Success rarely happens in isolation. For many celebrated figures, the journey to prominence was paved by the guidance of a mentor. Some mentees went on to eclipse their mentors, achieving unprecedented heights, while others chose to honour their mentors’ legacy, carrying it forward with brilliance. These stories are not just about individual success but about the transformative act of sharing knowledge, cultivating talent, and preserving a legacy.
In the luxury and business worlds, mentorship transcends traditional guidance. It becomes a profound gift — a transfer of expertise, vision, and influence. From Karl Lagerfeld entrusting Virginie Viard with Chanel’s creative future to Benjamin Graham shaping Warren Buffett’s legendary investment philosophy, mentorship exemplifies how leaders pass on more than skills; they pass on the essence of their life’s work. LUXUO celebrates ten mentor-mentee relationships that have disrupted norms, shaped industries, and ensured that the spirit of excellence continues to thrive. Whether outshining their mentors or safeguarding a legacy, these pairs illustrate the enduring power of mentorship as the ultimate gift in building the future.
Industry: Business/Entrepreneurship
Ray Dalio and Greg Jensen
Ray Dalio, the founder of Bridgewater Associates, cultivated a unique culture of radical transparency and principles-based decision-making at the hedge fund. Dalio’s mentorship of Greg Jensen, who joined Bridgewater in 1996 and rose to co-chief investment officer, exemplifies this ethos. Dalio guided Jensen in navigating complex financial strategies and managing the firm’s macro-focused investment approach, which relies heavily on identifying global economic trends. Dalio’s book “Principles”, outlined his management philosophy, and has been a touchstone in Jensen’s development as a leader. Under Dalio’s mentorship, Jensen learned to balance analytical rigor with emotional intelligence, enabling him to contribute significantly to Bridgewater’s status as the largest hedge fund in the world. Their mentor-mentee relationship highlights the power of passing on not just technical expertise but also cultural and leadership values critical to long-term organisational success.
Industry: Technology
Sergey Brin and Sundar Pichai (Google/Alphabet)
Google co-founder Sergey Brin played a critical role in mentoring Sundar Pichai as he navigated his rise through the ranks at Google. Pichai, who initially joined the company to work on the Chrome browser, quickly became known for his vision and leadership abilities. Brin, along with fellow co-founder Larry Page, recognised Pichai’s potential early on, providing guidance that not only shaped Pichai’s professional trajectory but also helped him understand the broader goals of the company. This mentorship proved invaluable as Pichai eventually became the CEO of Alphabet, the parent company of Google, in 2015. Brin’s support and advice were instrumental in Pichai’s ability to lead Alphabet into new ventures, ensuring the company maintained its innovation-driven edge while adapting to the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
Industry: Literature
Toni Morrison and Ta-Nehisi Coates
Toni Morrison, a literary icon, profoundly influenced Ta-Nehisi Coates as a mentor, shaping his approach to exploring themes of race, history, and identity. Her influence helped shape his distinctive narrative voice. Morrison encouraged Coates to embrace the power of his voice, helping him refine his storytelling to provoke thought and spark dialogue. Her guidance allowed him to craft works like “Between the World and Me”, which carry the same depth and cultural resonance Morrison’s writings are celebrated for. The relationship between Morrison and Coates exemplifies how mentorship in literature is a gift of perspective and courage, passed down to create transformative narratives.
Industry: Fashion
Tom Ford and Peter Hawkings
Peter Hawkings’ nearly 25-year journey with Tom Ford is a testament to the enduring power of mentorship in fashion. Under Ford’s guidance at Gucci and later at the Tom Ford brand, Hawkings mastered the art of both branding and design. When Ford launched his eponymous brand in 2005, Hawkings followed and was entrusted with increasingly significant responsibilities, playing a pivotal role in establishing the Tom Ford label as a symbol of sophistication and cutting-edge fashion at the time. Ford’s mentorship extended beyond the school of technical design; it involved teaching Hawkings the intricacies of running a global luxury brand, from the business side to creative direction. While Hawkings would eventually make his departure from Tom Ford in July of 2024, this transition wasn’t just about succession but about preserving and evolving a legacy, with Hawkings continuing to embody Ford’s signature elegance while charting a future aligned with contemporary tastes.
