Sam Hirbod – Meet the Mentor

Why did you decide to become a mentor?

I decided to become a mentor because I’ve seen how powerful it can be to have someone help you make sense of where you are and where you want to go. Throughout my career, I’ve met many high-performing people who weren’t struggling with ability but with direction. They had the drive but needed clarity and structure. Mentoring lets me help people find that clarity faster, uncover blind spots, and move toward meaningful change. I’ve also been fortunate to have great mentors myself, and mentoring gives me a way to pay that forward and help others accelerate their growth in a practical way.

How did you get your career start?

My career began in marketing and analytics, but it wasn’t a straight path. I moved through several roles before finding my rhythm in consulting and leadership. Early on, I had mentors who taught me to focus on adaptability and transferable skills rather than job titles. That mindset helped me move across industries and eventually into tech. Over time, I realized that my strength was helping others bring structure to ambiguity and clarity to complexity. That realization shaped both my leadership style and my decision to become a coach.

What do mentees usually come to you for?

Most mentees come to me when they’re at a crossroads. Some are pivoting into new industries, others are preparing for leadership roles, and some are rebuilding confidence after a layoff or a career setback. A few are founders trying to create structure in fast-moving environments. Our work usually starts with defining what success actually looks like for them. From there, we identify what’s holding them back and create a plan that’s both practical and actionable. Each session is structured but flexible, and I aim for every mentee to leave with something they can apply immediately; whether it’s a strategy, a framework, or simply a clearer sense of direction.

What's been your favourite mentorship success story so far?

One of my favorite stories is about a client who came to me shortly after being laid off from a company they’d been with for several years. They were unsure how to reposition themselves and felt lost in the transition. Together, we identified their transferable skills, reframed their experience, and built a clear strategy for outreach and interviews. Within a few months, they landed a role that not only matched their skills but also aligned with their long-term goals and values. Watching someone go from uncertainty to confidence is one of the most rewarding parts of this work.

What are you getting out of being a mentor?

Mentoring keeps me grounded and sharp. It challenges me to listen deeply, simplify complex problems, and adapt my approach to each person’s unique situation. It has also strengthened my leadership and coaching practice by reminding me that growth isn’t about having all the answers but about asking better questions and creating space for reflection. Each mentorship reinforces a simple truth: progress starts with clarity, not speed. Helping someone find their next step, rebuild confidence, or recognize their strengths is just as fulfilling for me as it is impactful for them.