Ram Udgaer Yadab’s Post

Here’s a stat that EVERY small business owner needs to know: A recent study found that 92% of small business owners concur that mentors directly affect their ability to grow. That number doesn’t surprise me one bit. Over the last 14 years, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it is to have a mentor or advisor in my corner. These relationships have not only helped me navigate challenges in my business but have also helped fuel my growth and success, including scaling revenue year after year, and knowing when to walk away and cut my losses. The right mentor could be the difference between feeling stuck at your current level of business leadership and making your next big stride forward. So, what should you look for in a mentor to support you along your journey? They should have these three qualities👇 1️⃣They have life experience. Seek out mentors who are a little older, have lived through multiple different economies and seasons of life. There is a certain wisdom that comes with life experience and the ability to weather different types of economies. 2️⃣They have had serious success in their industry. A good mentor should know what it takes to win big in their industry and have a proven track record of success. Ideally, they would have multiple successes and a range of experiences to advise from. 3️⃣They have had massive failures. I know – this one might shock you 😂 However, when you look for a mentor, you should be searching for someone who has experience with big wins and losses. The ability to recover and build something significant after failure, says a lot about someone’s mental toughness and ability to learn and adapt. If they’ve only experienced success, they are likely not being honest OR they have a very limited skill set. People who have not failed big view challenges through a filtered lens and with a limited perspective or resilience skill set to be able to advise others. The combination of these 3 qualities creates a mentor who can guide you with real-world insights and balanced advice — because they understand the full spectrum of what it takes to truly build and grow a business and have a lite. These types of mentors are the people I surround myself with to ensure I have the mindset to weather any storm on my growth journey, both professionally and personally. Tag and shout out the mentors who’ve made a difference on your business journey below! #KaseyDamatoCoaching #womeninbusiness #businessmentors

The Anti-Mentor: Lessons from How Not to Lead They say anyone can learn from their own mistakes, but it takes a special skill to learn from the mistakes of others. Throughout my life, I’ve had the privilege of holding leadership roles and learning from extraordinary individuals—some who excelled at inspiring others, and others who, unintentionally, taught me what not to do. From playing football at the University of California, Berkeley, to serving as a Special Forces soldier with the 1st Special Forces Group, to founding and scaling a start-up, I’ve been immersed in leadership environments where results matter, and relationships are essential. At each stage, I’ve worked alongside different types of leaders—those with paper titles and those with authentic, hard-earned influence. In my time leading new business ventures, heading large projects, and managing cross-functional teams, I’ve encountered anti-mentors who shaped my thinking just as much as exceptional leaders. I remember navigating a project where micromanagement ground progress to a halt. That experience taught me the importance of trust—if you hire talented people, give them the space to thrive. In another situation, I witnessed how unclear communication led to costly missteps, reinforcing the necessity of transparent, concise messaging. As I connect with more people across industries, I see how critical it is to absorb lessons from every leader. Some of the most valuable insights don’t come from success stories, but from observing failures and reflecting on how I would handle things differently. True leadership is a continuous process of adaptation, learning from those around us—whether they hold lofty titles or are simply individuals who cross our paths at the right moment. The real value of an anti-mentor lies in the clarity they provide: they help us understand not just what leadership is, but what it isn’t. That awareness pushes me to approach each interaction with curiosity, always asking: What can I learn here? Don’t wait for your own mistakes to teach you. Pay attention to what isn’t working around you—there’s always a valuable lesson in someone else’s missteps. What’s one lesson you’ve learned from observing how not to do things? Let’s swap stories. #LeadershipLessons #BusinessGrowth #AntiMentor #ProfessionalDevelopment #TrustAndCommunication #LessonsInFailure #Adaptability #TeamBuilding #Entrepreneurship #BusinessStrategy #MilitaryLeadership #ContinuousLearning #CollaborationMatters

#1. A mentor’s guidance helps you avoid costly mistakes and navigate firm dynamics faster, allowing you to focus on growth rather than learning everything through trial and error. #2. Mentors who’ve made partner know the firm's unspoken expectations and unwritten rules. They can provide insights into what really matters in partner evaluations. #3. Working with a senior mentor gives you a broader view of the firm's goals and challenges, helping you align your work with strategic priorities—an essential skill for future partners.   #4. Your mentor can connect you with influential stakeholders and decision-makers within the firm, opening doors to opportunities and helping you build the relationships needed to rise.   #5. In the Big 4’s competitive environment, candid feedback is rare. A mentor offers the constructive criticism you need to grow, particularly in areas you may not even realize are holding you back.   #6. Aspiring partners must lead teams, manage clients, and influence others. A mentor helps refine your leadership style and offers advice on managing people, clients, and difficult situations.   #7. Politics are unavoidable in any large firm. A mentor can guide you on how to navigate power structures, avoid missteps, and build alliances that support your career trajectory.   #8. Mentorship is a two-way street. While mentors guide you, they also benefit from the relationship by staying connected to emerging talent and new ideas. Don’t hesitate to share your insights, and be proactive in the mentorship relationship.   #9. A good mentor challenges you to take on roles or projects that push your boundaries, helping you build the resilience, adaptability, and skills necessary for partnership.   #10. Not all mentors are a good fit. Finding the right mentor requires intentionality—look for someone whose values, leadership style, and career path align with your aspirations, and who is genuinely invested in your growth.

