The document discusses the necessity of mentorship for founders, emphasizing both the potential benefits and pitfalls of seeking guidance. It warns against falling into the 'mentor trap' where reliance on advice can weaken decision-making and innovation. It also provides insights on how to find the right mentors, manage advisors effectively, and the importance of maintaining relationships in business.

1. DO YOU REALLY NEED A
MENTOR AS A FOUNDER?
Chișinău, Moldova | 27.04.2018 | #ROCKIT
Borys Musielak

2. WHO AM I?
Serial entrepreneur
Community builder
Early-stage investor

3. DO FOUNDERS NEED
MENTORS?
Chișinău, Moldova | 27.04.2018 | #ROCKIT

4. “If you ask any
successful business
person, they will
always have had a
great mentor at
some point along the
road.”

5. Never had a mentor.
Still argues that
“it’s good to
solicit feedback,
particularly
negative feedback.”

6. “THE MENTOR TRAP”https://www.forbes.com/sites/groupthink/2014/03/17/why-you-shouldnt-look-for-mentors
By Bobby Campbell
Chișinău, Moldova | 27.04.2018 | #ROCKIT

7. weakens your decision-making
Chișinău, Moldova | 27.04.2018 | #ROCKIT

8. weakens your decision-making
well intentioned, but not well
informed advice
Chișinău, Moldova | 27.04.2018 | #ROCKIT

9. weakens your decision-making
well intentioned, but not well informed advice
recycled ideas that kill
innovation
Chișinău, Moldova | 27.04.2018 | #ROCKIT

10. SO, DO YOUNEED
A MENTOR?
Chișinău, Moldova | 27.04.2018 | #ROCKIT

11. do you know everything about
your business?
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12. do you know everything about your business?
do you have all the skills?
Chișinău, Moldova | 27.04.2018 | #ROCKIT

13. do you know everything about your business?
do you have all the required skills?
do you know everybody who
can help you succeed?
Chișinău, Moldova | 27.04.2018 | #ROCKIT

14. HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT
MENTORS?
Chișinău, Moldova | 27.04.2018 | #ROCKIT

15. the right skills & network
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16. people with the right skills & network
who truly believe in you
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17. people with the right skills & network
who truly believe in you
who you truly admire
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18. HOW TO CONVINCE A
MENTOR TO JOIN AS AN
ADVISOR?
Chișinău, Moldova | 27.04.2018 | #ROCKIT

19. do your homework
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20. do your homework
know what you want
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21. do your homework
know what you want
provide value
Chișinău, Moldova | 27.04.2018 | #ROCKIT

22. WHAT DO ADVISORS
ACTUALLY DO?
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23. provide feedback
Chișinău, Moldova | 27.04.2018 | #ROCKIT

24. provide feedback
introduce you to their network
Chișinău, Moldova | 27.04.2018 | #ROCKIT

25. provide feedback
introduce you to their network
give mental support
Chișinău, Moldova | 27.04.2018 | #ROCKIT

26. provide feedback
introduce you to their network
give mental support
give perspective
Chișinău, Moldova | 27.04.2018 | #ROCKIT

27. BUSINESS vs INDUSTRY
ADVISORS
Chișinău, Moldova | 27.04.2018 | #ROCKIT

28. Chris Kowalczyk
Venture Capitalist
Connector
Helped me raise funding
Invested in my next round

29. Mark de Quervain
VP Marketing @ Vue
Cinema industry expert
Helped me close key deals

30. HOW TO MANAGE
ADVISORS?
Chișinău, Moldova | 27.04.2018 | #ROCKIT

31. agree on responsibilities
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32. agree on responsibilities
frequent communication
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33. agree on responsibilities
frequent communication
regular meetings
Chișinău, Moldova | 27.04.2018 | #ROCKIT

34. agree on responsibilities
frequent communication
regular meetings
full transparency
Chișinău, Moldova | 27.04.2018 | #ROCKIT

35. HOW TO COMPENSATE
ADVISORS?
Chișinău, Moldova | 27.04.2018 | #ROCKIT

36. 1­-2% stake depending on the
stage and their role
Chișinău, Moldova | 27.04.2018 | #ROCKIT

37. 1­-2% stake depending on the stage and their role
never compensate advisors
with money!
Chișinău, Moldova | 27.04.2018 | #ROCKIT

38. one final thought...
Chișinău, Moldova | 27.04.2018 | #ROCKIT

39. THE MORE PEOPLE YOU
MEET THE MORE PEOPLE
CAN HELP YOU
Chișinău, Moldova | 27.04.2018 | #ROCKIT

40. “THE MORE PEOPLE YOU
MEET THE MORE PEOPLE
CAN HELP YOU”
Paolo Coehlo
Chișinău, Moldova | 27.04.2018 | #ROCKIT

41. STAY IN TOUCH!
mailto:borys@reaktorwarsaw.com
twitter.com/michuk
linkedin.com/in/musielak