The Emotional Journey of Entrepreneurship: Why Mentorship Matters
Entrepreneurship Is a Personal Journey
Heather Dobbin mentors sustainable fashion entrepreneur Urvashi J Kumar at a HerRise session in Tokyo, supporting women founders through Startup Lady Japan and Shibuya Startup Support.
I’m proud to be a mentor for HerRise, a program supported by Shibuya Startup Support through my work with Startup Lady Japan.
The emotional journey of entrepreneurship is often the hardest part. Behind every pitch, product launch, and milestone is an unseen battle with self doubt, decision fatigue, and the weight of carrying both vision and responsibility.
What many people do not realize is that entrepreneurship is not only a business journey. It is a deeply personal one. It tests your resilience, your relationships, your ability to stay clear when everything feels uncertain, and your capacity to keep moving forward even when the path twists in unexpected ways.
Why Mentorship Matters for Founders and Leaders
This is not theoretical for me. Like many entrepreneurs, leaders, and founders, I have lived both the highs of hope and the lows of burnout. Over time, I have learned that success is never only about strategy. It is about presence, mindset, clarity, and having the right support around you.
Learning From Mentors Who Have Walked the Path
I have been fortunate to learn from exceptional mentors, both formally and informally. Those relationships have shaped not just how I work, but how I lead and care for myself along the way.
What Mentorship Makes Possible
Working with a mentor can help you:
See blind spots before they become costly mistakes
Navigate difficult decisions with perspective and self compassion
Stay grounded, aligned, and healthy both professionally and personally
If you are building something meaningful, you do not have to do it alone. Mentorship can be the difference between burning out and breaking through.
And a huge hat tip to my fellow mentors who generously gave their time, energy and expertise to an amazing, ambitious group of women last week. Guillaume Hansali, 🟡 Helen Iwata - Women's Success Coach, Apolline Daimaru (Coat), Dr. Joe Hüg, and of course Moeko Suzuki-- thank you for your service!
The baddie in this photo is Urvashi J Kumar-- she's doing some great work in sustainable fashion. If you like to look good and feel good about it while you're at it, check out her online shop.
If you’re a woman entrepreneur in Japan, check out HerRise. We offer mentorship, seminars, practical tips and community support.
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