The Mentor: A Career-Readiness Business Parable

by J.N. Whiddon

The semester has begun, and Professor Johnathan Daniels welcomes his next batch of students into his classroom. He teaches the capstone Business Communications course at State U, one of the most valuable classes a student can take. As senior Aaron Woods takes his seat, he has no idea the wealth of knowledge, skills, and communication tools he’s about to receive that will help him conquer life after graduation.

Dr. Daniels’ curriculum consists of his “12 Keys to Professional Success,” which offer help and guidance through any career-related obstacle one might encounter. As Aaron and his class make their way through the 12 Keys, they’ll gain wisdom and learn how to master essential principles—such as establishing rapport with others, time management, interview skills, dressing professionally, and more.

Grab a seat: class is about to begin.

316 pages, Hardcover

Published September 1, 2019

Reviews

[Jack Relue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this to be a very unique approach for a business-readiness book. Whiddon utilized fiction to intertwine 12 keys to success for business and life principles in a way that keeps you captivated. I enjoyed the character development along the way and the stories created for each of them to convey truths. I will certainly be referencing this book in the future because it is filled with gems of wisdom. Mentors are pivotal for growth in many facets of life and I believe all could benefit from this book, as a protégée or mentor.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Good!

So much wisdom in this book! It seemed long for a parable book, but so worth it in the end.

[James Hallmark · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was blessed by receiving an advance copy, and I recommend its reading. Whiddon tells a beautiful story of a college professor and his students sharing a semester of ups and downs, sweet romances, tragedies, basketball games, life. The content of the professor’s course is essentially from Whiddon’s earlier book “The Old School Advantage,” life lessons that will lead to success and happiness (I favorably reviewed this book earlier this year). “The Mentor” is a great retelling of these life lessons, integrated well into a compelling story. On a personal level I much appreciated a book depicting a college professor who is not an angry atheist and students who are interested in learning more than beer and sex. My experience is that the overwhelming majority of faculty and students are great people, committed to growth, not at all like the caricatures favored by most writers. The principles presented in the book via the class discussion and homework are very good, as they were in “Old School Advantage,” but the story—the parable—in “The Mentor” is compelling writing. I shall say no more as there are spoilers and I wouldn’t want to share them. I will add one more comment: Whiddon is somewhat transparent—perhaps “translucent”—in his depiction of the university and the professor. Those familiar with the author may find it impossible to overlook the similarities (although we’ve never had a basketball team that successful).

[Krysta Ann Orscheln · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was absolutely enthralled by this book!! I greatly enjoyed not only the story but also the way that Mr. Whiddon incorporated each of his 12 keys to career-readiness. Each lesson was weaved so effortlessly into the story and I felt as if I was learning by example. If fact, I often felt as if I was a part of the story, taking Dr. John's class right along side Aaron and his classmates. Of course, I expect that is exactly what Mr. Whiddon wanted for his readers. In order to make such a goal even more of a reality, I recommend taking on the challenges that Dr. John offers his students and reading Mr. Widdon's other book, The Old School Advantage, alongside The Mentor. Now let's get to work!