5 Mentors Who Changed My Life—That I’ve Never Met

5 Mentors Who Changed My Life—That I’ve Never Met

Mentors don’t always have to be people you know personally. Some of the most influential figures in my life are people I’ve never met—but their ideas, stories, and lessons have shaped my mindset in ways I can’t ignore.

Here are five mentors who have made a lasting impact on me:

 1. Tim Ferriss – The Power of Experimentation and Resilience

Tim Ferriss is best known for The 4-Hour Workweek, but what stands out to me most is his scientific approach to life and his willingness to be vulnerable. He dissects productivity, learning, and self-improvement with the curiosity of a researcher. But beyond the tactics, his openness about his past struggles—including a suicide attempt—proves that even at rock bottom, you can rebuild. His story is a reminder that resilience is a skill, and reinvention is always possible.

2. Noah Kagan – The Value of Authenticity & Taking a Stand

Noah Kagan, founder of AppSumo, isn’t just a brilliant entrepreneur—he’s refreshingly authentic. He’s funny, opinionated, and unafraid to tackle controversial topics. His content reminds me that it’s better to have a stance than to blend into the noise. In a world where many stay silent out of fear of being “canceled,” he proves that real impact comes from speaking your truth.

 3. Dr. Michael Gervais – Mastering the Mind

As a high-performance psychologist, Dr. Michael Gervais combines science and storytelling to explore what makes humans excel. His podcast, Finding Mastery, breaks down the psychology of elite performers—athletes, entrepreneurs, artists—and uncovers the mental frameworks that drive greatness. He deepened my appreciation for the craft of psychology and the sheer power of the human mind when properly trained.

 4. Podcasters Who Lead with Curiosity

There are too many to name, but the best podcasters have taught me a simple truth: curiosity connects people. The way they ask questions, explore ideas, and share knowledge reminds me that authenticity always resonates—even if you never meet your audience. Megan Tan, one of the early podcasters before it became mainstream, was a great example of this. She showed that when you create from a place of passion, people notice.

 5. Rich Roll – The Hero’s Journey & Purpose-Driven Living

Rich Roll’s transformation—from struggling with addiction to becoming an ultra-endurance athlete—is the ultimate hero’s journey. His story of redemption, discipline, and mission-driven living proves that it’s never too late to rewrite your narrative. His vulnerability and depth in storytelling inspire me to pursue a purpose beyond personal 5 Mentors Who Changed My Life—That I’ve Never Met

Final Thoughts

These mentors don’t know me, but their work has shaped how I think, act, and grow. That’s the beauty of the internet—we have access to the minds of incredible people, and sometimes, the right message at the right time can change everything.

Who are the mentors who have influenced you—even if you’ve never met them?