This week, David Freund, Chief Leadership Officer at the Manufacturers Association of Central New York, discussed the importance of choosing mentors and sources carefully for personal and professional growth.
Freund emphasized that while there are many opportunities to learn, “the foundation of our learning is just as important as the learning itself.” He noted that effective mentors help individuals distinguish between being busy and truly growing. “Are you growing, or are you just busy?” he recalled a mentor asking him.
He cited Saint Paul’s advice: “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them.”
Freund provided four questions for evaluating information sources:
– Is the content meaningful and applicable to me?
– Can I trust the person behind it?
– Is it authentic, or is it artificially generated noise?
– Does this person’s track record, accomplishments, and values align with mine?
According to Freund, aligning learning with one’s values leads to growth that matches individual goals. He encouraged readers to be intentional about their sources when planning future development.
He also announced the upcoming 10th annual Live2Lead leadership summit on November 7th. Freund described it as “a curated leadership summit that brings together some of the brightest minds for a one-of-a-kind experience. It’s not just another event—it’s an opportunity to grow with purpose.”
Freund concluded by reminding readers: “So remember when it comes to learning and growth, who you learn from really does matter.”
