Why Every Professional Should Have a Teenage Mentor: Lessons from My Niece, Navy

My mentor is a teenager.

She's my niece, Navy, and she is one of the most confident teenagers I know. She’s a creative powerhouse, writing and directing her own award-winning short films at an age when most of us were just figuring out how to organize our class schedules. She has incredible taste in music and design. She's shared Spotify playlists with me that span everything from Chappell Roan to Stevie Wonder, and each track feels like a perfectly curated moment. She’s also taught me how to design in Canva, creating visuals that look like they belong in a professional portfolio.

Oh, and did I mention that a while back she walked me through how to use AI tools like ChatGPT? Yes, my teenage niece is also my tech mentor.

If you haven’t yet considered having a teenage mentor, let me share a few of the many benefits I’ve experienced from this unique, reverse-mentorship setup:

1. Fresh Perspectives

Teenagers today are growing up in a rapidly evolving world. They see things differently because they are shaped by different forces—whether it’s technology, social media, or shifting cultural trends.

In my mentor relationship with Navy, she brings a fresh perspective to every conversation we have, and that’s invaluable in a professional landscape that is changing just as quickly. For instance, while brainstorming ideas for my HR consulting business, Navy suggested integrating AI tools like ChatGPT to streamline processes in a way I hadn’t considered. Her insights often remind me to challenge my assumptions and be open to new approaches, pushing me to see solutions I would have never thought of on my own.

2. Adaptability and Openness

Teenagers are incredibly adaptable, and they have a remarkable openness to learning new things. When we are feeling overwhelmed with balancing multiple projects, teenagers can remind us to approach each new task with curiosity and an open mind. Their adaptability is a refreshing reminder that embracing change can lead to surprising growth.

3. Understanding Youth Culture

As leaders and professionals, understanding the next generation is key to staying relevant. Whether you’re developing products, managing a team, or simply wanting to connect with younger audiences, a teenage mentor can give you unparalleled insights into youth culture.

Navy is my window into Gen Z—what they care about, how they communicate, and what resonates with them. Just last week, she gave me a rundown of TikTok trends and explained why certain social media approaches work better for younger audiences. I never would have understood the nuances of Gen Z humor, attention spans, or values without her guidance.

4.Staying Tech-Savvy

Let’s face it—technology changes faster than most of us can keep up with. Having a tech-savvy teenager in your corner is like having a secret weapon for staying current with the latest digital tools.

Navy has been my guide to navigating new platforms like Visme, and she’s shown me how AI tools like You.com can transform the way I work. What might take me hours to figure out on my own, she breaks down effortlessly in minutes.

5. Humility and Learning from All Ages

Having a teenage mentor is a reminder that learning is a lifelong process and that wisdom isn’t exclusive to any age group. It’s humbling to realize that someone half my age can teach me so much about creativity, technology, and staying current. It’s a reminder that mentorship isn’t always about experience or seniority—sometimes, it’s about being open to the brilliance of those who see the world through a different lens.

Navy’s influence has made me a better leader, and I’m thankful every day for the fresh perspectives she brings into my life.

So, if you haven’t already, consider finding a teenage mentor. I guarantee they have valuable lessons to teach. They’ll help you stay relevant, creative, and open to new possibilities.

Photo Credit: SHVETS production via Pexels