Finding Mentorship in Ann Arbor
Finding a mentor can be a game changer for anyone looking to grow, but finding the right one isn’t easy - especially for remote workers, entrepreneurs, and professionals navigating today’s virtual work environment. Ann Arbor is known for its vibrant entrepreneurial scene, and being home to the University of Michigan, there’s no shortage of smart minds. But finding a mentor requires opportunities to create connections with the right people.
This is why Cahoots Coworking launched our Mentorship Circle: a bi-monthly event designed to curate conversations and help professionals learn from each other in a supportive environment. Each event features professionals from diverse backgrounds who share their career journeys and lessons learned, and offers an opportunity for attendees to ask questions and seek advice.
The idea for our Mentorship Circle was inspired by Dunrie Greiling and Ayishwariya Menon, two members of our Community Committee who wanted to help people find mentorship opportunities. Finding the right mentor is such a nuanced process, and can often feel forced or transactional. Because it requires such a personal connection, we wanted to create an environment where mentorship could develop organically and people could connect through storytelling and shared experiences.
They started by hosting a lunch and learn with Cahoots founder Joe Malcoun where anyone could come and ask questions about his experiences, hoping to open up opportunities for professional support. Registrants submitted questions in advance, so Dunrie and Ayishwariya could categorize them and help shape the conversation around similar themes, but participants also chimed in throughout with questions or comments.
The responses were overwhelmingly positive as people who connected at the event made requests for connections and set up their own coffee dates. It was clear folks were interested in more, so we decided to make it a regular thing. Our February Mentorship Circle featured Workit Health co-founder and former CEO Lisa McLaughlin. Lisa shared her professional backstory and gave advice on how to lean into your differences as an individual and harness your superpowers.
Afterwards, one audience member asked her if she should choose fulfillment or stability. “Choose fulfillment,” she said without hesitation. “I had a need for head patting for a while, and then I realized, what am I trying to get here? Do I like this activity? It’s very easy to go for a long time in your career without even asking that and then asking - is this me?”
“Use your superpower, don’t just focus on being of service.”
“Use your superpower, don’t just focus on being of service,” she added. “At the end of the day, you have to decide - what is it that I want to do with my one precious life?”
As the time for questions came to an end, Dunrie asked all the participants to share what types of support they are looking for, and what support they can offer to others. More than one person offered to help others by talking them out of signing up for classes or certifications they didn’t need, and others offered connections or resources that had helped them.
Advice for finding a mentor
Unlike a formal mentorship program, the Cahoots Mentorship Circle is designed to be organic and accessible - no application process, no forced matches, just genuine, open conversations. Mentorship is a deeply personal connection, but for those looking to find a mentor, our team had the following advice:
“Who are you jealous of? Look for the people who are where you want to be.” - Lisa McLaughlin
“I haven't always been comfortable asking for help, I’ve had to work on that. So the earlier you get comfortable asking for help, the better.” -Dunrie Grieling
“Find a way to give back. Time and knowledge are valuable, so think not just about what you can get but what you can give in return, such as volunteering your time to help them with something.” - Liz Barney
“Have a specific ask in mind, and a specific way in mind that you can trade for their time. Being specific makes for the best use of everyone's time and aids a mentor in understanding how they can be most helpful." - Chelsea Hohn
“Don’t be shy about approaching people. Great mentors receive as much value from the experience as the mentee when the pairing is right.” - Joe Malcoun
How to Get Involved with Cahoots Mentorship Circle
Finding a mentor doesn’t have to be a formal process. Sometimes the most meaningful connections happen over genuine, vulnerable conversations about shared struggles and hopes. Here at Cahoots, we provide the framework for spontaneous interactions to occur and natural relationships to form. At the end of the day, it’s not just about finding a mentor - it’s about fostering a sense of community where professionals feel understood and comfortable asking for help and support.
If you’re interested in joining us and connecting with other professionals in Ann Arbor, consider attending our next Mentorship Circle on April 9 from 10-11:30 AM. Can’t make it? You can still fill out the form and we’ll add you to our professional development email list so you can stay up to date on other opportunities to exchange support.
Want to try a day out working in our community? Schedule a tour and we’ll set you up with a free trial day to get a feel for our space!
