Mentorship for Female Entrepreneurs: Find Your Ideal Mentor
- (Admin) The Thrivology Company
- Mar 31
- 10 min read
Beyond the Buzzword: What True Mentorship Really Means for Ambitious Female Entrepreneurs (and How to Find the Right Fit for Your Journey)
Let’s be honest, the word ‘mentor’ gets tossed around like confetti at a wedding, doesn’t it? We see it on LinkedIn profiles, hear it in podcasts, & nod along thinking, "Yes, I probably need one of those." But if you’re anything like me, especially when I was navigating those early, exhilarating (and frankly, terrifying) days of building a business alongside a growing family, the idea of mentorship often felt a bit… vague. What does it actually mean to have a mentor when you’re an ambitious woman carving her own path, often through the beautiful chaos of motherhood?
Is it just about finding someone who’s ‘been there, done that’ to shower you with advice? Or is there something deeper, something more transformative at play? I’m Carlene Nisbett, founder of Femmeprenista, & after years in the entrepreneurial trenches, I’ve come to see true mentorship as far more than a buzzword. It’s a strategic alliance, a dynamic partnership that can be utterly game-changing – if you approach it with clarity & intention. I don't just do what I'm told. I actually question Is this the best way of doing things?
So, grab a cuppa (and maybe hide the good biscuits from the kids for a few minutes!), & let’s explore what true mentorship really means for you, the ambitious female entrepreneur, & crucially, how to find that 'just right' fit for your unique journey.
Redefining Mentorship: It’s More Than Just Advice, It’s an Alliance
Forget the outdated image of a stuffy, older figure dictating terms from an ivory tower. For today’s femmeprenista, particularly if you’re a mother, true mentorship is a vibrant, living partnership. It's not about someone giving you a fish; it's about someone helping you refine your own fishing technique, choose the right bait for the waters you're in, & maybe even reminding you to pack sunscreen because they know the journey can be long & intense. It is a constant thing. Mum thinks she's done her job... but that's the problem.
What it isn't:
A quick fix or a magic bullet: No mentor, no matter how brilliant, can wave a wand & solve all your problems.
Someone to do the work for you: They're a guide, a sounding board, a strategist – not an employee.
Just a dispenser of generic advice: "You should post more on social media" isn't mentorship; it's a platitude.
What true mentorship is (especially for us!):
A Strategic Partnership: Think of it as having a seasoned navigator in your passenger seat. They won't grab the wheel, but they’ll help you read the map, spot potential roadblocks, & suggest alternative routes you might not have considered. They offer strategic guidance tailored to your specific goals & challenges.
Empathetic Understanding: This is huge, especially when you're juggling the dual roles of CEO & Chief Everything Officer at home. A mentor who gets that your strategic planning session might be interrupted by a call from the school nurse, or that "scaling" for you needs to factor in family well-being, is invaluable. I remember trying to absorb complex information, while my brain was also calculating nap schedules & childcare logistics for my then-baby. Someone who simply acknowledged the extra layers of complexity for parents, without diminishing expectations, made a world of difference to how supported I felt. That’s the kind of empathy that counts. "I won't need the help then . I need the help NOW. This is the part that I'm struggling at.”
Experienced Perspective: They’ve likely navigated similar terrains, made mistakes you can learn from, & achieved successes that can inspire. They bring a clarity of vision that can be hard to find when you’re in the thick of it. They can help you see the wood for the trees, especially when those trees look suspiciously like an ever-growing to-do list.
Tailored Support: This isn't a one-size-fits-all deal. True mentorship adapts to your needs, your business, your personality, & your definition of success. It’s about sharpening your focus on what truly matters for you. What are the actions & things that we need to do to get to that?
Imagine having someone who doesn’t just tell you what to do, but helps you uncover why you might be stuck, challenges your limiting beliefs with kindness, & champions your unique strengths. That’s the gold standard.
The Mentee's Mandate: Your Active Role in a Powerful Partnership
Now, here’s a truth that’s central to everything we believe at Femmeprenista: personal responsibility is non-negotiable. A mentor can open doors, offer incredible insights, & provide unwavering support, but you are the one who has to walk through them. You are the one who has to do the work.
So, what does this mean for you as a mentee?
