Why Every Entrepreneur Needs a Mentor with Bruce Taylor
Even if you’re a solo entrepreneur, that doesn’t been you have to (or should!) do it all alone.
In this week’s episode of Unapologetically Yours, I sat down with one of the people who’s shaped my entrepreneurial path more than anyone else: Bruce Taylor. Bruce is the former president of Cole Taylor Bank, the founder of the Next Level Exchange, and—most importantly to me—my longtime mentor and friend.
I can't believe it's been FIVE YEARS since I was first matched with Bruce through a mentorship program during the pandemic. We've met monthly ever since, talking about everything from business growth to goal setting to life's bigger questions. Our relationship has carried me through major milestones in life and business—and in this episode, we reflect on the deep impact mentorship can have, not just on your work, but on who you are as a person.
Bruce is a Chicago native who spent nearly 40 years at Cole Taylor Bank before starting what he calls "Chapter 2" of his career in 2014, focused on giving back. Through The Next Level Exchange, the organization he founded, Bruce has paired nearly 300 mentors and mentees across Chicago.
Bruce believes (and I agree, wholeheartedly!) that the best mentors aren’t the ones barking orders or offering one-size-fits-all advice. The best ones listen. They ask thoughtful questions. They help you find your own answers and connect you with the people or resources that fill the gaps they can’t.
He calls it “being an advocate.” And if you’ve ever been the one carrying the weight of the business (or the family… or both!), you know how powerful it is to have someone in your corner who sees the full picture – and believes in you as a whole human.
“It can be lonely and having somebody who can be an advocate, an advisor, somebody to share or bounce ideas off of can be meaningful.”
In this episode, you’ll hear about:
✨ How to build an effective mentor-mentee relationship
✨ Why giving advice often backfires (and what to do instead)
✨ The keys to creating economic opportunity in overlooked communities
✨ How mentorship changed Bruce's approach to parenting adult children
✨ The power of being a "sponge" when building a business
✨ What it really takes to start and grow a successful venture
✨ How Bruce built The Next Level Exchange from scratch into a platform that has paired nearly 300 mentors and mentees
“So it’s not necessarily easy. It can be a hard path, but it also can be an incredibly rewarding path... It’s going to take a lot of perseverance, a lot of energy.”
My Key Takeaways from Bruce:
A good mentor doesn’t give you a checklist — they hold space for you to think more deeply. Bruce reminded me that mentorship isn’t about telling someone what to do. It’s about asking the right questions and creating space for reflection. That’s what makes it safe to show up honestly and talk about the hard stuff—not just the wins.
Consistency is everything. One of the reasons our relationship has worked so well over the years is because we’ve made it a point to show up. We end every session by scheduling the next. And even when life is full (and it always is), we make time to check in. That rhythm creates trust.
There’s no one “right” way to do it—and that’s a good thing. Bruce has had a front row seat to some of my most pivotal decisions. And even when I was uncertain, he never tried to steer the wheel. Instead, he reminded me that there’s more than one path to success. The important thing is to find the one that’s true for you.
Your business is only part of who you are. The best mentors take the whole person into account. Bruce has always shown up for me not just as a business owner, but as a mom, a creative, a leader, and a human navigating a lot. That kind of support has helped me stay grounded through so many seasons.
When you give back, you build a better community for everyone. What Bruce created through the Next Level Exchange is such a powerful example of what happens when we share our experience, our networks, and our care. His work is a reminder that economic opportunity doesn’t just change businesses—it strengthens cities.
Start small. Start now. You don’t need to have everything figured out before you begin. Some of the most impactful businesses started in a garage, at the kitchen table, or on nights and weekends. If you have a spark, follow it. And let it grow.
You can listen to our full conversation here:
This conversation with Bruce left me feeling grateful for his impact on my life and inspired by the ripple effects of meaningful mentorship across our city. What Bruce has built with The Next Level Exchange is a powerful reminder that we all have the ability to lift others as we grow.
Whether you're seeking a mentor, considering becoming one, or simply curious about making a difference in your community, I think you'll find value in this episode. It's about connection, support, and showing up for each other in ways that create lasting change.
Connect with Bruce:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bwtaylor/
Email: btaylor@taylorpartnerssbr.com
Website: www.Nextlevelexchange.org
Connect with me (Ashley):
Instagram @ashleydlogan
Website https://ashleydlogan.com/
Resources Mentioned:
And as always, if you have a topic or guest you'd love to see featured on the podcast, reach out to us at podcast@unapologeticallyyours.com. I'd love to hear from you.
Unapologetically yours,
xx Ashley