Mentorship is one of the most powerful forces in business and in life, but not every mentorship works. This is a topic that Ben and I discuss frequently—both on and off the air. Ben was mentored personally by Dr. Napoleon Hill, author of Think and Grow Rich, and he has carried those lessons throughout his extraordinary sales career. The wisdom he absorbed wasn’t just theory—it was lived, tested, and applied in the real world of sales, leadership, and business building. In this conversation, we dig into what makes mentorship succeed. A true mentorship requires more than good intentions. It’s built on trust, respect, and accountability on both sides. The mentor must be willing to invest time and share hard-won knowledge, while the mentee must be open, teachable, and willing to act on guidance. Without that balance, the relationship rarely delivers results.
What Makes Mentorship Work: Lessons from the Closers Inner Circle Podcast with Denise Griffitts and Ben Gay III
Mentorship is one of the most powerful forces in business and in life, but not every mentorship works. On today’s episode of The Closers Inner Circle Podcast, Denise Griffitts and Ben Gay III dive into what truly makes mentorship thrive—and why so many attempts fall short. At its core, a successful mentorship is built on trust, respect, and commitment from both sides. The mentor must be willing to invest time, wisdom, and accessibility, while the mentee must show accountability, humility, and a willingness to act. Without that balance, even the best intentions can collapse.
We’ll explore the importance of chemistry and compatibility—how some mentor–mentee relationships click naturally, while others struggle despite the best credentials. Great mentorship isn’t about telling people what to do; it’s about listening, guiding, and sharing real-world experiences in a way that resonates. Ben brings decades of lived stories from the world of sales and leadership, showing how storytelling and careful listening become the glue that holds the relationship together.
Finally, we’ll tackle the long game of mentorship. The best relationships often grow into lifelong connections, with lessons that ripple far beyond the individuals involved. And yes, we’ll also talk about what happens when mentorship fails—how to recognize the signs and why not every great leader makes a great mentor. Whether you’re seeking guidance or stepping into the role of guiding others, this conversation will give you the practical insights and inspiration to make mentorship truly work.
And for listeners who want to dive deeper into Ben’s teachings, you don’t have to stop at the podcast. His entire catalog of books — including The Closers series and many other powerful works authored by him and select colleagues — is available directly through him. Every book arrives with free shipping and is personally signed by Ben Gay III. This makes each copy not only a resource but also a keepsake, carrying the legacy of one of the most respected voices in sales and mentorship.
If you’re serious about learning from the best, I encourage you to explore his collection. It’s a library of wisdom that captures decades of experience, insight, and timeless principles — not only from Ben himself but also from the legendary mentors and peers who influenced him along the way. https://www.ebay.com/str/ronzonebooks
SPONSORED BY: David L. Brown. David has been a longtime supporter of The Closers Inner Circle Podcast and a valued friend behind the scenes. He’s a true advocate for meaningful conversations rooted in integrity, service, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship. His steady encouragement and unwavering belief in doing business the right way have made a lasting impact on this show and its mission.
You can connect with David at dbrowncompany.com, on LinkedIn, and across other social platforms. Tell him we sent you!