Actor Jason Segal’s career is the product of open-a-door mentorship.
While he is currently starring in one of my favorite television shows, Shrinking, Jason found the joy of the spotlight in high school.
His acting coach, Ted Walsh, noticed his talents on the stage and opened a door for him.
Without telling Jason, Coach Ted created a secret showcase of an upcoming theatrical performance, inviting casting directors from different studios around Hollywood to witness Jason’s talents.
Based on rave reviews, Coach Ted then met with Jason’s parents to advocate for a career as an actor. He urged, “I think your son can do acting for a living if he wants to.”
Shortly thereafter, Jason was cast in the television show Freaks and Geeks, directed and produced by Judd Apatow.
And another door was opened.
Apatow recognized Jason’s gift of improv, offering this advice, “If you can improv the way you’re improv-ing on this show, you can write scripts. You just need to learn how. So, I’m going to teach you.” Apatow taught Jason script writing and opened another door.
Goading Jason, Apatow said, “Listen, Jason. You’re a weird dude. The only way you’re going to make it is if you write your own material.” This inspired Jason to start writing the script for his movie Forgetting Sarah Marshall.
After working together on a few movies, Apatow asked about Jason’s projects, “Are you working on any new ideas?” Jason pitched his movie. Apatow’s response: “Go write it. We’ll shoot it next year.” The next door opened.
Most recently, when the creators of Ted Lasso formulated the idea for Shrinking, they offered Jason the opportunity to partner. Jason is now a co-creator, co-writer, co-producer, and one of the stars in the new fan favorite. Another door opened.
Deliberate mentors see ahead and around corners. They pay attention to aspirations, identify opportunities, and encourage their mentees.
As evidenced by those who have opened doors for Jason and nudged him forward, labels don’t make a mentor; purposed actions do.
Likewise, numbly implementing advice doesn’t make a mentee; thoughtfully interpreting and invoking ideas does.
Opened doors only work when a mentee walks through them. Like every mentee, Jason had to recognize contributions, embrace the opportunities, and take risks.
The overstory? Courage.
Bravery is revealed by and through open-a-door mentoring.
© 2024. Ann Tardy and MentorLead. www.mentorlead.com. All Rights Reserved.
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