Performance strategist Niyi Adesanya has challenged the common practice of describing authors and motivational speakers as mentors simply because people read their books or listen to their teachings.
Adesanya argues that reading someone’s work makes the person an instructor rather than a mentor, insisting that genuine mentorship requires a direct relationship, communication and personal involvement.
“A lot of people say, ‘I read his book, he’s my mentor because I read this.’ No, no, no. He’s your instructor. He’s not your mentor,” he said.
Speaking on the Masterminds podcast, the strategist explained that mentorship involves more than receiving information from an experienced person. In his view, a mentor should provide guidance, maintain communication with the mentee and help create opportunities for their development.
He described mentorship as a relationship built on proximity and active involvement, where the experienced person takes an interest in the mentee’s progress.
Adesanya also argued that a business mentor should be willing to support the mentee beyond offering advice, including helping them navigate professional challenges and access opportunities.
“The person has to be able to open doors for you,” he said, adding that a mentor should also be able to intervene when the mentee faces opposition.
He further stressed that mentorship should involve two-way communication rather than a one-sided relationship in which someone simply consumes another person’s content.
His position places emphasis on the practical value of mentorship, distinguishing it from learning through books, videos and other materials without direct engagement with the person being studied.
