In this episode, we’re diving into an unexpected but fascinating question: What does baking sourdough bread have to do with mentorship?

If you’re thinking absolutely nothing, think again. Tony Feghali brilliantly parallels the two, showing us that mentorship—like baking—is an art that requires patience, the right ingredients, and an understanding of when to step in and when to let things rise on their own.

So, grab a coffee (or maybe a fresh loaf of bread), and let’s break it down.

The art of mentorship: More than just giving advice

At his core, Tony Feghali is a business coach, educator, and innovator. But what makes his approach to mentorship unique is his belief that mentorship isn’t just about teaching—it’s about creating the right conditions for growth.

In his blog post, What Bread-Baking Taught Me About Mentorship, Tony explains that great mentors don’t hand-hold their mentees through every step. Instead, they provide the right balance of support, challenge, and space—just like a baker carefully nurtures dough to rise.

Readiness: The first step in any mentorship

Your dough needs to be ready before you start baking. Similarly, before a mentorship can truly begin, both mentor and mentee must be in the right mindset.

Tony compares a well-hydrated dough—adequately prepped and ready to rise—to a mentee who approaches learning with humility and openness.

For mentors: Are you ready to guide with patience and intention?
For mentees: Are you open to feedback and willing to grow?

Mentorship, like baking, can’t be rushed. Both sides must be prepared for the journey.

The right ingredients: What makes a great mentor?

A baker carefully selects ingredients to create the perfect loaf. Similarly, a great mentor needs the right mix of qualities to foster a meaningful relationship.

Tony breaks it down:

Flour – The foundation. A mentor’s knowledge and experience provide the base.
Water – The binder. Clear communication keeps the relationship strong.
Rosemary – The depth. A mentor’s unique perspective helps mentees grow in new ways.
Honey – The sweetness. Encouragement makes the journey enjoyable.

The takeaway? Not every mentor is the right fit. Finding the right mix of qualities is key to meaningful growth.

The process: Why mentorship needs structure

Even with the best ingredients, a baker still follows a structured process to get the perfect loaf. Mentorship is no different.

Tony highlights three key elements:

Trust – Without trust, there’s no open dialogue, honest feedback, or real growth.
Clear Goals – Like following a recipe, mentorship needs structure. Where are you starting? Where do you want to go?
Guidance & Encouragement – A mentor’s role isn’t just about teaching; it’s also about supporting and challenging their mentee to reach their full potential.

Skipping steps? Rushing the process? That’s how both mentorship and bread go wrong.

The oven: Growth happens under pressure

Here’s where Tony’s metaphor comes to life.

Just as the dough needs intense heat to transform into a beautifully crusted loaf, mentees need challenges to truly grow.

Mentorship isn’t about shielding someone from difficulties—it’s about helping them navigate obstacles and emerge stronger.

A great mentor understands that struggles, failures, and discomfort are part of the journey. Instead of avoiding them, they encourage mentees to lean into those moments, knowing they are essential for growth.

The legacy: Mentorship that lasts beyond the relationship

Every mentorship eventually comes to an end. However, the impact of a great mentor lasts far beyond the formal relationship.

Tony illustrates this with a fascinating tradition:

He doesn’t name his sourdough starter until it survives a whole year—a test of resilience.

Similarly, a valuable mentorship proves its worth over time. The lessons, confidence, and mindset shifts continue to shape a mentee long after the mentorship has ended.

And just like a sourdough starter can be passed on, mentorship creates a ripple effect, inspiring others to become mentors in their own right.

What’s your mentorship recipe?

As Tony beautifully puts it:

"How might you approach mentorship—or any learning experience—with the same care, patience, and attention as a skilled bread baker?"

Whether you’re a mentor or a mentee, ask yourself:

✔️ Am I bringing the right mindset to this journey?
✔️ What "ingredients" do I need in a mentor (or as a mentor)?
✔️ Am I following a process allowing trust, goal-setting, and real growth?
✔️ Am I embracing challenges, knowing they will make me stronger?

Like baking sourdough, mentorship is an art that takes patience, care, and a deep commitment to the process.

So, are you ready to start baking?