Mentorship isn’t just a role; it’s a way of life.
It’s building a relationship founded on trust, which in turn allows mentees to flourish. Beyond just giving guidance, a mentor ignites a mentee’s growth journey, helping them get back up in times of difficulty while pushing them to reach greater heights.
For mentors at the Grasshopper Project, a common thread that pulled them towards this community is an urge to share their knowledge and help those journeying towards success in the health, wellness, and performance industries.
We interviewed some of the Grasshopper Project mentors to get to know what drives their commitment to mentorship and, in turn, become better individuals themselves. Hear their stories here:
Why did you choose to become a mentor? What drew you to this path?
Jordan Godfrey, S&C coach for Great Britain Basketball: I have had many incredible mentors in my life and career, and I can’t ever pay it back to them, so I am paying forward the experiences that I have had. I think the field of sports science can be very daunting, lonely and cutthroat at times, so the opportunity to support someone in their journey means a lot to me.
I have learned so much from people taking time out of their schedules and lives to answer my questions and point me in the right direction, so I feel a duty to do this for the next generation of professionals. I also love helping people, which I feel is an essential part of being a coach, so applying this approach to my athletes and other professionals is a natural progression.
Marc Drobenko, Athletic Trainer in Professional Sports: Through my own history of injury and love of sport. I love seeing others maximize their abilities and helping them achieve such levels of performance throughout the process. I also want to have an impact and help people.
Alexander Almonte, Physiotherapist for a college basketball team in the Philippines: I want to be able to pass it (learnings) on to the next generation, as I was mentored by great people, and become a mentor in my own way.
Monica Lorenzo, Athletic Trainer and Founder, Romofit: Mentorship is what has guided me to the success of my career. I believe sharing my passion for my profession and life will positively impact the future of my mentees.
Shane Besedick, Athletic trainer for the Los Angeles Lakers: I would not be where I am today if it weren’t for my mentors. I am in the service industry and enjoy helping others succeed.
What does it take to become a good mentor?
Marc Drobenko: Emotional intelligence. Active listening. Empathy. Not projecting your path, but assisting someone in finding their own.
Sinead Burns, Physiologist for the New York GAA, and I do manual therapy at Reload: To provide encouragement, support, and constructive feedback while helping mentees set clear and achievable goals. Continuous learning and a genuine desire to help others succeed are also essential qualities for a good mentor.
Monica Lorenzo: It takes effective communication to deliver the knowledge and expertise I have cultivated to a mentee. Inspiring the other to cultivate their own identity in their respective career. And inspiring my mentee by authentically practicing what I preach, lead by example and build a trust between each other.
Jordan Godfrey: Patience and a why. You need to have a strong reason for why you want to help the individual to be invested in their journey.
Ryan Chow, PT/CEO: To be involved and invested in the mentee. To spend enough time with them
Mentorship is a two-way street. The attitude of your mentee is also important in their personal journey to growth. What are the characteristics you are looking for in a mentee?
Sinead Burns: A good mentee is proactive in seeking opportunities for growth, takes initiative in their own development, and actively engages in the mentoring relationship. Additionally, a mentee should be respectful, open-minded, and willing to challenge their own beliefs and assumptions. Effective communication skills, honesty, and a strong work ethic are also important qualities in a mentee.
Pascual Guerrero, Physical Therapist and Athletic Trainer in professional sports: A drive/visión to become the best version of themselves, motivated, passionate about something.
Monica Lorenzo: Deep desire to learn about themselves in addition to learning about their professional skills. Open communication and humor.
Shane Besedick: Someone who is open, honest, accountable and passionate
Craig Liebenson, Chiropractor: Learn it all.
Carlos, Sports Science: Passion and determination.
What is your most fulfilling and memorable moment as a mentor?
Sinead Burns: Seeing our team win a junior all Ireland.
Monica Lorenzo: Proudly guiding an athletic trainer to begin their own business and watching them sustain and grow.
Shane Besedick: Witnessing a 10-year long mentee create waves and be a pioneer in her field (not health/wellness/performance).
Saskia Richter, Professor and health professions advisor: Watching my students walk across the graduation stage and head to their first job!
Ryan Chow: My mentee surpassing my accomplishments.
Carlos: When mentees become independent.
Like your mentees, you too have someone you look up to. What is the best tip you have received from your mentor?
Sinead Burns: One of the best tips I received from a mentor was to always stay curious and never stop learning. This advice highlighted the idea that learning is a lifelong journey and that staying curious allows for personal and professional growth. It taught me to embrace challenges, ask questions, and seek out opportunities for learning and development.
Marc Drobenko: “It takes discipline to follow your path.”
Monica Lorenzo: “You overestimate what you can do in a year, and underestimate what you can do in five. Dream big and stay the course.”
Shane Besedick: “Be quick, but don’t hurry.”
Craig Liebenson: Dr Lewit said: “Keep an open mind for new ideas even if they sometimes show what we thought or believed before was wrong.”
Saskia Richter: “There’s always a path if you search for it.”
Our mentors or gurus have helped us build an empowering and vibrant community at the Grasshopper Project, which also hosts events to allow participants to learn more and be inspired by other people’s stories.
If you’re facing a hurdle in your career path in health, wellness, and performance, you’ll surely find a mentor in the Grasshopper Project whose story and drive will resonate deeply with you.
We share your excitement at finally breaking new ground and reaching new heights in your own journey. Embrace this opportunity and join us on a transformative journey.