Mentoring vs. Coaching - Which One Moves You Forward Now?

Dear R(L)eaders,

Let’s start with a truth we don’t talk about enough:

Not every challenge is a coaching moment. 

Not every question calls for a mentor’s advice.

Growth isn’t linear. It’s layered. And sometimes, what you truly need is not more clarity—but more context. Or not just reflection, but real-life perspective. That’s the difference between coaching and mentoring.

What’s the difference?

It’s not just semantics—it’s strategy. Here’s how the International Coaching Federation (ICF) defines it:

Coaching is partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.

In contrast, 

Mentoring is a development-driven relationship where an experienced individual shares knowledge, skills, and perspectives to help another grow.

But there’s more science behind it than you’d think.

What the research tells us:

• A study published in the Journal of Vocational Behavior (Eby et al., 2013) found that mentoring relationships lead to greater career advancement, particularly when aligned with specific career goals.

• The neuroscience of coaching reveals that when we reflect (as opposed to receiving advice), we activate our prefrontal cortex—the area responsible for higher-order thinking, planning, and decision-making (Rock & Page, 2009). In other words, coaching builds cognitive independence.

• Meanwhile, mirror neurons in the brain help us learn through modeled behavior. This means when we watch mentors who’ve “been there,” we actually internalize their wisdom more deeply (Iacoboni, 2008).

So: 

Mentoring rewires us through modeling. 

Coaching rewires us through insight.

When to choose a mentor

Choose a mentor when you need:

• Industry knowledge or playbooks from someone who’s been in your shoes

• Honest feedback from someone who “gets it”

• Networking support or real-life wisdom

• To see a few steps ahead on a similar career path

Mentors shorten the learning curve. They help you see what’s coming before you get there.

When to choose a coach

Choose a coach when you:

• Are navigating a decision, identity shift, or internal block

• Want to stretch into leadership or personal growth

• Need clarity, not answers

• Are working through imposter syndrome, visibility challenges, or burnout

Coaches challenge your mindset and help you generate solutions that align with your values, goals, and strengths.

Sometimes, the best answer is both.

One doesn’t cancel the other. In fact, they complement each other beautifully—especially when your career is at an inflection point.

That’s why, at MaCa Coaching & Mentoring, we’ve built a hybrid model:

• You get structured coaching sessions to gain insight, shift patterns, and take ownership.

• You’re paired with a mentor for role-specific guidance and real-world wisdom.

• You walk away with clarity and confidence—because your next step is supported from every angle.

Curious which one is right for your current season? 

Let’s explore it together.

Rooting for your success, 

Lisa Madaschi, PCC

Leadership & Career Coach | MaCa Founder