From A to Z: Mentoring quotes from inspiring leaders

We’re all aware of the benefits that come with mentorship. In fact, some of the most inspirational leaders of our time have had their lives and careers profoundly changed by receiving mentorship from others. To demonstrate this impact, we compiled a list of 20 powerful quotes about mentoring from a diverse group of leaders – from Maya Angelou to Ralph Waldo Emerson – listed in alphabetical order below.

20 inspiring quotes about mentoring

1. “The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches but to reveal to him his own.” – Benjamin Disraeli, Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

2. Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” – Benjamin Franklin, Founding Father of the United States

3. “A mentor is someone who sees more talent and ability within you, than you see in yourself, and helps bring it out of you.” – Bob Proctor, Author, Speaker, and Motivational Coach

4. “What I think the mentor gets is the great satisfaction of helping somebody along, helping somebody take advantage of an opportunity that maybe he or she did not have.” – Clint Eastwood, Actor, Film Director, and Producer

5. “Show me a successful individual and I’ll show you someone who had real positive influences in his or her life. I don’t care what you do for a living—if you do it well I’m sure there was someone cheering you on or showing the way. A mentor.” – Denzel Washington, Actor, Director, and Producer

6. “Every single opportunity we’re presented with gives us an opportunity to learn, grow, be inspired — and share that with others.” –* Gregory Wade, SVP of Strategic Partnerships at Trustonic*

7. “I’ve learned a lot from mentors who were instrumental in shaping me, and I want to share what I’ve learned.” – Herbie Hancock, Pianist, Composer, and Actor

8. “If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” – Isaac Newton, Physicist, Mathematician, and Astronomer

9. “My most valued mentor…taught me that failing didn’t equate to failure, it just meant you had another shot at getting it right.” – Jennifer Hedding, VP and HR Business Partner at Northwestern Mutual