The Journey of @ADPList: How a Google Sheet Changed Mentorship | ft. Felix Lee | @DesignSundays

Summary

In this insightful discussion, Felix Lee, founder of ADP List, shares his journey from a simple Excel sheet to raising $1.3 million for mentorship. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship in personal and professional growth, highlighting how it accelerates learning by learning from others' experiences. Lee stresses the value of both one-time and long-term mentorship relationships and offers practical advice on building trust with mentors through preparation and consistent follow-ups.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Mentorship is crucial for personal and professional growth, providing guidance and helping individuals avoid common mistakes.
• 📈 ADPList started as a simple Google spreadsheet and evolved into a platform that connects mentors and mentees worldwide.
• 💡 The initial idea of ADPList was born during the pandemic to support those who were losing jobs or seeking career guidance.
• 🌐 The platform's success is attributed to its global accessibility, allowing anyone to connect with top mentors regardless of their location.
• 🔑 Key to a successful mentorship relationship is effective people management, setting the right expectations, and respecting individual circumstances.
• 🤝 The value of mentorship lies in learning from others' experiences to accelerate one's own learning and development.
• 📚 Books and mentors serve as浓缩 lifetimes of knowledge into accessible formats, allowing for rapid learning and growth.
• 🔄 Having both one-time and long-term mentors is beneficial, with the former for specific questions and the latter for ongoing guidance.
• 🤔 It's important to prepare questions and goals before a mentorship session to ensure it's productive and focused.
• 📝 Consistent follow-up with mentors is essential for maintaining a fruitful relationship and showing commitment to personal growth.
• 🌱 ADPList's growth has been driven by a focus on solving real problems and understanding the nuances of people's needs in different regions.

Q & A

What was the inspiration behind starting ADP List?

Felix Lee started ADP List during the pandemic in 2020 with the intention of helping people who were losing their jobs or looking for support. As a designer, he focused on solving problems and initially created a simple Google spreadsheet that was publicly accessible for people to add their names if they were looking for a job or offering mentorship.

How did ADP List transition from a spreadsheet to a full-fledged platform?

In 2021, Felix and his co-founder James decided to transform the spreadsheet into a proper website to better facilitate the growing community. This transition marked the beginning of ADP List as a platform dedicated to mentorship.

What was the turning point for ADP List to become a 'mass revolution'?

There wasn't a single moment of realization, but rather a series of reflections on the potential of the platform. Felix felt humbled and believed that while the idea was simple, no one had done such a significant revolution before, and they aimed to make a global impact.

What are the key learnings Felix has had while building ADP List?

Felix learned that most challenges and lessons revolve around people management, including hiring the right people and setting the right expectations. He emphasized the importance of being present, respectful, and humble when interacting with team members and partners.

How does mentorship help in personal and professional growth?

Mentorship helps by providing guidance to avoid mistakes and learn from the experiences of others. It accelerates learning and perspective, allowing individuals to extend their knowledge and time for growth.

What is the significance of having a single mentor versus multiple mentors?

Felix suggests that having multiple mentors is beneficial as it allows individuals to get different perspectives and expertise. However, it's also important to have a few long-term mentors for ongoing guidance on various issues.

How can one determine if a mentor is a good fit for them?

One should start with a one-time meeting to see if there's a connection and if the mentor's expertise aligns with their needs. It's important to evaluate if the mentor can provide the necessary guidance and if the relationship is mutually beneficial.

What are the two key secrets to building a strong mentorship relationship?

The two key secrets are being prepared before the session by having clear questions and goals, and consistently following up with updates after the session. These practices help to establish trust and make the relationship more fruitful.

How does ADP List facilitate one-time versus long-term mentorship?

ADP List allows individuals to meet multiple mentors and decide after the initial meeting if they want to continue with one or more of them long-term. It provides a platform for both one-time sessions for specific questions and long-term mentorship for ongoing support.

What is the role of preparation and follow-up in a mentorship relationship?

Preparation ensures that the mentee comes to the meeting with clear objectives and questions, making the session more productive. Consistent follow-ups demonstrate respect for the mentor's time and help in building a relationship of trust.

How does mentorship on ADP List differ from traditional mentorship?

ADP List offers a platform that connects mentors and mentees globally, making mentorship accessible regardless of location. It also provides flexibility for both one-time and long-term mentorship relationships.