Men Need to Step up and Mentor Younger Generations

Mentorship can seem daunting, with people assuming they’re unqualified to guide anyone else—maybe because their own lives aren't always in order. That hesitation helps explain why so few people have mentors right now, despite the overwhelming evidence that suggests young people benefit from mentorship, whether it's in the workplace or in their personal lives. What most people don't realize: mentorship isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about showing up. Coaching a kids’ sports team, meeting with a younger colleague at work, or offering peer support—all these things help drive success among younger generations. Workplace mentorship is linked to better retention and advancement, while youth mentorship has measurable effects on confidence, opportunity, and long-term outcomes. So why do so few people volunteer—especially midlife men? We dig in on this week's episode of The Midlife Guys.