Why Mentorship and Support Matter More Than You Think

When someone you admire shows up for you on your biggest night, it changes everything. I’ve been thinking a lot about this lately—not just in the context of Broadway debuts, but in how we build communities of learning and growth in every field.

Meg Stalter’s Broadway opening recently got a special boost when her Hacks co-star Jean Smart made an appearance to cheer her on. On the surface, it’s a sweet story about two actors supporting each other. But dig a little deeper, and there’s something really important happening here. This is about the power of people who’ve already made it taking time to lift up those coming up behind them.

The Real Magic of Mentorship

You know what? Having someone in your corner who truly believes in you is invaluable. It’s like the difference between climbing a mountain alone in the dark versus having someone shine a light on the path ahead. Jean Smart showing up wasn’t just a nice gesture—it was a public statement that said, “I see your talent. I support you. You belong here.”

This matters so much more than we often acknowledge. When you’re stepping into something new and terrifying—and let’s be honest, a Broadway debut is absolutely terrifying—having that kind of encouragement can be the difference between freezing up and truly performing your best.

I’ve seen this pattern play out in my own work helping developers break into new areas. When someone further along in their journey takes time to mentor, encourage, and show up for you, it does something powerful. It gives you permission to be bold. It reminds you that you’re not alone in the struggle.

Building Communities Where People Actually Help Each Other

Here’s what fascinates me: Jean Smart could have stayed home. She could have sent a text, posted something on social media, and called it a day. But she didn’t. She physically showed up. That’s the kind of thing people remember for the rest of their lives.

In tech, we talk a lot about building inclusive communities. We host panels and write guidelines and create codes of conduct. Those things matter, absolutely. But you know what matters just as much? The simple act of showing up. Of being present. Of using your platform and your experience to lift others up.

Think about it this way: when someone who’s already “made it” in their field spends energy supporting someone newer, it sends a signal to everyone watching. It says that success doesn’t have to be a zero-sum game. It says there’s room for more than one person to shine.

• It normalizes asking for help
• It shows that vulnerability isn’t weakness—it’s part of the journey
• It creates a culture where success gets shared, not hoarded
• It reminds us that we all started somewhere

Taking This Lesson Into Your Own Life

Whether you’re a performer, a developer, a manager, or someone learning something completely new, this story offers a real lesson. If you’ve achieved something? Use it. Find someone a few steps behind you and show up for them. It doesn’t have to be big or flashy. Sometimes it’s just presence.

And if you’re the person starting out, beginning something scary, stepping onto a stage you’ve never been on before? Look for those people who’ve done it. The ones who remember what it felt like. Those are usually the ones most willing to help.

I think about my own journey learning to code, struggling with my first tech talks, feeling like I didn’t belong in rooms full of “real” developers. Every single time someone reached out and said, “Hey, you’re doing great, keep going,” it mattered. It stayed with me. It made me want to turn around and do the same for someone else.

That’s really what this story is about. It’s not just about Broadway or acting or celebrity moments. It’s about the fundamental human need to be seen, supported, and believed in. And it’s about what happens when people who have the power to lift others up actually choose to do it.

So here’s my challenge for you: who can you show up for this week? Who’s doing something brave that deserves your support?

Source: Meg Stalter Gets ‘Hacks’ Co-Star Jean Smart’s Support on Her Broadway Opening…