Mentorship Without the Awkward Ask: Introducing Mentor Moments

We’ve all heard it: “You just need to find a mentor.”

Said with the same breezy certainty as “You just need to drink more water” or “You should really try Pilates.” And if you’re lucky, you nod and think, Sure, I know exactly who to call. If you’re like most people? You nod, smile, and have no clue what to do next.

I get it. I’ve been on both sides of the mentorship equation - searching for one and being one.

As a mentee, sometimes the connection happened formally, like through a company program or professional network. Some of my best mentors have been my direct bosses. Other times it happened over coffee, hallway conversations, or random “got a sec?” moments that turned into career-changing advice.

And then there are the mentors who don’t even know they’re on my roster. Oprah. Brené Brown. They’ve never answered my emails (probably because I’ve never sent any), but their books, interviews, and ideas have shaped my leadership as much as any in-person conversation.

As a mentor, I’ve had the profound honor of being trusted with pivots, setbacks, breakdowns and breakthroughs. A recent connection commented, “I have learned more from three conversations with Jen than I genuinely thought was possible.” That’s what’s possible when people connect with curiosity and a desire to serve.

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Why It Matters

Mentorship isn’t about having someone hand you a ready-made career blueprint. It’s about perspective. It’s access to a brain you trust when yours feels stuck. It’s the safety net that lets you try something bigger, knowing you have someone to help you untangle the mess if it all goes sideways.

The numbers back this up. A study by Gartner found that mentees are promoted five times more often than those without mentors. That’s not just correlation, it’s proof that having the right people in your corner changes the trajectory.

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The Problem

Telling people to “go find a mentor” without showing them how is like handing someone car keys without teaching them to drive. They might eventually get somewhere, but it’s going to involve a lot of trial, error, and maybe a few wrong turns.

That’s why TroopHR is launching Mentor Moments. We’re removing the guesswork. You’ll have direct access to experienced leaders in our community who can offer practical, real-time guidance. Whether you’re navigating a sticky employee situation, preparing for a board presentation, or trying to decide if now is the time to leap into something new, chances are a fellow Trooper has been there.

And in case you’re wondering, yes, you can have more than one mentor. Some will be formal, some informal, and some will be blissfully unaware they’ve made your list.

So the next time you hear “find a mentor,” you can smile, because you’ll know exactly where to start.

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Troop Members can access Mentor Moments by signing up through the Huddle calendar.

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