Coach vs Mentor:

Which Do You Really Need to Grow Your Business?

If I had a pound for every time someone asked me the difference between a business coach and a business mentor, I’d probably have… well, quite a few more black Americanos on tap. But here's the thing: it's a really good question—and the answer could genuinely change the trajectory of your business.

Let me break it down.

Coaches: Your Mirror, Your Challenger

A business coach is a bit like that friend who doesn’t let you get away with your own excuses. You know the one. They're not there to tell you what to do based on their story. They're trained to ask the right questions so you uncover your own answers.

When I coach business owners, I don’t show up with a blueprint of what I would do. I show up with curiosity, strategy, and a deep belief in your potential. Coaching is about unlocking clarity, building habits, setting goals—and, crucially, keeping you accountable.

Coaches are trained to listen between the lines. They hear the fears you don’t say out loud. They help you dismantle mental roadblocks. It's not therapy. But it is transformational.

Mentors: Your Storyteller, Your Guide

Now, a business mentor? That’s someone who’s walked the path. They’ve built something, failed spectacularly, succeeded gloriously, and picked up wisdom along the way. A mentor will share their scars and say, “Here’s what I learned when that happened to me.”

Mentors are brilliant for perspective. They tell you what worked for them, who to avoid, what not to waste money on, and how to play the long game. A great mentor can save you from learning everything the hard way.

But—and here’s the key—they’re still talking from their experience. That’s golden, but it’s also limited by their lens.

So... Which One Do You Need?

Honestly? Maybe both. Maybe at different times.

Need structure, accountability, help unravelling mindset blocks or growing as a leader? Get a coach.

Need industry insight, someone who’s lived it, someone who can open doors and tell you what they wish they’d known? Get a mentor.

Both roles are about growth—but they grow you in different ways.

Final Thought

I’ve seen clients soar because of good coaching. I’ve also seen people transformed by the wisdom of a mentor. One doesn’t replace the other. Think of it like this: a coach helps you climb your own mountain. A mentor tells you what the terrain is like.

And if you’re lucky enough to have both? You’re unstoppable.