At every turning point in my life, someone has helped me see what was possible. Sometimes it was a coach. Other times, it was a teammate, a family member, or someone I met through work. Regardless of who it was, their presence gave me clarity when I was navigating change.
That’s the entire goal of mentorship.
It doesn’t mean a mentor will directly give you the answers, but they will provide perspective. It gives you a space to think through where you are and where you might want to go next.
Transitions Are a Natural Part of Growth
At some point, we all step into something new. Maybe you’re moving into a different role, wrapping up a long chapter, or realizing your priorities or values have shifted.
For me, that happened when I left professional basketball.
Even though I had prepared for that moment, the transition still came with uncertainty. I didn’t have everything mapped out, but I had something just as valuable: people who encouraged me to explore what was next.
They reminded me that I wasn’t starting over. I was building on what I had already learned with room to keep growing.
What helped me during my transition out of professional basketball:
- I asked questions early. Even before I stopped playing basketball, I was thinking about what might come next.
- I stayed open. I didn’t force a plan; I explored possibilities.
- I had people I could talk to. Mentors helped me think beyond the game.
Mentorship Helps You Think Beyond the Now
You don’t need to have everything figured out to move forward. Sometimes all you need is one simple conversation.
A mentor who asks you the right question at the right time. Someone who helps you consider options you hadn’t thought about yet or encourages you to revisit a part of yourself you set aside.
That kind of guidance made a difference for me. It gave me the confidence to explore new spaces – education, business, leadership – even before I felt completely ready.
I’ve seen the same thing happen for others, too. Athletes like Grant Hill, Maya Moore, and Venus Williams, all of them transitioned into meaningful second and third careers, not by accident, but because they stayed open. And they had people around them who supported that evolution.
Good mentors do a few key things:
- Ask questions that spark self-reflection
- Encourage you to explore new paths
- Remind you that uncertainty is part of the process
You Don’t Need to Wait Until You Have a Plan
One thing I try to tell young people, especially students or athletes, is that you don’t have to wait for a big moment to start thinking about your future.
You can explore while you’re still in motion.
When I was playing, I asked questions. I paid attention to what I enjoyed outside of the game. I watched how leaders carried themselves in rooms beyond basketball. That awareness helped me when it was time to make a shift.
Mentorship plays a role there too.
It’s often what nudges you to take that first step to have the conversation, to shadow someone, to try something new.
And later, it’s what reminds you that uncertainty isn’t a sign you’re lost, it’s part of the process.
If you’re in a season of stability or success, use that time to:
- Pay attention to what energizes you outside your current role
- Ask questions about industries, opportunities, and new ideas
- Build relationships with people doing meaningful work
Passing It On
Over time, I’ve tried to be that kind of support for others.
Mentorship isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about listening. Encouraging. Reflecting back what someone may not yet see in themselves.
If you’re in a transition right now, whether personal or professional, I encourage you to reach out to someone who can offer perspective. Not necessarily to tell you what to do, but to help you think more clearly about where you’re headed.
And if you’ve been through a few transitions yourself, consider how you can show up for someone else.
The support we give and receive during these moments can shape what comes next, for us and for the people around us.
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