This November, we had the chance to share one of our favorite family traditions in a special way. I invited a business client of mine, Holly, and her family to join us for a trip to Disney. They stayed with us and experienced the parks for the first time together. Holly’s kids, ages four and eight, were wide-eyed with excitement. It reminded us what it feels like to be brand new to something you’ve heard about for years.

For Lily, this trip was a little different. She’s been to Disney more times than most kids her age, and this time, she stepped into the role of tour guide. From pointing out where to find the best Disney souvenirs, explaining how the Genie+ line worked, and even offering tips like which rides were “fast but not too scary”, she wasn’t just participating anymore. She was leading.

I watched her excitement shift from “what do I want to do next” to “how can I help them enjoy this.” She walked ahead with confidence, made sure her new friends felt included, and even suggested which rides would be the most fun for their age. It was fun to watch, but it also sparked a bigger realization about the value of mentorship.

In business, there are plenty of people navigating something for the first time. Whether it’s a new role, a startup, or a first-time experience like traveling for work or attending a conference, there’s always someone who could use a guide. You don’t have to be the smartest person in the room to help. You just need to be willing to walk beside someone and share what you’ve learned.

Watching Lily take the lead made me think about how we show up for others in business. As leaders, we have the opportunity to not only help others grow but to grow ourselves in the process. Guiding someone else forces us to be patient, encouraging, and clear in our communication. And that’s good practice for every part of life.

Inviting Holly and her family into our personal world helped us build a deeper relationship than we could ever accomplish through a business meeting. Sharing meaningful experiences outside of work creates trust, friendship, and a sense of partnership that carries over into everything else we do.

Whether you’re mentoring a team member, supporting a client, or simply helping a peer navigate something new, remember that being a guide isn’t just a nice thing to do. It’s a leadership practice that pays dividends for everyone involved.

WRITTEN BY

David Behney, Founder & CEO

David Behney is the Founder and CEO of Behney Management Strategies, where he helps small businesses achieve their big goals through expert C-suite consulting. With a background in fractional CFO services, David now provides strategic guidance across finance, operations, marketing, and technology to businesses with $1M–$30M in revenue. Passionate about driving growth and sustainability, he partners with business leaders to build strong foundations and navigate challenges. Connect with David to take your business to the next level.