Mentorship That Lasts: From Boss to Business Partner to Trusted Advisor
9th June 2025
In this episode of The Stavis Legacy Lounge, Deborah Stavis reconnects with longtime friend, former colleague, and trusted mentor Ed Berube for a candid conversation about the real meaning and value of mentorship.
With a career spanning executive leadership at some of the largest insurance and financial services firms in the country, Ed has worn many hats: manager, business consultant, mentor, and friend. His relationship with Deborah stretches back over four decades—from hiring her as a young advisor in Houston to advising her through major mergers and business transitions, and now continuing as a deeply trusted voice in her decision-making as she leads Stavis Wealth.
Together, Deborah and Ed unpack:
-Why the best mentor relationships often happen organically and not by corporate design
-The difference between mentorship, coaching, and consulting (and why the lines often blur)
-How brutal honesty, mutual respect, and shared values form the foundation of lasting mentorship
-Why even seasoned leaders need a sounding board to challenge their thinking
-The emotional intelligence required to give, and receive, hard truths
Whether you're building a business, navigating a legacy-defining moment, or simply seeking wisdom from those who’ve been there before, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at a mentor-mentee relationship built on trust, growth, and decades of real-world experience.
This is mentorship, redefined.