Thrive in Tech: Why You Need More Than One Mentor (and Sponsor)

One of the most common pieces of advice in career development is to “find a mentor.” And it’s good advice. Mentors can offer insight, share hard-earned wisdom, and help you navigate tricky decisions with more confidence. But here’s something we don’t talk about enough: you shouldn’t stop at just one.

The truth is, mentors retire. Sponsors get promoted. People change industries, move across the world, or sometimes just drift out of touch. Careers are long and winding, and no single person can (or should) be your only source of guidance along the way.

Instead, think of building a constellation of support—a mix of mentors, sponsors, coaches, and trusted peers who can walk different parts of your journey with you.

Some will be brilliant at helping you sharpen your technical edge. Others might teach you how to navigate power dynamics, lead with empathy, or handle burnout. Some will champion you behind closed doors. Others will quietly model what’s possible. Each relationship adds a new layer of insight, perspective, and support.

When I look back at my own career in tech and AI, I’m deeply grateful to every mentor who answered a late-night call, every sponsor who pulled me into a bigger opportunity, and every coach who held space for me to grow. Thank you to the many people who helped shape me. Your generosity and belief made a lasting difference.

That gratitude also fuels the work I do now through BloomShift, a career coaching practice that helps others build the same kind of meaningful, evolving support network. Whether you’re just starting out, seeking your next role, or recovering from burnout, BloomShift can help you connect to the right voices, tools, and community.

If you’ve been holding out for the perfect mentor, or feeling stuck because yours just left their role, here’s your reminder: you don’t need one perfect person. You need a few good people. Over time, they will change, and so will you.

Make space to meet new guides. Stay in touch with the ones who shaped you. And remember . . . you don’t have to do this alone.