What do top business executives, acclaimed five-star chefs, and Grammy-award-winning musicians have in common? For one, their achievements didn’t happen overnight. The level of success they achieved was obtained gradually through a complex web of time, effort, and determination. But there is another piece: more than likely, these celebrated individuals didn’t become successful on their own.

Oftentimes, the most successful individuals are the ones who have enlisted the guidance of a mentor. Sometimes it happens unconsciously, when a person meets another individual who unexpectedly bestows a major influence on their life and career path. Other times, people will consciously seek out a mentor who is the right fit for them. Whatever the case, the fact is the same: a mentor helps individuals discover their true potential, assists in molding the shape of their future vision, and provides practical guidance on how to make that vision a reality.