Shakey Start to Smooth Mentorship Journeys

Mentorship Coach

Transforming Careers & Organizations

Change & Career Development Strategist

Hi, I’m John Canvin. I once walked into an empty warehouse that was supposed to be my company’s new medical device facility, only to find the concrete floors still being poured. No team, no guidance—just me and an unfinished workspace. Fresh out of college, I had partnered with a mentor to launch this small manufacturing company. The vision was bold, but reality hit hard. Each day, I found myself wrestling with regulatory demands, complex procedures, and supplier challenges—all on my own. I was a young professional craving direction, connection, and leadership in a daunting industry. But instead of a steady mentor to guide me, I was navigating uncharted waters solo, with a passion for mentorship I didn’t yet know I had.

Over the years, I’ve found deep satisfaction in both mentoring and being mentored. It wasn’t always a smooth mentorship journey—in fact, my first mentor taught me valuable lessons, largely what not to do.  I am sure many of you can relate to that and have had challenges in navigating mentorship. But those experiences laid the foundation for my belief in the transformative power of mentorship.

As the years rolled on, I began to grasp the power of mentorship, first by seeing what not to do. My early mentors taught me invaluable lessons, though often unintentionally—reminders of the gaps in leadership, the need for clear communication, and the burnout that lack of support can create. I pressed forward, determined to foster a different kind of career environment for myself and others. I created an employee profile that focused on motivation, satisfaction, and growth. In time, I realized I wasn’t just improving my own journey; I was building the blueprint for something bigger, something transformational.

The turning point came in a role where I found myself mentoring my first team. Suddenly, it wasn’t just about getting the work done—it was about sharing lessons, building confidence, and nurturing potential in others. Seeing them thrive fueled a shift in me. This was my calling: mentorship was not just guidance; it was the very essence of personal and professional transformation.

That realization led me to a decades-long commitment to mentorship. Through each new position, my skills as both a mentor and mentee deepened, evolving into a passion that would shape my career. Each individual I mentored became a testament to the power of shared growth, and each mentor I had taught me something invaluable. Together, we created stories of resilience, growth, and lasting success. Today, as the author of the ‘Mentorship Mastery’ book series and my company, ‘Mentorship Navigator,’ I help professionals and organizations unlock their full potential through meaningful mentorship coaching.

I look forward to connecting with those who share this passion for development. Let’s explore how mentorship can bring transformation to you, your team, and your organization. The journey is challenging but deeply rewarding, and I’m here to help guide the way.

John Canvin