Why Mentor Matters?
Whether you are leading a MSME or steering a Startup, entrepreneurs and business leadership are often exposed to multitudinous challenges both at the micro and macro levels. This book explains how the right mentor can help overcome these obstacles, offering perspicacity for leadership effectiveness and decision making that ensures financial stability and business growth.
With a focus on the Indian business environment, this book provides practical insights on leveraging government initiatives, making informed strategic choices, and building resilience in an unpredictable market space. It outlines how a mentor’s expertise, exposure and experience can accelerate business growth and sustainability. The book also helps entrepreneurs identify and align with the right mentor, provides practical wisdom to objectively assess mentor contributions and ensure that the mentorship translates into measurable results.
For Startup founders and MSME leadership this is an essential resource that demystifies mentorship and empowers businesses to unlock their fullest potential.
Official
Book Release
Hon’ble Minister Smt. Sushri Shobha Karandlaje, Union Minister of State for Ministry of Micro, Medium and Small Enterprises (MSME) and Ministry of Labour & Employment, GOI releasing Why Mentor Matters: A must-read handbook for MSME Entrepreneurs and Startup Leadership on 28th June 2025.
Smt.Sushri Shobha Karandlaje
Hon'ble Minister of MSME (State) & Ministry of Labour and Employment
Book forewords by
I am sure that all MSME entrepreneurs will with keenness like to add to their reading list this handbook without fail and with no regrets. Dr. George V. Antony has demonstrated all the special skills by the handbook he has crafted for MSME entrepreneurs.
R. Venkataramani
Attorney General for India
As I read through its pages, I appreciated how the author has condensed decades of experience and insight into a readable and useful handbook for entrepreneurs and future leaders.
Dr. Sandeep Marwah
Chancellor of AAFT University of Media and Arts
President of the International Chamber of Media & Entertainment Industry
National Chairman for Media & Entertainment Committee in Ministry of Consumer Affairs
In business as in life, a Mentor matters a lot in eventual success. Glancing through this book, the reader can find insightful wisdom highly beneficial for the entrepreneurs and aspiring corporate leaders of tomorrow. I am of the view that this book, a useful addition in growing Management literature about startups is a must-read Handbook for every entrepreneur and business aspirant.
Ashok Kapur IAS (Retd.)
Director General, Institute of Directors
Former Principal Secretary, West Bengal
I have had the unique opportunity to go through the final draft of this Book and I must say that I am elated at how much value addition this book can do to entrepreneurship in India. This book provides a rare insight as to how having a Mentor helps an MSME entrepreneur to get a vision as a leader; to have clarity of what you wish to create & a better understanding of who your stakeholders are. Only a Mentor can help an entrepreneur realize he/ she has to be custodian for building the business and not the sole stakeholder of the business. It’s a must read for anyone wishes to make their mark on the MSME sector, in India. I wish Dr George V Antony all the very best.
Mr. Loknath Behera IPS (Retd.)
Managing Director, Kochi Metro Rail Ltd.
Former DGP & State Police Chief, Kerala
I read with deep interest the author’s views on the role of appropriate mentorship. In fact, from Chapter three onwards, the multifaceted role of the Mentor is so well addressed that I completely agree that this Book is indeed a MUST READ and I have no hesitation in recommending it for inclusion in business school’s academic curriculum as a text book.
Mr. Preman Dinaraj IAAS (Retd.)
Chairman, Kerala State Power & Infrastructure Finance Corporation Ltd.
Former Chairman, Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission
There is no person in the world who has not benefitted from good advice. Every successful innovator has invariably built his enterprise around such useful tips. With the explosive growth of MSMEs, the need for mentors assumes great importance. In this book, Dr. George V. Antony elucidates, in his characteristic and simple manner, the role of mentors in entrepreneurial excellence. A must read for both mentors and mentees to be always ahead of the curve.
Mr. S Ganesh Kumar
Independent Director, IDFC FIRST Bank
Former Executive Director, Reserve Bank of India
A captivating read on mentorship, this book is a must-read for startup founders, particularly MSME entrepreneurs. It offers valuable insights that can transform your perspective on mentoring and equip you to build resilience in an unpredictable marketplace.
Mr. K Paul Thomas
Founder, MD and CEO, ESAF Small Finance Bank
You should read this book if you’re a...
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Business Owner, Entrepreneur or Startup Founder
facing business challenges, lacking awareness on governmental support, haziness on core and mandatory business essentials, and seeking the support of a right mentor.
Startup and Entrepreneurial Business Aspirant
who seeks clarity on business opportunities, direction and validation of business ideas, proper guidance and handholding from the right mentors; this book will help in translating your business idea into a sustainable business model.
Mentor or Academician
who would like to empower the real mentor in them, and enrich their professional value as the right mentor for business enterprises.
How will this book benefit you?
Strategic Wisdom for Profitability and Growth
This book helps you with insights on detective, preventive and corrective strategies every business owner should know for profit, growth and success.
Understand Critical Mistakes of Business Owners and Startup Founders
This book offers deep understanding on critical leadership mistakes and it’s business impact.
Collaborating with the Right Mentor
This book gives clarity to entrepreneurs and startup founders in identifying and collaborating with the right mentor for business sustenance and value creation.
Guidance on Reviewing and Assessing Mentor Contribution
This book empower entrepreneurs and startup founders to appropriately assess and review the mentor’s contribution to business, and its business impact.
This book delivers a powerful message on the importance of mentorship in the entrepreneurial journey, weaving together practical wisdom, personal experiences, and real-world applications. Dr. George V Antony brings clarity to the often-overlooked role of a mentor and shows how the right guidance can make the difference between struggling and succeeding. Whether you’re just starting out or already leading a venture, this handbook serves as a valuable companion to help you navigate challenges, make informed decisions, and grow with purpose.
