Mentors


VMSA provides an opportunity for business leaders to give back through an enriching and rewarding mentorship experience. VMSA Mentors are driven by seeing others succeed and want to build the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders by helping them unlock their own potential.

In addition to supporting local entrepreneurs, the team mentorship model allows Mentors to learn from one-another; growing and developing their own coaching and mentorship skills in the process.

All VMSA Mentors receive best-in-class mentorship and coaching training.

A COACHING APPROACH

To Mentorship

COACH

A coach guides, asks questions, and focuses on helping the individual achieve their highest potential. Coaches focus on asking the right questions that can challenge, inspire, or liberate an entrepreneur, but keeps the decision-making with the Mentee.

ADVISOR

An advisor provides direction, advice, and problem solving often around specific business challenges. Advisors usually have focus areas where they have grown their specific knowledge and offer direct solutions.

VMSA Mentors take a coaching approach to mentorship.

We do not advise mentees on how to run their business, but rather ask the right questions that help mentees think deeper about themselves and their growth. We ask the questions that help people see things with perspective they may not have considered, and that drive people to come to their own conclusions and solve their own problems.

The coaching approach keeps the ownership of the strategy and decision-making with the mentee. We believe this develops deeper strategic thinking within the entrepreneur.

Like any skill, coaching takes training and practice. All VMSA Mentors are provided with high-level coaching training, giving them the tools and frameworks needed to have effective coaching conversations.

- MENTOR -

Is a title earned through a relationship built on openness and trust. All our volunteers have earned this title. A Mentor is not a paid position nor does the individual have any vested interest in the venture, ensuring there is absolutely no conflict of interest present in the relationship. A Mentor will use the tools of coaching, advising, and instructing to assist a mentee.

“I have received great value in the learnings from my mentees and co-mentors. This has been an unexpected benefit of mentoring with VMSA”

Brian Donaldson

Looking back on my own career, being a leader was often a lonely experience. VMSA has given me the opportunity to support the next generation of entrepreneurs, and work alongside them as they become stronger, more sustainable leaders within our community. It's an incredible privilege to help founders grow into the best leaders they can be.

Stephanie Wright

Volunteering as Mentor has been a highly rewarding experience for me to accompany an entrepreneur on their journey while they grow their business and develop their leadership. I particularly like the team mentorship approach as it fosters good discussions and broader perspectives. The coaching received from the VMSA program not only helps me be a better Mentor, I have also seen its impact in my personal life.

Johanne Audet

Think you know someone who would be a great Mentor?

Mentor FAQ

Our Mentors

We are committed to developing the next level of entrepreneurs

~ Pierre Doyon