There are many kinds of mountains - not just the sharp pointy ones made of rock. Any new experience can be considered a steep learning process - like a mountain. If you move into a new neighborhood, start a new class, begin a new job in a new company or any other change in life can be compared to climbing an unknown mountain without a map or a guide. The new climber may do all right on the lower slopes, but when the going gets tougher the new climber may fall. If he has a guide to help him up and to point out the dangers ahead he may safely climb higher. On the other hand, without a guide, his next fall may end his career as a climber.

Every climber, whether a mountain climber or social climber, needs a guide to tell him where to place his feet. A guide tells the climber what path to follow and he is willing to step in and make corrections before the climber makes an error. This is exactly what a mentor does. Sure, it is possible to get to the top without a guide, but why do things the hard way?

Every person on the planet needs a mentor from time to time in their lives. I can teach you how to find a mentor and how to get the help you need, without having to pay for it. Now I am not saying that I can get you a free trainer to get a pilots license, but I can teach you how to find the special someone who will help you climb the mountains of life.

My name is Dr. Judith Lentin. I am not a medical type doctor - I am a geologist, I guess you could say I am a "rock doctor". I have spent more than 30 years in the oil and gas industry. Being a scientist is not a get rich quick scheme. In fact very few scientists ever get rich from their research - but it is a comfortable life.

After working for an oil company for about 10 years, I set up my own company - so I could be my own boss. Believe me, you are never your own boss. As a consultant, each client is your boss, so you can end up with several very demanding bosses all at the same time. About 15 years ago I changed the focus of my company to provide training for the oil industry and named the training part of my company "The Mentors".

Most of the people that my company trains are already working and usually doing well in their jobs. The people who do training for me must have a minimum of 15 years of experience in their area of expertise. As well as teachers who present a specific topic they are also mentors who can answer very specific questions. After they teach a course in an oil company, they are often called back by the company to mentor the staff.

I have traveled around the world - both giving courses and setting up training programs. I have seen the difficulties people have when they are trying to understand how to take the next step in life. I have provided mentors for them. Naturally their companies paid for the mentoring - and paid very well. During this process it became clear to me that people need to know how to find a mentor without their company spending thousands of dollars to make it happen.

Regardless of where you are or who you are, there is always someone who knows more than you - about anything. There are no exceptions to that rule. I can hear you say - "Right, what about Einstein - he was a genius". Sure he was! But he couldn't pay his bills at the end of the month, or dress himself properly. Most people who are at the very top of one field - fail miserably in many others parts of their lives. Let's get real - most people are good at something and not so good at other things. Success requires balance.