Mentoring: Roots That Transform People, Leaders, and Stations
They shouldn’t be able to stand—shallow roots, fierce storms—yet these giant sequoias have stood for centuries. Their secret is under the soil.
The giant sequoias towered above the trail as I hiked in California. Some soared hundreds of feet tall, having stood for centuries. Their roots, surprisingly shallow for such massive trees, weave together beneath the surface, intertwining with the roots of others in the grove. This underground network is what keeps them standing strong through storms, drought, and time itself.
Mentoring works the same way. A seasoned leader connects with a developing one, strengthening both. Over time, the entire “grove” of your station’s leadership becomes more stable, resilient, and able to weather challenges together.
Growing Layer Upon Layer
Preparing someone to lead happens in layers. Each layer plays a role in growth, but they are not interchangeable. Training imparts knowledge, consulting expands vision into reality, supervision manages work—but mentoring transforms the leader themselves.
- Training teaches skills.
- Consulting helps leaders and organizations bring visions to life.
- Supervisors manage tasks and performance.
- Mentors shape leaders.
Mentoring is a safe, ongoing relationship where a more experienced leader offers wisdom, perspective, and encouragement—something you can’t replicate in a conference room or policy manual.
Each layer matters, but without mentoring at the core, leadership potential can remain untapped—and that’s a risk we can’t afford in today’s environment.
Your Future Leaders Are Deciding Now
Christian radio faces a perfect storm: high turnover, competitive talent markets, and expansion markets that require deeper leadership benches. Without intentional investment, promising leaders can plateau—or leave—before reaching their potential.
Mentoring accelerates readiness, multiplies leadership capacity, and creates a culture where people want to stay and grow.
That’s why mentoring isn’t just an investment—it’s an accelerator. And when it’s done well, the results ripple through every part of your station.
Mentoring: The Multiplier Effect
Mentoring doesn’t just help the person receiving guidance—it has a multiplying effect that benefits the mentor, the mentee, and the entire organization.
For the Mentor:
- Hone your own leadership skills through teaching and reflection
- Bolster the culture of servant leadership in your station
- Leave a lasting legacy in the next generation of leaders
For the Mentee:
- Gain practical wisdom from someone who’s been there
- Build confidence in decision-making and communication
- Learn to lead people, not just manage tasks
For the Station:
- Strengthen retention and morale
- Develop leaders who think strategically and act biblically
- Create a unified leadership vision across departments
Identify a Good Mentee
Not everyone is ready for mentoring, but many have the seeds of leadership that can grow quickly with the right investment. Look for someone who:
- Leads People Now—or Soon Will – even if it’s volunteers or interns.
- Shows Initiative – doesn’t wait for instructions before acting.
- Seeks Growth – asks questions, seeks feedback, and invests in learning.
- Builds Healthy Relationships – works well across teams.
- Handles Responsibility Well – meets deadlines and follows through.
- Loves the Mission – aligns with your station’s vision and values.
- Can Multiply Influence – can inspire others to lead.
It’s time to invest in your next leader.
Applications for the 2026 CMB Leadership Mentoring Program open in February 2026.
This 7-month program pairs emerging leaders in Christian music broadcasting with seasoned mentors. It’s for those who are leading—or about to lead—others.
If someone on your team fits the profile above, this may be the single best leadership investment you make in them.
Learn more at cmbonline.org/cmb-mentoring/.