Industry: Entertainment
Shonda Rhimes and Pete Nowalk
Shonda Rhimes, the powerhouse behind Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal, nurtured Pete Nowalk’s talent as a writer and creator. Rhimes’ mentorship helped Nowalk hone his storytelling craft, culminating in his creation of the critically acclaimed How to Get Away with Murder, with Rhimes serving as executive producer. Their collaboration exemplifies how mentorship in entertainment can amplify voices, fostering the next generation of creative talent while building a legacy of compelling, boundary-pushing narratives. Their partnership highlights how mentorship fuels creative storytelling in television.
Industry: Technology
Steve Jobs and Tim Cook
Steve Jobs saw potential in Tim Cook long before he became Apple’s CEO. Through years of close mentorship, Jobs instilled in Cook the principles of innovation, precision, and the importance of design-driven leadership. When Jobs passed the torch in 2011, Cook carried forward Apple’s legacy, maintaining its position as a tech leader while steering it into new frontiers. Cook stepped into the role of CEO in 2011, continuing Apple’s trajectory while respecting Jobs’ vision. Their relationship showcases mentorship as the ultimate gift in technology — a transfer of vision that ensures continuity while embracing change.
Industry: Fashion
Karl Lagerfeld and Virginie Viard
For over three decades, Karl Lagerfeld and Virginie Viard cultivated one of fashion’s most iconic mentorships. Lagerfeld, a towering figure in luxury, recognised Viard’s meticulous attention to detail and deep understanding of Chanel’s essence. As his closest collaborator, Viard worked closely with Lagerfeld, absorbing not only his meticulous approach to design but also his understanding of Chanel’s heritage and the delicate balance between innovation and tradition. Viard’s keen eye for detail and her respect for Chanel’s timeless codes allowed her to complement Lagerfeld’s reinventions, blending modernity with the classic elegance that defined the brand. When Lagerfeld passed in 2019, it was Viard he entrusted to carry forward the creative legacy of Chanel. Under her direction, the brand remains rooted in Lagerfeld’s ethos of elegance and innovation, while evolving to resonate with modern audiences. The Lagerfeld-Viard partnership exemplifies how mentorship in fashion goes beyond technical skill, emphasising the transfer of vision, passion, and responsibility in shaping the future of a legacy that transcends generations.
Industry: Entertainment & Film
Steven Spielberg and J.J. Abrams
Steven Spielberg’s mentorship of J.J. Abrams is one of Hollywood’s most famed partnerships. Spielberg recognised Abrams’ talent early on, guiding him in the art of storytelling and the intricacies of production. Through Spielberg’s mentorship, Abrams developed a signature style that balances creative ambition with commercial appeal, evident in hits like Star Trek and Star Wars: The Force Awakens. This dynamic exemplifies how mentorship can mould protégés into visionary leaders while honouring the legacies of those who came before.
Industry: Fashion Photography
Mario Testino and Mikael Jansson
While his name is now muddled in controversy, Mario Testino was (and some would argue still is) renowned for his famed fashion imagery, and has long championed emerging talent in fashion photography, including Mikael Jansson. A legend in fashion photography, Testino has mentored numerous talents, including Jansson, who now ranks among the industry’s elite. Through Testino’s mentorship, Jansson honed his ability to capture evocative and timeless images, ultimately earning his place as one of the industry’s most sought-after photographers. This relationship underscores how mentorship in the arts is a gift of inspiration and technique, ensuring that creativity and excellence are passed on to future generations.
Industry: Business/Entrepreneurship
Benjamin Graham and Warren Buffett
Warren Buffett often cites Benjamin Graham, the “father of value investing,” as the most influential figure in his professional life. Graham, a professor at Columbia Business School and author of The Intelligent Investor, taught Buffett the principles of identifying undervalued stocks through rigorous analysis — a methodology that remains central to Buffett’s approach. Beyond technical expertise, Graham instilled in Buffett the importance of emotional discipline in investing, emphasising the need to detach from market emotions and focus on intrinsic value. Buffett’s decision to work at Graham’s investment firm, Graham-Newman Corporation, after graduation deepened their mentor-mentee relationship. Buffett attributes his enduring success, including his role at Berkshire Hathaway, to Graham’s mentorship, noting that Graham not only shaped his financial strategies but also his integrity-driven philosophy in business.
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