Throughout my career in hospitality, operations, and leadership, one thing has stood out to me more than anything else: the importance of giving back through mentorship. As I look back on my journey—from my time at MGM Resorts to leading teams at Drais Enterprises—the people who took the time to mentor me were pivotal in shaping my success. I’ve also seen firsthand how mentoring others can elevate not only their potential but also my own. Mentorship is one of the most powerful tools we have to drive success, both for ourselves and for those we guide.
In this blog, I want to reflect on the role mentorship has played in my life, the impact it can have on others, and why it’s something every leader should prioritize. Whether you’re just starting out in your career or are a seasoned executive, investing in others through mentorship can create a ripple effect that leads to greater success, fulfillment, and personal growth.
The Ripple Effect of Mentorship
When I think about the mentors who helped me along the way, I realize that their impact wasn’t just about the advice they gave or the wisdom they shared—it was about how they challenged me to think differently and how they opened doors for me. They didn’t just guide me; they empowered me to take risks, make decisions, and grow beyond what I thought was possible. The best mentors don’t just give you answers; they help you discover your own.
When I was working with the Solutions Team at MGM Resorts, I was fortunate to be surrounded by leaders who took the time to mentor me. They didn’t simply manage tasks—they taught me how to approach leadership with vision, resilience, and empathy. These lessons weren’t just valuable in the workplace; they shaped how I approach challenges in every part of my life. I often think back on their guidance and how it continues to influence my decisions today.
Mentorship has a ripple effect. When someone invests in you, it doesn’t just help you—it helps everyone you touch. It creates a culture of growth, collaboration, and shared knowledge. In my experience, when you mentor others, you give them the tools they need to succeed, and you set them up to do the same for others. The result? A cycle of success that elevates everyone involved.
The Role of a Mentor: More Than Just Giving Advice
Many people think of mentorship as simply giving advice. But as I’ve learned over the years, being a good mentor involves much more than offering solutions to problems. It’s about being there for someone when they need guidance, supporting them when they hit roadblocks, and helping them navigate their journey.
When I served as Executive Vice President at Drais Enterprises, I made it a priority to develop and mentor the next generation of leaders within the organization. I would spend time with my team, not just managing day-to-day operations but also taking the time to listen to their ideas, their concerns, and their aspirations. I always tried to create a safe space where people could speak openly, knowing that I was there to support them in their development.
Mentorship also involves being a sounding board. I’ve found that sometimes the best way to help someone isn’t by providing direct answers, but by asking the right questions that prompt them to think critically and come up with solutions themselves. This type of coaching helps individuals grow their problem-solving skills and builds confidence, which is a crucial part of leadership.
Mentorship Fosters Personal Growth for Both Parties
One of the most rewarding aspects of mentorship is how it drives personal growth—not just for the mentee, but also for the mentor. As a mentor, you learn just as much as the person you’re guiding. You become a better listener, you sharpen your communication skills, and you develop a deeper understanding of yourself and others.
I’ve always found that mentoring others forces me to reflect on my own experiences and decisions. When I help someone else navigate a difficult situation, I often find myself revisiting how I would have approached a similar challenge, leading to a greater sense of self-awareness and improvement in my own leadership style. Mentorship also keeps you grounded, reminding you of the struggles and challenges you’ve faced and giving you the perspective needed to offer meaningful support.
This reciprocal growth is why mentorship is such a powerful tool for both personal and professional development. It’s not a one-way street. When you invest in someone else, you invest in your own growth as well. The act of giving back in this way creates a positive feedback loop that fosters continuous learning, adaptability, and personal fulfillment.
Building Stronger Teams Through Mentorship
A key benefit of mentorship is its ability to strengthen teams. As a leader, it’s important to not only focus on the success of the company but also on the development of your team. Mentorship helps build trust, collaboration, and a sense of belonging within a group, which ultimately leads to a more cohesive and effective team.
When I was at Aria Resorts, I worked with a talented group of individuals, but I recognized that without a sense of mentorship, there was a risk of losing potential leaders to burnout or stagnation. By mentoring my team and helping them develop their skills, we built stronger relationships and created a more supportive and high-performing work environment. In turn, this led to improved service, greater customer satisfaction, and a more engaged team.
A well-mentored team doesn’t just perform better—it thrives. When people feel supported in their development, they’re more likely to invest in the success of the organization and contribute to a positive company culture. As a leader, mentorship is one of the most powerful ways to foster loyalty, productivity, and innovation within your team.
Giving Back and Creating a Legacy
One of the greatest gifts mentorship offers is the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy. By helping others reach their full potential, you’re not only contributing to their personal success, but you’re also shaping the future of your industry, your company, or your community. It’s a form of giving back that goes far beyond just financial contributions or charitable efforts.
During my time at Drais Enterprises, I made it a point to mentor emerging leaders in the nightlife and hospitality industry. I wanted to ensure that the next generation had the tools they needed to succeed. By doing this, I felt like I was contributing to the future of the industry in a meaningful way. It wasn’t just about helping someone land their next job or promotion—it was about creating a legacy of growth, leadership, and positive influence.
Leaving a Lasting Impact Through Mentorship
Mentorship is one of the most rewarding and impactful ways to give back, and it’s a key ingredient in long-term success. By investing in others, you not only help them reach their full potential, but you also elevate your own leadership skills and create a ripple effect of growth and success. As a mentor, you become part of something larger than yourself—a cycle of support, growth, and empowerment that shapes individuals and communities for years to come. The impact of mentorship goes far beyond the immediate rewards—it’s about building a legacy that lasts and helping others reach their full potential along the way.