Be Proactive, Not Passive: Don’t wait for your mentor to chase you or spoon-feed you. Come to meetings prepared with specific questions, challenges, & updates. Have an agenda.
Be Open & Coachable: This sounds obvious, but it’s crucial. Be willing to hear feedback, even if it’s uncomfortable. Be open to trying new approaches. If you’ve sought out their wisdom, trust it enough to explore it.
Do the Work & Implement: Insight without action is just entertainment. The real magic happens when you diligently apply the strategies & advice discussed. Your mentor isn't there to just chat; they're there to help you get results.
Own Your Journey & Outcomes: Your mentor is a catalyst & a guide, but your business success (and your life!) is your masterpiece. Celebrate your wins with them, & when you hit a bump, analyse it with them – but remember, you’re in the driver’s seat. This approach helps build that unshakeable confidence we all crave. "I'm always the person who's going to question. I'm always a person who's going to stay curious.”
To make that even more digestible, remember:
Come prepared.
Be open to feedback.
Implement what you learn.
Own your results.
Think of it like this: if your mentor gives you a brilliant recipe (a strategy), you still need to go to the shop, buy the ingredients (do the research, take the steps), & actually cook the meal (implement the strategy). They can’t taste the success for you! As Lisa Nichols says, "Your job is to fill your own cup, so it overflows. Then you can serve others, joyfully, from your saucer."
Finding Your 'Mentor Match': It’s More Than Just a CV
Okay, so you’re ready to find this mythical creature, this perfectly aligned mentor. Where do you even start? & how do you ensure they’re the right fit, not just someone with an impressive bio?
This is where I often think back to my own educational journey. My first university experience wasn't a great fit. I felt a bit lost & the environment didn't click. But when I transferred to the University of East London (UEL) to study Fashion Design with Marketing, everything changed. I found my tribe, the course resonated deeply (especially the business side of marketing), & I thrived – even as a young mother. That experience taught me a vital lesson: the right environment and the right kind of support are crucial.
It’s the same with mentorship. You’re looking for more than just skills & experience on paper. You’re looking for a ‘mentor match’ – someone whose approach, values, & understanding resonate with your core.
Here’s what to consider:
Beyond Business Acumen – Do They Get Your Life?: If you’re a mum in business, finding a mentor who understands the complexities of that juggle can be a game-changer. They don’t necessarily have to be a mother themselves, but they need an appreciation for the unique pressures & priorities you navigate. Someone who gets that "work-life integration" isn't just a buzzword for you, it's a daily reality that shapes every decision. You can see how Femmeprenista Female Entrepreneur Support: Find Your Purpose. (If you want to know more about my own journey & the "why" behind Femmeprenista’s philosophy, you can read more About Carlene Nisbett / Femmeprenista).
Shared Values – The Unseen Connection: Do their core values align with yours? If integrity, authenticity, & holistic well-being are paramount to you, a mentor who only champions a "hustle-at-all-costs" mentality probably isn’t your person, no matter how successful they are. This connection ensures the advice you receive feels genuine & applicable.
Communication Style & Energy: Do you feel comfortable & energised talking to them? Can you be open & vulnerable? A mentor-mentee relationship thrives on trust & rapport.
Relevant Experience (But Not a Carbon Copy): While they don't need to have walked your exact path, their experience should be relevant enough to offer valuable perspective on your current challenges or future goals.
To find potential mentors, consider these actions:
Attend industry events & network intentionally.
Join relevant online communities related to your niche or industry.
Search LinkedIn using specific keywords related to your business challenges ("marketing strategy," "scaling operations," etc.).
Asking the Right Questions (of Yourself & Them):
For yourself: What specific areas do I need guidance on right now? What kind of support am I truly looking for (strategic, mindset, accountability)? What are my non-negotiables in a mentor?
For potential mentors (once you connect): Can you share an example of how you’ve helped someone in a similar situation? What’s your philosophy on mentorship? How do you approach challenges like ?
For example, ask: "How do you help clients balance business growth with family commitments?" or "What's your approach to building confidence in the face of imposter syndrome?"
Finding this match takes diligence. It might involve networking, asking for recommendations, or even reaching out to someone you admire (respectfully, of course!). Don’t rush it. It’s like finding the right business partner – the chemistry & alignment matter immensely.
