Why Seeking the Most Senior Mentor Could Be a Mistake
For those entering the professional world, choosing a mentor is often a daunting task. Many believe that the most senior individual is the best mentor, but this might not always be the case.
Asahi Pompey, who serves as the global head of the Office of Corporate Engagement at Goldman Sachs, offers a different perspective. She suggests that aspiring professionals might be focusing on the wrong criteria when selecting a workplace mentor.
“One mistake I think people make is that they tend to want the most senior sponsor and mentor. That’s not so great if that person doesn’t know you well, doesn’t know your work, and can’t really speak to it,” she told Business Insider.
Pompey highlights the common “trap” of seeking mentorship from the most renowned or successful figures, who may not have the bandwidth to provide meaningful mentorship.
“You need somebody who’s going to bang the table on your behalf, and that’s going to be someone who really knows the substance of your work and the value that you’re delivering,” Pompey added.
Goldman Sachs’ recent intern survey revealed that 84% of participants anticipate having a mentor in their new roles. Recently, the company has revamped its leadership, promoting 608 employees to managing director positions, with 70% hailing from revenue-generating sectors and 27% being women.
With nearly two decades at Goldman and as a partner since 2018, Pompey advises new managing directors to select mentees carefully. She also regularly reflects on whether she effectively supports her team’s talents.
In addition, some of Business Insider’s 2025 rising stars stress the power of early networking. They recommend avoiding positions based solely on prestige, instead opting for roles aligned with genuine interests.
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