In this edition of Letting the Mentors Speak series, Oliver Libby shares his insights
📣🧑🏻💼 Meet OLIVER B. LIBBY
As we proceed with our Letting the Mentors Speak series, this time, we would like to give the floor to Oliver Libby who has had the daunting privilege to be one of the two men on our mentoring board :)
Oliver is co-founding Managing Partner of Hatzimemos / Libby Holdings (H/L Ventures) and of CityRock Venture Partners. He also chairs the Board of The Resolution Project, Inc., a non-profit based in New York City.
For more info, please visit: https://h-l.vc/
What does it mean to you to be a mentor to someone?
Mentoring is a two-way street. While I am technically the mentor —and I love to mentor at HMN and other organizations—the truth is that I learn just as much (sometimes more) from my “mentee” as I can teach. Mentorship done well is really a conversation: a mutual exchange of experience, knowledge, and perspectives. It is deeply moving to be a mentor.
What was it about taking part in the HMN Accelerator Program that appealed to you most?
The entrepreneurs selected by HMN are inspiring, powerful women, and I am honored to have been included.
What do you think is the most important attribute of a Social Entrepreneur?
I never can pick one thing, because one thing is never enough. Entrepreneurship is a full-body, full-mind challenge, and takes an incredible mix of traits, skills, character, and even good luck.
Did you ever feel like giving up on your professional journey? If so, how did you pick up again?
I find inspiration from the entrepreneurs and colleagues that surround me, and so no: I do not find myself giving up. Frustration and at times dejection crop up, sure, but I am surrounded by extraordinary examples and people who have come through far worse than I can imagine. It’s the context that matters.
What is your personal definition of success?
Protecting and promoting people and the planet as effectively as I can.
In your opinion, what is the top-priority issue that must be confronted and dealt with in today’s world?
Opportunity for all. Given the chance and opportunity, people will then solve the (many) pressing problems we collectively face, from poverty and health to climate and conflict; but starting with uplifting people is the key to the rest.
What keeps you going every day?
I love what I do and the people I get to do it with; that doesn’t only includework, but family too.