Text & Photos by Anastasia Casey, Photographer & Business Mentor
Whether you’re launching a handmade product line, starting to offer services, or making a mid-career shift, having someone guide you can make a world of difference.
A mentor does more than provide guidance—they recognise your potential, challenge your thinking and offer strength when self-doubt creeps in.
As a business mentor and entrepreneur, I view mentorship as an intuitive and meaningful connection.
It’s not just about sharing knowledge; it’s about aligning values, being present and fostering supportive energy. I often tell my mentees, “My role isn’t to hand you the answers, but to help you ask the right questions.”
And yes, there are times when I push my mentees out of their comfort zones—that’s where new perspectives emerge and real growth in business begins.
Two Approaches, One Purpose
Mentorship is not one-size-fits-all. Business mentor Sari ‘Awwad offers a practical, strategic approach that differs from my more intuitive style. He describes the mentor-mentee relationship as “purposeful, structured and results-driven.”
Intentional, Strategic & Focused
“For middle-aged professionals stepping into entrepreneurship, the road can be both exciting and uncertain,” says ‘Awwad. One of the most powerful yet underutilised tools in this journey is mentorship.
In the Middle East, the idea of structured business mentoring is still developing. While informal advice has long existed, he explains that in family-run businesses, a new wave of mentorship is emerging—intentional, strategic and focused on real business results.
“From my experience coaching entrepreneurs and building businesses across regions, I’ve seen how a mentor can offer clarity,” notes ‘Awwad. This, he adds, challenges your thinking and accelerates growth—especially when it comes to building strong brands and sustainable systems.
How to Find the Right Mentor
To make the most out of a mentorship experience, start by clearly identifying what kind of guidance you need—whether it’s related to branding, or scaling your business.
Once you’re clear on your goals, look for a mentor whose values and approach to business aligns with yours.
Do your homework by researching your mentor’s background, achievements and areas of expertise.
When reaching out, be respectful and intentional—briefly explain why you admire their work and what you hope to gain from the relationship.
Remember, mentorship is a two-way street, so think about how you can add value in return, whether by offering support, sharing feedback, or simply being a dedicated mentee.
Stay open-minded and coachable; consistently show up, take action and apply the advice you receive.
Lastly, take time to evaluate the relationship’s progress and impact and “don’t be afraid to make adjustments if necessary to ensure it continues serving your growth,” advises ‘Awwad.
Life Coach or Business Mentor?
Maybe you need a life coach and not a business mentor right now? Are you seeking for the expert from your industry to learn more about your type of products or do you need someone experienced in building a business?
Does this person inspire you? Can they challenge you in a supportive way? Do your values align? Sometimes, the ideal mentor isn’t even in your industry—but they share your vision at a deeper level.
A Healthy Mentorship
To find out if you made the right choice in choosing your mentor, consider the following:
Mutual respect: Do both sides value each other’s time and insights?
Constructive feedback: A mentor should address your blind spots with care
Action and reflection: You apply the advice and evaluate the results
Confidence building: The relationship fosters independence, not dependence
Business Growth
For small business owners, especially first-timers, mentorship accelerates growth, helps avoid common missteps and unlocks new opportunities.
A mentor can help refine your business idea, navigate challenges and build your confidence.
Once the relationship begins, show up consistently. Set clear goals, take notes, act on feedback, and share your progress. Mentorship is not about taking—it’s about growing together.
A Growing Concept with Growing Value
In many parts of the Middle East, mentorship is still gaining traction. We are gradually moving beyond informal, tradition-based advice towards more structured and intentional support.
This evolution blends strategic thinking with creative exchange and opens the door for something even more impactful: community-driven mentorship.
By joining business networks, small business owners can become mentors to each other—sharing knowledge, offering support and learning together.
These peer-to-peer connections foster safe, inspiring spaces where entrepreneurs can grow, collaborate and thrive.
Both ‘Awwad’s approach and mine may differ in tone—his more structured, mine more intuitive—but both share the same mission: helping others rise.
Whether you’re seeking clarity, systems, or creative courage, the right mentor is out there. And when you find them, the path forward gets brighter.
You can reach out to Anastasia Casey at [email protected]
