By Cora Barnes – Speaker | Mentor | Entrepreneur
In my experience, mentoring is one of the most powerful tools available to any professional—whether you’re launching a business, developing leadership skills, or navigating personal and career transitions. As a Speaker, Mentor, and Entrepreneur, I’ve seen the transformational impact of mentoring from both sides of the relationship.
So, what is mentoring?
At its core, mentoring is a collaborative relationship where one person supports another’s growth through active listening, shared experience, honest challenge, and consistent encouragement. The benefits? Increased confidence, clarity of direction, broader networks, and the push to stretch beyond your current limits.
Finding the right mentor begins with clarity
Start by asking yourself: What do I need help with right now? Then seek out mentors with experience in those areas. Look to professional associations, alumni networks, peer communities, or business mentoring programmes. A great mentor doesn’t necessarily have all the answers—but they will help you find your own.
What you put in is what you get out
To get the most from any mentoring relationship, preparation and reflection are essential. Come to each session with clear questions or challenges. Afterward, take time to reflect on what was shared—and most importantly, take action. Mentoring creates real value only when insights are turned into meaningful steps forward.
Learning by example
One of my most meaningful experiences as a mentee came during the pilot of the Going for Growth female-led group mentoring programme, where I was mentored by seven incredible businesswomen—led by Mary Anne O’Brien, founder of Lily O’Brien’s Chocolates. Mary Anne informed, inspired, and challenged me to think and act with a growth mindset. Her guidance reinforced that when you’re willing to do the work, solutions always emerge. The impact of that experience has stayed with me for life.
The power of reciprocal growth
Fast forward to 2025, and I now serve as a Lead Mentor for The Shona Project, working with seven inspiring young women. Each one brings energy, resilience, and a sense of hope to our sessions. They remind me that mentoring is reciprocal—I learn just as much as I give.
I’m also proud to be a mentor with Network Ireland, where this June we’re shining a spotlight on the power of mentoring. This year, I’ve had the privilege to both mentor and be mentored within the Network—and again, I’ve witnessed how a simple, thoughtful conversation can unlock a completely new way of thinking.
A lasting impact
To quote Sheryl Sandberg:
“We need to stop telling women they have to find a mentor and start telling them how to be one.”
I believe in both.
To every mentor who’s shaped my journey—formally or informally—thank you. And to every mentee I’ve had the privilege to work with, thank you for your trust, insight, and brilliance.
If you’re looking for a speaker on mentoring, entrepreneurship, or personal growth—or if you’re exploring how to find or become a mentor—get in touch. Mentoring isn’t just a professional tool. It’s a lifelong gift.
