Hosts: Amanda Marshall, Skye Hughes, and Will Masara
Length: Full episode
Listen via: www.ylaaus.com/podclass
🌱 Intro Summary
In this energising episode of Podclass, the team dives deep into one of the most practical and transformative conversations yet – how to adopt a mentor mindset. Whether you're a teacher, coach, parent or youth worker, understanding how to hold high expectations while offering high support is the key to building trust, resilience and autonomy in young people.
With warmth, humour and personal reflections, Amanda, Skye and Will unpack three core mindsets adults often default to – the Enforcer, the Protector, and the ideal: the Mentor. You'll laugh, nod in recognition, and walk away with a renewed perspective on what it means to walk with young people, not ahead or behind them.
🔍 Episode Breakdown
🛑 The Enforcer: High Expectations, Low Support
“My job is to teach the maths. If you don't get it, that’s your problem.” – Skye
Enforcer mindsets prioritise discipline and standards, but often at the cost of wellbeing and autonomy. The team reflects on how this style can disconnect adults from the emotional realities of young people, even if it comes from a place of care.
🛡️ The Protector: High Support, Low Expectations
“Let me do it for you, darling.” – Amanda
While well-intentioned, protectors often remove challenge and risk in an effort to make life easier for young people. The hosts explore how this mindset can stifle resilience and prevent young people from building confidence in their own capabilities.
🤝 The Mentor Mindset: High Expectations, High Support
“It’s not about walking in front or behind – it’s walking beside.” – Skye
This is the sweet spot. Mentors offer guidance without rescuing, set boundaries without controlling, and always hold the young person as capable. When educators and adults embody this stance, it fosters autonomy, trust and real learning.
🧰 Practical Strategies for Educators
Visualise Your Stance
Reflect on where you typically “stand” with students. Are you ahead, behind, or beside them? Shift your stance with intentionality.
Balance the Equation
Combine warmth with challenge. Check in emotionally and hold the line on expectations. For example, greet a student with care before gently reminding them of the uniform policy.
Name the Mindsets
Use the Enforcer–Protector–Mentor model in staff conversations. It gives teams a shared language to reflect and grow together.
Hold Space for Struggle
Resist the urge to fix everything. Ask questions, offer prompts, and trust in the young person’s ability to problem-solve.
🎓 Final Thoughts
The mentor mindset is not a middle ground. It is a powerful and intentional stance that says: I see your potential, and I’m here to walk with you. When educators embrace this approach, we create relational trust – the foundation of growth, learning and genuine connection.
Let’s grow more mentors.
đź”— Links and More
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Connect with YEP: https://youthengagementproject.com
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