In this episode of The Art and Science of Complex Sales, Paul Fuller welcomes Colleen Stanley, sales leadership expert and author, to discuss her latest book Be the Mentor Who Mattered. Colleen shares why mentorship has never been more relevant and how small, intentional moments can create lifelong impact.

Together, they explore the modern challenges to building community in the workplace, the power of mentor intelligence, and how leaders can shift from being task-driven to truly people-focused. With personal stories and practical takeaways, this conversation serves as both a call to action and a guide for becoming the kind of mentor that changes lives.

The Perfect Storm for Mentorship (03:40)

Colleen outlines three major shifts: the breakdown of community, the unintended consequences of social media, and the unrelenting pace of change, all of which are increasing the need for mentorship. She explains how remote work and hyperconnectivity have eroded meaningful connection and argues that mentorship is the antidote to a society that has become hurried and self-absorbed.

Moments That Matter (10:24)

Sharing stories from her book, Colleen emphasizes that mentorship doesn’t require a formal program or a famous background. She recounts how her mentor supported her during a period of self-doubt and how simple acts of paying attention can leave lasting impressions. These mentor moments often happen informally, in conversations, reviews, or small gestures, and they can shape entire careers.

Making Mentorship Practical (14:28)

Colleen stresses that anyone can be a mentor and offers tips to make mentorship manageable. From integrating it into daily routines to rethinking how we define mentorship, she advocates for a culture where supporting others is seen as a natural part of leadership. Her goal is to make mentorship less about structure and more about presence, awareness, and generosity of spirit.