Unlocking Potential: Mentoring the Next Generation of Leaders and Innovators

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Tech Trajectory Podcast, host Chris Davies sits down with Alex Young to explore the transformative role of mentorship in leadership and career development. As a mentor, industry fellow, and innovation leader, Alex shares insights on fostering meaningful mentor-mentee relationships, the importance of self-awareness, and how mentoring can shape not only individual careers but also entire organisations.1. The power of mentorship in leadership[02:06] The best mentoring advice Alex ever received and why indirect guidance is often the most impactful.[03:16] Mentorship isn’t always formal—sometimes, the most valuable lessons come from small, casual conversations.[05:28] Why Alex dedicates time to mentoring and how it has shaped his perspective as a leader.2. Lessons from being both a mentor and a mentee[08:20] How Alex’s first mentor influenced his approach to leadership and ethical decision-making.[10:50] Why mentorship matters most at the start of a career—helping people who "don’t know what they don’t know."[14:43] The importance of vulnerability in leadership and how sharing failures fosters a culture of learning.3. The difference between mentorship and coaching[19:56] Coaching vs. mentoring: What’s the difference? Coaching is goal-driven, while mentoring is an open-ended journey.[23:08] What separates a great mentor from a good one—why real mentors care beyond structured sessions.[27:16] The best mentees are open-minded, proactive, and committed to applying what they learn.4. Future-proofing leadership in the age of AI[33:36] How AI is shifting the value of technical skills, and why leadership is about human connection, creativity, and vision.[36:33] Remote mentorship—how digital transformation has changed how we connect and learn.[37:49] Where to start if you want to become a mentor, from university programs to startup accelerators.5. The one piece of advice Alex would give his younger self[30:11] Say “yes” more often—how taking chances can shape your career in unexpected ways.[41:17] If mentorship could be summed up in one word, it would be "enriching"—for both mentor and mentee.Where to find Alex YoungLinkedIn: Alex YoungSubscribe & stay updated Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to The Tech Trajectory Podcast for more insights from the people shaping the future of technology.Follow us on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.