How to Find and Work With the Best Mentor for You

“You shouldn't just look for mentors who are five years, 10 years ahead of you. There's a lot of value in having people who are in it with you right now because we're always learning and there's things that someone else might know that you don't know.” Forget everything you thought you knew about finding a mentor. On this episode of Startups and Stilettos, Carlyn and Ingrid are flipping the script on traditional mentorship. We often believe a mentor must be someone decades ahead of us, but what if the most powerful guidance comes from those walking the path beside us right now? Ingrid and Carlyn dive into their own journeys, from when "Google was my mentor," to building a powerful, diversified network of advisors and peers. They break down the three essential levels of a modern support system: mentoring up to those you aspire to be like, leaning on your "mentor equals" for real-time collaboration, and paying it forward to guide those just starting out. Because building a business doesn't have to be a solo journey. Connect with Carlyn: @carlynbushmanconsulting on Instagram Carlyn Bushman on LinkedIn Carlyn Bushman Consulting Connect with Ingrid: @itsingridsworld on Instagram Ingrid Zapata-Read on Linkedin Working Momkind Grow With Community What We Talked About: How Mentorship Has Changed [3:30] How They Found Advisors [15:00] The Levels of Mentorship [18:35] Join our Founders Weekend Wealth & Wellness Retreat April 30th - May 3rd, 2026 at the PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. ⁠Reserve your ticket here!⁠ Members of our Entreprenista League get access to live Office Hours with top founders that have been on our show! Join the Entreprenista League today! We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey! Get Featured on Startups in Stilettos Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE! Grow Your Startup with Startups in Stilettos Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Startups in Stilettos, powered by the Entreprenista Podcast Network. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeart Radio Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more startup founders, like you, and have a chance to win a one-on-one mentor and strategy session with Stephanie Cartin. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. And for even more exclusive content and information – and to get access to the 8 Secrets to Success in Your Business video course and worksheet – visit our website. Relay is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Thread Bank member, FDIC