Why I Stopped Offering Free Mentorship: The Old Model is Dead

If you're a founder or entrepreneur looking for free weekly mentorship over coffee—this post is for you.

Let me be blunt:The old model of mentorship is dead.

No, I will not meet with you every week to build your dream for zero dollars. I’ve done that. I’ve paid that price. And I learned the hard way what it actually cost me.

What “Free Mentorship” Really Cost Me

When I first started mentoring other entrepreneurs, I gave freely my time, energy, experience, and strategic insight. And in return? Silence. Ghosting. Unexecuted ideas. And a calendar full of “brain-pick” meetings that led to nothing.

Here's the truth: people rarely take things seriously when they don’t have skin in the game.

That’s why I switched to a paid mentorship model—and never looked back.

5 Reasons Why Paid Mentorship Works (And Free Doesn’t)

1. Free Advice is Often Ignored

According to a Harvard Business Review study, advice given for free is 50% less likely to be implemented than paid advice. Why? Because people value what they pay for.

In my experience, clients who invest in mentorship show up, follow through, and create results.

2. Time Isn’t Just Money—It’s Momentum

Every unpaid call pulled me away from founders and leaders who were paying to get real traction. When I focus on those partnerships, businesses grow, funding rounds close, and big shifts happen.

Your “quick coffee” costs me more than just 30 minutes—it costs momentum.

3. Entitlement Isn’t Readiness

There’s a growing trend of founder entitlement—people who expect high-level mentorship without any demonstration of commitment or action.

You don’t get to bypass the work by getting access. You have to be ready to lead, listen, and execute.

4. No Investment = No Accountability

Money changes the relationship. When founders pay, they’re not just asking questions—they’re investing in answers. They take notes. They follow up. They ship.

It’s not about greed—it’s about mutual accountability.

5. I’m Not Your Hobby

I’ve helped companies scale from chaos to 9-figure exits. I’ve worked with founders across industries, advised executives, and created programs that actually move the needle.

Mentorship isn’t something I do “on the side.”It’s part of my work. My business. My value.

Data Doesn’t Lie: Mentorship Fails When It’s Free

• 70% of mentees admit to not following up on free advice (Entrepreneur.com)

• 45% of startups fail due to lack of market need—mentorship doesn’t fix a broken model (CB Insights)

• Founders who invest in structured mentorship are 3.5x more likely to hit their growth goals (Techstars)

Let’s Be Clear: This Isn’t About Being Cold—It’s About Being Committed

I believe in mentorship. I believe in growth. And I believe in founders who are ready to do the work.

But I don’t believe in giving my time and energy to people who won’t respect it.

If you're ready to grow, scale, and lead with intention—You’ll find the right room, make the investment, and show up fully.

Final Thoughts: The Future of Mentorship Requires Evolution

We need to redefine mentorship in today’s entrepreneurial world. The old model is broken. It’s time we stop glamorizing unpaid labor in the name of “giving back” and start honoring mentorship as a real asset—because that’s what it is.

If you're looking for potential some mentors to help you (besides me) I would recommend:

Aaron Hageman of 75x Strategy - Scaled and Exited to Walmart with no outside in investment

Zachary Wagner - Creating a new model that transforms teams, executives and businesses

Alex Kremer- Changing the way that Sales Professionals show up in business and life via his community at Alluviance

Alessandra Wall - Trusted advisor to C-Suite Women helping leaders sustain success, influence and impact

Want to work with me?

I offer structured mentorship for founders, executives, and entrepreneurs who are serious about results. If you’re ready, [click here to apply].