Honestly, I’ve had my share of mentorship mismatches. Early on, I was so eager to find someone 'successful' that I didn't properly vet their values. I ended up with a mentor who pushed a sales strategy that felt completely inauthentic to me. I tried to implement it, attending networking events and pushing a script that felt totally wrong in my mouth. It was a painful lesson, but it taught me the importance of aligning values & trusting my intuition, even when someone has impressive credentials.
How the Right Mentor Can Help Your Whole Business (and You!) Flourish
So, what’s the real impact of finding this incredible mentor? It’s not just about solving one specific problem. True mentorship, the kind we’re talking about, contributes to your holistic growth & the overall health of your business. It can help you build a business that not only thrives financially but also supports a life you genuinely love.
Think about it in terms of how we approach business growth at Femmeprenista. We use something called the The Business Flourish Framework, which looks at creating success across all key areas of your business & life. A great mentor can touch on all these areas:
Sharpening Your Mindset & Focus
They can help you gain crystal clarity on where you’re going & why, challenge those pesky limiting beliefs that hold you back, & build unshakeable confidence in your ability to lead. This is about cultivating that inner resilience needed for the entrepreneurial rollercoaster (Focus pillar). I don't just dig the hole ; I actually question Is this the best way of doing things?
Developing Authentic & Effective Strategies
Whether it's refining your marketing message so it truly attracts your ideal clients, or figuring out how to position your unique flair in a crowded market, a mentor can offer invaluable outside perspective & strategic insights (Flair pillar). They might share experiences that help you avoid common pitfalls or seize untapped opportunities.
Implementing Streamlined & Efficient Systems
Are you drowning in manual tasks? A mentor with experience in scaling or operations might help you identify bottlenecks & guide you towards creating smarter, more efficient workflows (Flow pillar). This could involve leveraging technology or simply rethinking your processes to reclaim your precious time & energy. AI strategy is really important for your systems; Studies show that businesses incorporating AI into their systems experience up to 30% increased efficiency https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/mckinsey-digital/our-insights/global-ai-survey-ai-proves-its-worth-but-few-scale-impactfully.
Prioritising Your Well-being for Sustainable Success
This is so often overlooked, but a mentor who truly cares will also be interested in your well-being (Fuel pillar). They’ll encourage you to set boundaries, manage your energy effectively, & build practices that prevent burnout, ensuring your business energises rather than drains you. They understand that you are your business’s most valuable asset. That is all down to you
While finding a dedicated mentor is incredibly powerful, it's also part of a wider net of support systems essential for growth. That's why we champion connection & community so fiercely here at Femmeprenista (you can see how Femmeprenista Female Entrepreneur Support: Find Your Purpose). You're not a "Foundation Builder" permanently—you're building the foundations so you can scale with momentum!
Ultimately, the right mentorship is an investment – an investment of your time, your vulnerability, & your commitment to growth. But the returns? They can be immeasurable, rippling out into every facet of your business & your life.
It’s Your Journey, Find Your Guide
Mentorship isn’t about finding someone to tell you what to do. It’s about finding someone who empowers you to discover what you’re truly capable of, who holds space for your growth, & who champions your vision, even when your own belief wavers.
It requires you to be an active participant, to take full ownership of your path, & to have the courage to seek out a connection that feels truly aligned. It’s not always easy, but then again, nothing truly worthwhile ever is, right? Especially when you’re building a legacy & raising a family at the same time.
So, what’s one small step you can take today to either find a mentor who resonates with you, or to deepen an existing mentorship relationship with more intention?
If you’re a Scaling Leader looking for a community of like-minded, ambitious female entrepreneurs who ‘get it’ – a place to share, learn, & connect – I’d love to invite you to join us in our free global community, Femme:Connect. It’s a space where support, collaboration, & genuine connection are at the heart of everything we do. You can find out more https://www.femmeprenista.com/femmeconnect.
Carlene Nisbett
Founder & CEO, Femmeprenista (Coach, Mentor, Speaker)
Wife, Mother of four, Business Owner, PhD Researcher, Pet mom, Plant mom, 5'0" tall Passionate Multitasker & Wine Lover, You get the drift
P.S. This workbook is just the beginning!
If you're looking for a supportive community of like-minded female entrepreneurs who get it, why not pop over and say hello?
We'd love to welcome you!
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