate a deal or read the market. Another might help you develop emotional intelligence. Yet another might challenge you to step outside your comfort zone or push you to lead with more empathy.

The mosaic works because no single person can give you everything. By pulling in different voices, you’re better equipped to handle the wide range of challenges that come with leadership—especially in high-stakes industries like finance.

Being Teachable Is a Strength

One thing I’ve noticed about great leaders is that they never stop being teachable. They may lead teams, manage portfolios, or run entire companies, but they still ask questions. They still listen. They still look for feedback.

For me, that mindset started early and never really left. Even now, I find myself picking up ideas from younger colleagues, new hires, or people outside my industry altogether. Sometimes a fresh perspective is exactly what you need to solve a stubborn problem—or to realize that maybe your way isn’t the only way.

Humility isn’t about downplaying your experience. It’s about recognizing that growth never ends.

Paying It Forward

Over the years, I’ve had the chance to mentor others, and I’ve come to realize that the mentor-mentee relationship is never one-directional. Every time I sit down to offer advice or share a lesson from my own journey, I learn something in return—about what younger professionals are facing, what motivates them, and what kind of leadership they need.

That exchange keeps me sharp, and it also reinforces the idea that leadership is a shared responsibility. When we mentor, we’re not just giving back—we’re keeping ourselves accountable to the values we claim to stand for.

How to Build Your Own Mentor Mosaic

If you’re early in your career—or looking to grow in a new direction—don’t wait around for one perfect mentor to appear. Instead, think of mentorship as something you build intentionally. Here’s what’s worked for me:

• Stay curious. Ask questions, even if they seem basic. People are more willing to share wisdom than you think.
  
• Observe behavior. Not every lesson is taught directly. Sometimes you learn by watching how someone carries themselves in a meeting or handles a difficult situation.
  
• Diversify your influences. Look outside your immediate field. Some of my best insights have come from chefs, coaches, and artists—not just financiers.
  
• Give back. The best way to reinforce what you’ve learned is to teach it to someone else.
  

Final Thoughts: Stronger Together

Leadership isn’t a solo act. It’s shaped in the spaces between people—in conversations, collaborations, and even conflicts. The mentor mosaic reminds us that no one rises alone. We’re all standing on the shoulders of those who helped us grow.

So if you’re looking to become a stronger leader, don’t just seek advice from the most experienced person in the room. Build a mosaic. Learn from the voices around you. And remember that leadership is less about having all the answers—and more about knowing where to look for them.