Two people can meet with the same mentor and walk away with completely different results.
The difference usually isn’t the mentor — it’s how prepared the leader is to receive.

In this episode of the Breaking 1000 Podcast, Mark, Scott, and Hunter unpack the often-overlooked discipline of how to be mentored well. From coming prepared with questions, to reporting progress, to honoring the people who invest in you, this conversation walks through what actually helps mentorship lead to real growth.
They share real stories from decades of coaching relationships, including what mentors are really looking for, why “just showing up” isn’t enough, and how preparation multiplies the value of every meeting.
You’ll hear practical insights on:
why mentors don’t want compliments — they want implementation
how preparation signals hunger, humility, and respect
what to bring to mentoring, coaching, or counseling sessions
how reporting progress deepens trust and investment
why honoring your mentor’s vision changes the relationship
Whether you’re a senior pastor, staff leader, or developing under someone else’s leadership, this episode reframes mentorship as something you actively steward, not passively receive.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Why many leaders don’t know how to be mentored
01:10 – Two people, same mentor, wildly different results
02:10 – “Bring a bucket to the well”
03:06 – Hearing vs implementing (wise vs foolish builder)
04:23 – John Maxwell & Coach Wooden story
05:34 – Why showing up unprepared wastes mentorship
06:34 – What great mentoring prep actually looks like
07:00 – Monthly reporting that changed everything
08:52 – Making it easy for mentors to bring their best
09:49 – Collecting dots so mentors can connect them
10:35 – Why growth stalls when questions stop
11:44 – “I had to grow faster to stay ahead of your questions”
13:19 – Reporting creates accountability and momentum
13:40 – Always take notes (and clarify in real time)
15:10 – Sharing wins the right way
16:23 – Honoring mentors beyond the meeting
17:18 – Getting out of the “pile” of people
18:10 – Serving your mentor’s vision
19:16 – Growth teams multiply impact
21:15 – Why being late is a character issue, not a time issue
23:09 – Faithfulness that leads to more influence

If you have a question or topic you’d like us to tee up on a future episode, email us at [email protected]