Challenges, changes, and opportunities mark my career in technology and business. Yet, one fact has remained constant: I could always learn from the best and the most motivated. From this experience comes my deep commitment to mentoring the next generation of tech leaders and founders. As a board member, angel investor, and thought leader, I have made mentorship a central pillar of my leadership philosophy and recognized its transformative power for both individuals and organizations. My experience illustrates why aspiring technology professionals and future leaders should actively seek out mentors and why those in senior roles should embrace the responsibility of guiding others.
A Mentoring Journey
Throughout my career, I have consistently dedicated time and energy to mentoring and being a mentor. When I first stepped into a leadership experience at Jacobs University Bremen, my alma mater, I encountered formal mentoring for the first time. It helped me tremendously to tackle the challenges that come with managing people, including my first experiences with hiring and firing. Building on this experience, I serve as a mentor at the university, helping students and fellow alumni bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world demands.
As I progressed in my professional executive and advisory roles, I guided teams through large-scale digital transformation projects, often utilizing mentorship as a tool to empower colleagues, foster innovation, and build resilient, high-performing teams.
At all times, my conviction that leadership is not just about individual achievement but about cultivating the potential of others was the basis for my approach to mentoring. This belief holds regardless of whether you aim to expand your technical knowledge, develop strategic thinking, enhance your communication skills, or navigate the complexities of corporate governance and international business.
The Reciprocal Value of Mentoring in Tech
Yet, in tech, mentorship is more than a teaching relationship. It is a reciprocal. As I wrote in my recent column for the National Association of Corporate Directors, mentorship at the board level is crucial for preparing organizations to navigate challenges such as technological disruption, evolving governance standards, and generational shifts. For mentees, mentorship offers practical skills and industry insights that they cannot acquire from textbooks alone. For experienced leaders, the mentor role is an opportunity to solidify their legacy, stay attuned to new perspectives, and remain connected to hands-on leadership challenges.
This reciprocal dynamic echoes across the technology sector. Mentorship accelerates skill development, boosts confidence, and opens doors to new networks and opportunities. It also fosters a culture of continuous learning, diversity, and inclusion. All of these are qualities that are critical for innovation and long-term organizational success. Our tech landscape evolves rapidly. New AI tools, methodologies, and business models emerge constantly, and the guidance of a mentor can be the difference between stagnation and growth.
Early in my career, I moved over from IT project management to IT sales. Unfortunately, I had the notion that as soon as the sales line opened, people would rush in to buy my products. It took my mentor a considerable amount of effort to encourage me to start selling. Today, this is one of the most important lessons I share with the founders I work with.
Why Aspiring Tech Leaders Need Mentors
Yet, mentors and coaches aren’t just for those who make significant career shifts. For many in their careers, having a mentor is often a catalyst for accelerated growth. Mentors can help mentees navigate complex technical and organizational landscapes, providing insights into industry trends, career planning, and leadership development. They offer candid feedback, help build professional networks, and model soft skills, such as communication, problem-solving, and decision-making.
Even more crucial, they can also provide emotional support, help mentees overcome the feeling of being stuck, assist in overcoming impostor syndrome, build resilience, and maintain well-being in high-pressure environments. For those from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds, mentorship is particularly impactful, offering access to opportunities and networks that might otherwise be out of reach.
My journey exemplifies these benefits. Moving from Germany to Seattle to lead Univention North America, I faced the challenges of adapting to a new culture and business environment. My biggest enemy was the word “fine.” It has an entirely different meaning in the US compared to the rest of the world. These little yet crucial experiences underscore the importance of having trusted advisors and mentors to guide pivotal transitions.
Building the Next Generation of Tech Leaders
Mentorship is not just about individual advancement; it is about building a pipeline of future-ready leaders who can drive innovation and navigate uncertainty. The benefits of mentoring extend to organizations and the broader tech community. Mentorship fosters stronger teams, improves retention, and cultivates a sense of belonging and shared purpose. It helps organizations stay agile, adapt to change, and maintain a competitive edge in a fast-moving industry.
Moreover, the act of mentoring itself is gratifying for senior leaders. It reinforces their knowledge, exposes them to fresh ideas and emerging trends, and provides a sense of fulfillment from giving back to the community. My ongoing involvement as a mentor, board member, and advisor reflects this commitment to learning and to shaping the future of technology through the development of others.
One of my first brushes with AI was when mentoring a founder. Before ChatGPT, AI wasn’t accessible to most of us. Thus, mentoring a young entrepreneur allowed me to see the next generation of tech in action. In turn, it enabled me to imprint on him the importance of finding the right customer. Thus, I managed to shape the product and help the company realize a successful exit, once AI became a household term.
Conclusion: The Imperative of Mentorship in Tech
Mentorship is not a luxury, but a necessity for aspiring tech leaders and organizations seeking sustainable success. In an industry defined by rapid change and complexity, mentors provide the wisdom, support, and networks that accelerate growth and foster innovation. For those entering the field, seeking out mentors can be a transformative experience. We are shaping not just careers, but the future of technology itself.
The reciprocal nature of mentorship ensures that both mentors and mentees grow, learn, and contribute to a vibrant, resilient tech ecosystem. Embracing mentorship is one of the most impactful steps aspiring leaders can take on their journey to the top.
