Daniel Thompson, risk leader at Kapitus Equipment Finance, begins every mentoring relationship by getting to know the individual on a personal level. He learns about their background, including where they live, their hobbies and their family, then applies that understanding to what they hope to accomplish professionally.

“The most fulfilling part of being a mentor is developing a personal relationship with someone new where you can exchange ideas, learn together and help each other grow both personally and professionally,” Thompson says.

Thompson’s approach has helped drive both personal growth and career advancement for the people he mentors. For example, while mentoring an employee through a nine-month training program, he helped her set specific goals toward taking on new responsibilities. She ultimately advanced from branch manager to district manager, with retail and commercial responsibilities.