EP. 101 | Quiet Champions: Ian Chisholm on Why the Title "Mentor" is Earned
Episode notes
In this episode of BAM BizTALK, Angel talks with Ian Chisholm, founder and partner of The Roy Group and author of “Quiet Champions,” about why mentor isn’t a title you claim, it’s one others have to hand you. Ian shares the story behind The Roy Group, named after his own grandfather, and what it actually takes to earn the word: example, instruction, advice, and coaching.
The conversation also covers compassionate excellence versus perfectionism, and the appetites for validation, connection, and power that quietly shape how people lead.
Topics Discussed
1. Why “mentor” is a word you earn, not a title you claim
2. The four patterns that build toward earning it: example, instruction, advice, and coaching
3. The story behind The Roy Group, named after Ian’s grandfather
4. Why Ian still reacts strongly to people calling themselves a mentor unprompted
5. What it felt like the first time Ian was called a mentor without asking for it
6. What compassionate excellence looks like versus chasing perfectionism
7. The appetites for validation, connection, and power that shape how people lead
8. Which of those appetites was hardest for Ian to recognize in himself while writing the book
9. How mentorship carries real power and influence, and the responsibility that comes with it
10. What Ian is still working to earn in his own growth as a mentor
Book: Quiet Champions – quietchampions.ca
Ian Chisholm, The Roy Group – roygroup.net/our-team/ian-chisholm
#mentorship #podcast #midlandtx #inspiration