What if the best advice for growing a venture isn’t locked behind closed doors of top executives, but right beside you among peers? Lateral mentoring thrives when people at the same level share knowledge—no hierarchies or hidden agendas. This exchange breaks isolation, encourages honesty, and leads to sharper problem-solving.
In the conversation above, the importance of trust, authenticity, and genuine desire to help each other stand out. Lateral mentoring hinges on five elements: giving without expecting something in return, acting with intrinsic motivation, building meaningful connections, cultivating trust, and setting clear goals. Unlike paid relationships, lateral mentoring emerges naturally as people swap their hard-won lessons. This honest give-and-take fosters an environment where founders feel comfortable asking tough questions, exposing vulnerabilities, and embracing diverse viewpoints.
Here’s how to put it into practice: Seek mentors with varied backgrounds who challenge your assumptions. Identify what makes each contact unique and maintain a mental “Rolodex” of expertise. Ask openly for help instead of struggling in silence. And never settle for a single source—multiple mentors keep your thinking balanced, your approach dynamic.
Watch the Full Episode on Lateral Mentoring with special guest Deborah Heiser below:
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