Ryan Morabito on Mentorship [Lessons in Leadership]

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In this insightful conversation, host Carrie sits down with Ryan Morabito to discuss the power of mentorship and how finding the right mentors can be a game-changer in leadership development. Ryan shares a strategic approach to mentorship, including his From-To framework and the 70-20-10 rule for professional growth. If you've ever struggled to identify the right mentors or wondered how to leverage mentorship effectively, this discussion is packed with actionable insights.

Key Takeaways

• Clarify your growth path with the From-To framework. Identify where you are today and where you want to be professionally to find mentors who align with your goals.
• Leverage the 70-20-10 rule for career development. 70% of growth comes from experience, 20% from professional relationships, and only 10% from formal education—mentors help bridge the experience gap.
• Surround yourself with mentors who have walked your path. Seek out individuals who have achieved what you aspire to and who can provide guidance on key experiences that will drive your progress.
• Be intentional about mentorship. Writing down your goals and identifying the right people to support your journey leads to more effective growth.

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How to Find and Leverage the Right Mentors

Step 1: Define Your Growth Trajectory with the From-To Statement

‍Ryan introduces the From-To framework, a structured way to assess your career path. Start by clearly defining:

• Where you are now (From): What is your current role, skill set, and professional identity?
• Where you want to go (To): What position, skills, or leadership level do you aspire to reach?

The more specific you are in defining these two points, the better your chances of finding the right mentor. Think of it like a GPS—if you don’t know your current location and destination, it’s difficult to navigate effectively.

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‍Step 2: Understand the 70-20-10 Rule of Professional Growth

‍Ryan highlights a crucial insight—formal education only accounts for 10% of professional development. Instead, career advancement is largely driven by:

• 70% hands-on experience: Real-world projects, challenges, and opportunities shape expertise.
• 20% professional relationships: Learning from peers, mentors, and leaders is key.
• 10% formal education: Degrees and certifications have value, but they aren’t the primary driver of growth.

With this in mind, the best mentors aren’t just those who give advice—they are the ones who help you find and create the right experiences to accelerate your learning.

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Step 3: Build a Network That Supports Your Journey

‍Once you’ve defined your From-To statement and understand where mentorship fits into your development, the next step is actively seeking out the right people. Consider:

• Mentors who have been where you want to go. Identify professionals who have successfully navigated a similar path.
• Diverse perspectives. Look beyond your immediate industry or role to gain new insights.
• A mix of formal and informal mentorship. Some mentors provide structured guidance, while others support you through casual conversations and shared experiences.

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Take Action: How to Start Finding the Right Mentors Today

1. Write down your From-To statement. Define your career trajectory in clear terms.
2. Assess your current network. Who can help guide you? Who do you need to connect with?
3. Reach out intentionally. Identify 2-3 potential mentors and start conversations about your goals.
4. Stay proactive. Follow up, seek feedback, and apply what you learn from your mentors in real-world experiences.

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Make sure to check out the full Lessons In Leadership Playlists today.

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‍About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Lessons In Leadership is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!  

Some of our favorites include Generation AI and Confessions of a Higher Education Social Media Manager.

Enrollify is produced by Element451 —  the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.

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