For the longest time, I thought real business transformation came from big, dramatic shifts. The kind that happens when you find a high-level mentor, land the perfect opportunity, or have some genius breakthrough idea. I genuinely believed that I had to meet someone ten steps ahead of me to finally get the clarity I needed in my business. I waited for that person, hoped for that person, even chased that person at times. But nothing really changed.

Then something unexpected happened. I started having regular 121s with people already in my network. People are at a similar stage to me. Some were slightly ahead, some were just starting out, but all of them understood what it meant to be in the trenches. What began as casual check-ins soon became the most impactful conversations I’d had in a long time. These weren’t experts from afar telling me what to do. These were peers who were walking the same path.

Rethinking the Mentor Myth

We often romanticise the idea of a perfect mentor. Someone older, wiser, with all the answers. And yes, mentors like that can be incredibly valuable. But they’re also rare, and even when they exist, they might not always have the context to give advice that feels relevant. They’ve usually moved past the problems you’re still figuring out. Their insights, while valid, may feel disconnected from your day-to-day reality.

On the other hand, regular 121s with peers or people in your network bring a different kind of magic. They understand your business challenges not because they once experienced them years ago, but because they’re likely facing them right now. There’s a shared language, a mutual respect, and a real-time exchange of ideas. You’re not speaking to someone who has already figured it all out. You’re speaking to someone who’s figuring it out alongside you.

The Unexpected Power of Peer Support

Over time, these 121s do more than just provide fresh ideas. They build trust. They deepen relationships. They create space for collaboration. When someone understands what you do and how you think, they’re far more likely to refer you to others. Not because you asked, but because it feels natural. They’ve seen your passion. They believe in your work. And that belief is built not through pitches or presentations, but through real conversation.

Small Conversations, Big Shifts

In my own experience, every time I’ve felt stuck or overwhelmed, a 121 has helped unlock something new. Sometimes it’s a perspective shift. Sometimes it’s a connection. Sometimes it’s just a reminder that I’m not alone. The consistent practice of showing up, listening, and sharing without an agenda is what makes these interactions so powerful.

So if you’re still waiting for that one person to change your business, maybe start with the ones already around you. Reach out. Set up a 121. Go in with curiosity, not expectations. Because sometimes, all it takes is one conversation to change everything.

And often, that conversation starts with a simple, “Let’s connect.”