About VM Mentors
Why mentorship matters
Interview by
Shivani Vora, journalist
In conversation with
Vikesh Mahendroo, founder
Let’s start with the obvious: What is VM Mentors?
VM Mentors is a free service offered globally to individuals who are focused on success in their careers.
Who is it for?
For mid-career to senior professionals working to be more effective, or those dealing with a transition or special challenge—basically a wide range of individuals.
At what stage in your career do you think mentorship can be most valuable?
Mentorship can help at every stage, but it is most effective when you are establishing your leadership brand or style—so mid-career or first major leadership role.
How has mentorship shaped your own career? Were there mentors who had a particularly meaningful impact on you?
I was blessed to have great mentors—a regional governor in India, my first boss at Mercer, a senior consultant who took me under his wing, the global CEO of Mercer, and the board chair of the firm I led. They all helped in different ways. Peter Coster, CEO of Mercer for over 15 years, had the most wide-ranging impact on my career and performance—he gave me sound counsel, let me make my own mistakes as I took on different challenges, and had my back through all of it.
Why did you decide to start mentoring people at this point in your career?
I have worked in various leadership capacities over more than five decades and have benefited from mentoring myself. In recent years, I found myself helping more than a handful of people who are going through transitions or wanting to make an impact in their new leadership roles. I am not talking about formal coaching engagements or extensive organizational studies—just practical advice based on my long and varied experience, a sort of personal lens on professional growth. Joint problem solving as a way to learn and grow.
You’ve spent more than four decades building and leading businesses. What do you think that experience allows you to bring to a mentoring relationship?
I have seen so many different situations over that time. I have faced challenges, succeeded at some, and failed at others. I bring real practical experience to the table—not theories, books, or fancy models. I can work with professionals to do some joint thinking and problem solving.
You’re offering your time and mentorship at no charge. Why was that important to you?
I wanted the focus to be on helping with professional challenges, not on making money. Helping others and seeing them succeed would be vastly more satisfying than getting paid at this stage in my life.
What do you look for in someone you mentor?
Someone who is serious about their growth as a professional and leader, and who is committed to putting in the time and effort to make that happen.