Nahas T Ummar
Sales Manager, Fortune M.G
The book is very simple to understand which starts with a slow pace and speed up chapter by chapter. It increases the interest and curiosity of the next pages/chapters while reading the previous ones. Also it has many insights like Probability to possibility mindset, bridge knowledge and experience gaps, Clarity in Vision and strategy etc. especially the 3WH’s.
Arun Sathyan
Partner, Beeline Associates
If you are an aspiring entrepreneur, this is a must read book. Provides all necessary information and instils confidence to pursue your dreams!
Thomas Mathai
Senior Manager, Marketing & Sales,
Maruti Suzuki
Maruti Suzuki
Your emphasis on innovation, resilience, strategic planning resonated deeply with me. The guidance on leadership, team building, and adapting to change is particularly relevant in today’s fast-paced business environment. I look forward to implementing some of the strategies you’ve outlined.
Sreenivasan P N
District Health Officer(Retd.)
“Why Mentor Matters?” is an insightful and engaging portrayal of the transformative role mentors play in shaping personal and professional growth. Its clear structure and thoughtful reflections inspire readers to both seek guidance and become guiding lights for others. This is a must read for anyone looking to unlock their potential through the power of mentorship.
Dr. M A Joseph
Former Dean and HOD, DCMS,
University of Calicut
University of Calicut
A practical guide for MSME entrepreneurs and startup leaders, emphasizing the transformative role mentors play in business success. The book blends real-world insights with actionable advice, showing how guidance from experienced professionals can help navigate challenges, avoid costly mistakes, and accelerate growth. It’s an inspiring read for anyone seeking sustainable entrepreneurial growth through the wisdom of mentorship.
Nisha Ann Jacob
HOD, School of Management Studies,
Union Christian Collage
The author has given us a precise yet exhaustive and thorough roadmap as to how to mentor an MSME or Startup to help set up business in his book titled Why Mentor matters. It delves into the transformative power of mentorship. It is a must read for all mentors and can be used as a reference book by faculty and students as well.
Usha Mary Mathen
AVP HR, ESAF Small Finance Bank
Mentorship is not about shortcuts, but about having a trusted hand to steady you when challenges seem overwhelming and to push you further when opportunities arise. The experience, wisdom, perspective, and encouragement of a mentor can often be the difference between giving up and finding the strength to move forward. This book beautifully captures that reality.
Adv. Shyam Padman
Founding Partner,
Shyam Padman Associates
Shyam Padman Associates
The book “Why Mentor Matters”, written by Dr. George V Antony is a priceless gift to all aspiring young entrepreneurs. This book gives valuable insights about ‘Right Mentering for growth and sustainability’ of the enterprise.
Venugopal C H
Product Head – Insurance,
Stock Holding Corporation of India
An excellent book one must read in his lifetime. The author is one who has excellent knowledge in various fields and is an experienced academician. Surely it will be a huge loss for you if you don’t read this book. I strongly recommend this to new entrepreneurs and business class.
CA Hrishikesh Namboodiri M K
Hrishikesan & co
I just finished reading the book. It’s a brilliant work. A must-read for all the Business aspirants and entrepreneurs! Very well- structured and precisely written content.
Anitha Premnath
Faculty, Rajagiri Public School
I really enjoyed reading Why Mentor Matter. The author has explained in a very simple and clear way the real problems that MSMEs face in India. What stood out to me the most was how it showed the cost of being unaware about rules and regulations, which many small businesses actually go through. The part I loved the most is how strongly it highlights the role of a mentor in guiding and growing a business. Overall, it’s a very practical and eye-opening book that every MSME owner should read
Sumanta Kumar Ghosh
Senior Executive -Sales
Outspark by Times of India
Official Website Launch
On 3rd October 2025, renowned Indian Film Director and Screenwriter, Shri. Sathyan Anthikad, launched this website and kicked off the digital marketing initiatives of Why Mentor Matters?: A must-read handbook for MSME Entrepreneurs and Startup Leadership.
Dr. George V Antony
Meet The Author
Dr. George V Antony has over 28 years of professional experience in the industry, academia, research, training, consulting and mentoring. A trendsetter in academic and entrepreneurial excellence, his visionary leadership, innovative initiatives and contributions as an edupreneur has received him several prestigious recognitions including Education Planner award from the Asia Africa Development Council (2018) and IBMC Business Excellency award at the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (2020). He is the first Post Doctoral Fellow in management from the Dept. of Social Sciences, Cochin University of Science & Technology (CUSAT), holds doctorate in Information Security Governance in Banking, MBA in Finance and B.Sc. in Physics. He is a Certified Bank Trainer from IIBF-NIBM, Certified Corporate Director and Certified Startup Professional from IOD India, Certified Trainer Facilitator from Middle Earth HR – CAMI (USA) and Accredited Management Teacher from AIMA. He has research publications in reputed journals, including ABDC and Springer listed ones, with significant citations contributing to his h-index and i10-index on Google Scholar. Prior to his career as the Director of leading business schools, he earlier worked with IndusInd Bank, Stock Holding Corporation of India, IDBI Bank etc., and was also into SAP consulting for a decade. Apart from being a distinguished management educator, adjunct professor at universities abroad and advisory board member of reputed institutions, George closely associates with the industry and serves as Hon. Regional Director of Institute of Directors and Chairperson, State of Kerala for International Chamber of Media and Entertainment Industry. He was formerly the Special Honorary Ambassador of IAAP (UK). Presently, George is the Director of GreenApple Success Factors, and serves as a mentor and business transformation consultant to business owners, entrepreneurs, startup leadership, startup aspirants and decision makers.
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