“Academic to Corporate”: A Guide to Overcome Key Challenges The transition from academia to the corporate world often presents significant challenges due to differing expectations, work cultures, and skill requirements. Here's a breakdown of the key areas to focus on: 1. Finding the Right Direction Choosing the right path in your career is crucial. Whether you decide to work for someone or become your boss, both options offer valuable opportunities for growth and success. ✳️ If You Choose to Work for Someone : →Learn from Mentors: Gain valuable experience and skills from seasoned leaders. →Career Growth: Focus on skill development and climbing the corporate ladder with clear goals. ✳️ If You Choose to Be Your Boss: → Entrepreneurship: Take the lead, innovate, and build something unique. → Leadership Development: Invest in your leadership growth and execute your vision effectively. 2. Finding the Right People →Positive Surroundings: Surround yourself with supportive and positive people to boost your productivity and overall well-being. →Network: Attend industry events, conferences, and online forums, and connect with alumni who’ve transitioned. →Leverage Social Media: Connect with professionals on LinkedIn. →Job Boards: Use online platforms to discover new opportunities. 3. Maximising Capabilities with Limited Resources →Prioritise Tasks →Learn New Skills →Time Management →Be Resourceful 4. Tasting Success and Maintaining It Throughout the Journey Achieve initial victories and sustain long-term success through consistent effort and ongoing improvement. → Set Clear Goals → Acknowledge Achievements → Learn from Failures → Be Adaptable 5. Balancing Personal and Professional Life →Time Management: Create a schedule for work and personal commitments. →Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal time. →Self-Care: Prioritise your physical and mental well-being. →Support Systems: Build a strong support network of friends and family. By following these steps and continuously adapting to the changing corporate landscape, you can successfully bridge the gap between academia and the corporate world and achieve your career goals. Stay ahead by continuously learning about industry trends, build strong connections with professionals, stay persistent through challenges, and actively seek feedback from mentors and peers. Keep pushing forward—success is a journey, not a destination! 🚀⭐ #ProfessionalGrowth #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #CareerAdvice #WorkLifeBalance #SuccessMindset #Mentorship #TimeManagement #ResourceManagement #WorkCulture #StartupLife #Productivity #CareerTransition

Prospective clients often say to me that they’ve already had some coaching but haven't made all the changes they'd wanted. I can appreciate that as I've been in the same situation myself. Back when I was employed, I hired a coach. I remember sharing that I was fed up with... 🔸 Worrying about what I'd said or done (or had to say or do) 🔸 Second guessing myself, which meant I wasn't moving forward with enough conviction 🔸Working too late into the night (which I realise now was because I was allowing myself to get distracted and not getting to strategic projects... Procrastination) The coaches advice was "to stop worrying about things and getting distracted" I was trying but I didn't know how to stop 🤯 I've since realised that most coaches don't know how to really help business leaders to change these "patterned behaviours" Whilst standard coaching helps gain insight and knowledge. Knowing what to do is not the same as being able to do it. To give a practical example.... If you discuss how to influence people, you'd get some great strategies to try from standard coaching. But if you show up in those situations feeling nervous and thinking there's a good chance you won't succeed. It's going to be hard to influence. And there's a high possibility you won't That's why the coaching support I offer is different. I help clients to break unhelpful patterns of behaviour. So they stop wasting time and energy on things that don't move them forward. And achieve their goals faster without working harder. #entrepreneurship #leadership #engineering #technology

Prospective clients often say to me that they’ve already had some coaching but haven't made all the changes they'd wanted. I can appreciate that as I've been in the same situation myself. Back when I was employed, I hired a coach. I remember sharing that I was fed up with... 🔸 Worrying about what I'd said or done (or had to say or do) 🔸 Second guessing myself, which meant I wasn't moving forward with enough conviction 🔸Working too late into the night (which I realise now was because I was allowing myself to get distracted and not getting to strategic projects... Procrastination) The coaches advice was "to stop worrying about things and getting distracted" I was trying but I didn't know how to stop 🤯 I've since realised that most coaches don't know how to really help business leaders to change these "patterned behaviours" Whilst standard coaching helps gain insight and knowledge. Knowing what to do is not the same as being able to do it. To give a practical example.... If you discuss how to influence people, you'd get some great strategies to try from standard coaching. But if you show up in those situations feeling nervous and thinking there's a good chance you won't succeed. It's going to be hard to influence. And there's a high possibility you won't That's why the coaching support I offer is different. I help clients to break unhelpful patterns of behaviour. So they stop wasting time and energy on things that don't move them forward. And achieve their goals faster without working harder. #entrepreneurship #leadership #engineering #technology

