By Pratik Saboo, 2021 (AGMP-06)
Caption: Representative AI generated image created with Adobe Firefly
When we think of mentors, our minds often drift to eminent personalities—professors, CEOs, and accomplished professionals. The people who have academic accolades, wisdom, and polished careers are typically viewed as the guiding lights in our lives. For me, institutions like IIM Ahmedabad have been an incredible source of learning, filled with brilliant minds, insightful professors, amazing cohorts and deep discussions that shaped my professional outlook. However, one of the most profound lessons I have learned is that true mentorship often comes from the most unexpected places. In fact, some of my greatest mentors were not people with high degrees, but individuals I interacted with in the everyday moments of life—those who may not fit the typical image of a ‘mentor’ but have taught me lessons that I carry with me every single day.
A professor from my junior college once told me something that struck me deeply: “Focus on the formula in hand; the variables can change.” At first, it seemed like a simple tip for handling maths problems. But as I reflected on it today, I realised this wisdom extended far beyond the classrooms. Life throws ever-changing variables our way—be it in business, personal relationships, or just daily challenges—but the core principles, the ‘formulas’ that guide us, remain constant. Although not at that time, upon realisation, this opened my mind to the idea that the value of a lesson is often independent of its source.
I have found some of my most profound mentors among the people we rarely acknowledge as teachers. For instance, my laundry guy has taught me an invaluable lesson in discipline. He doesn’t hold a prestigious degree, but he possesses an unwavering commitment to his work. No matter the weather, his mood, or the number of clothes to iron, his service remains punctual, reliable, and consistent (within considerable precision). This discipline, day after day, regardless of circumstances, is something many of us strive for but often find hard to achieve. The lesson I learned from him is simple yet impactful– discipline isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about showing up, every single day, no matter what.
Then there’s the maid who comes to our house, managing the workload of five or six other households. Her ability to manage her time effectively, juggling multiple tasks without compromising the quality of her work, is nothing short of impressive. Her sense of organisation and prioritisation is a masterclass in time management—far better than any textbook case study. She doesn’t have access to productivity apps or scheduling tools, yet she manages her life with precision, ensuring that no task falls through the cracks. From her, I have learned that efficiency doesn’t require fancy tools, just a sharp mind and a strong work ethic.
Our watchman, with his bright smile and quiet demeanour, has taught me something even more valuable: each day is a new day. His job is repetitive, and one might think it mundane, but he approaches it with fresh enthusiasm every morning. When I asked him about this, he simply said, “Every new day brings new possibilities, Pratik baba.” In a world where we are often bogged down by the weight of the previous day’s challenges, his perspective has been a breath of fresh air. We sometimes carry the burden of yesterday into today, but the watchman, with his modest wisdom, taught me the importance of letting go and embracing each day with optimism and energy.
I once read that the truly wise are those who know how much they don’t know, and I have come to realise that wisdom is everywhere if we are open to it. The key to finding mentors is not about seeking the “most qualified” individuals, but about being open-minded enough to learn from anyone who crosses your path. Every person has a story, and within those stories lie lessons—if only we are willing to listen.
As I reflect on the mentors in my life, I am reminded that their lessons didn’t come packaged in lectures or books. They came in moments of observation, in small interactions, in the everyday flow of life. Whether it’s learning resilience from someone struggling with adversity or discovering the power of humility from someone who has very little, I have come to believe that mentorship is less about titles and more about perspective.
One of the major takeaways from my experiences is that it’s not about waiting for someone with accolades to impart wisdom; it’s about seeing the potential for learning in every interaction. Mentors don’t always come in the form of professors or industry leaders; sometimes they are the people we pass by every day, quietly going about their work. And, sometimes, the greatest lessons are taught without a single word spoken—only through action.
In a world where we often look up to people with power, fame, and success, I have learned to look around instead. Inspiration and mentorship surround us; we just need to keep our minds open to receive it. It’s easy to overlook those who teach us the most because their lessons often come wrapped in simplicity and humility, but these are the lessons that shape our lives in profound ways.
So, as I reflect on this idea of celebrating mentors, I celebrate the unsung heroes—the laundry guy, the maid, the watchman, my friends, and many more such people I am blessed with—those who have enriched my life without even knowing it. They have taught me resilience, discipline, time management, and, above all, humility. It is these unexpected mentors who remind me that true learning happens not just in the classrooms of prestigious institutions but in the everyday moments, in the most ordinary of places, with the most extraordinary of people.
And with this understanding, I have learned the most important lesson of all: we are all students of life, and life itself is our greatest teacher.
Pratik Saboo is an entrepreneur and the co-founder of PaperLite, a SaaS platform designed to help financial firms enhance efficiency and streamline their operations. With a deep passion for technology and marketing, Pratik also leads FindingPi, a consultancy focused on delivering scalable solutions for startups. Known for his enthusiasm, he can engage for hours on discussions involving topics like spirituality, behavioural science, tech, marketing, business growth.