In the fast-paced world of executive leadership, it's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day and forget the importance of continuous learning. But I'm here to tell you that investing in your education can be a game-changer. Recently, I embarked on a Master of Management Innovation and Entrepreneurship program, and it's been a truly transformative experience. Diving deep into innovation, strategy, and entrepreneurship has opened my eyes to new approaches for fostering work-life harmony and enhancing executive career trajectories. Here's what I'm most excited about: - Fresh Perspectives: The program is challenging me to think outside the box and approach leadership with a renewed sense of creativity and strategic thinking. - Actionable Insights: I'm gaining cutting-edge knowledge that I can directly apply to my coaching practice, helping my clients achieve greater success. - Real-World Application: I'm eager to share these insights with you, translating academic theory into practical strategies for professional growth and personal well-being. This journey is a reminder that learning is a lifelong process. By continuously investing in our education, we can stay ahead of the curve, unlock new possibilities, and redefine what it means to achieve excellence in all areas of our lives. #Careers ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ #leadership ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ #mentalhealth ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ #entrepreneurship ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ #PersonalDevelopment⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ #coaching⁣

Becoming a leader, not just a manager, is one of the hardest transformations you’ll make. Here’s what most people don’t tell you about leading as a young entrepreneur. Being “the boss” is one thing; real leadership is a whole different game. At first, it was tempting to stick with just managing tasks and making decisions. But I quickly realized that true growth — for me and for my team — only happens when I step up as a leader. Here are some things I’ve learned on this journey to becoming a “leader” at 20: 1 → It’s not just about telling people what to do. Inspiring others means sharing a vision that they genuinely want to be part of. When people buy into a vision, the whole team moves forward. 2 → Age doesn’t define ability, but humility is key. As a young leader, I’ve had to balance confidence with openness to learn. Listening to my team and mentors has been my greatest tool. 3 → Real leadership means helping others shine. It’s not about doing everything myself; it’s about empowering others to step up, grow, and reach their potential. The team’s growth is a measure of my success. 4 → Leadership is about keeping calm when it counts. At this age, I’m learning to stay grounded, especially when things get intense. Being a steady hand reassures everyone. 5 → Vulnerability builds trust. Showing my team that I’m learning and growing too creates a safe space for them to do the same. We’re all in it together. Leading a team as a young entrepreneur isn’t easy, but every challenge is a chance to grow — for me and my team. What’s one lesson you’ve learned as a leader so far?🤔

Let me tell you a story about altMBA, but first a reminder: this upcoming session (4/22 to 5/23) will be our last, ever. Doors close Sunday, April 14th. – In 2020, mid-pandemic, I stepped up from collaborator to CEO of the business. I thought my years of reading and Seth Godin's world class mentorship had prepared me. But once I felt the weight of those big decisions, the payroll, the culture... It was too heavy. It started to impact my performance. My prior skills weren't the ones I needed to lead people, and I was stuck in a "what got you here, won’t get you there” problem. And all the while, the bottom line depended on my leadership. Can you relate? Like me, our students are often promoted into leadership positions or they’re successful founders who’ve made their first hires. That's why the relief I see on their faces makes sense. In the workshop they finally find peers on the same journey, and tools that work. Over the years, we’ve learned that our “secret sauce” is how we build the cohort. Because who you surround yourself with makes all the difference. You’ll be on this journey with a cohort of like-minded people, all looking to level up, just like you. You’ll develop relationships with people from around the world working in a diverse set of industries and roles. You’ll work in a safe space and have the support of coaches who know exactly how to help you get the most out of your sprint. Think of them like a trainer at the gym, but for your leadership skills. Between the coaches and your peers, you will give and receive more high-quality feedback from proven professionals invested in your growth than you’ve probably exchanged in the past five years. Condense it all down into 31 days, and you start to see how transformational this process can be. My own breakthrough came when I accepted a tough truth: my work was no longer about what I accomplished, but what I helped my team achieve. Helping others win instead of taking all the wins myself, I became more coach, less player. That mindset shift was huge for a longtime individual contributor like me. I had to embrace new habits, new ways of tackling problems. The sobering reality was that I needed to improve my communication skills. That was the “hard part” which success hinged on. I needed to learn how to deeply listen, understand each person’s motivations, and tailor my communication to persuade and inspire. I'm an operator who loves to make things, but along the way I learned to love leadership. And it turns out, when leadership doesn't feel heavy, it’s intensely rewarding. I feel inspired by what I learn from my team, joy in not being alone, satisfaction in solving difficult and important problems, and perhaps most of all—gratitude for the opportunity to build lasting relationships with incredible people. In this case, Amir Harvey Bazrafshan, who wrote this piece with me. The very last session of altMBA is starting soon… It just might be for you.

How important is it that training and development be done in companies?