When I decided to start a new business, well-meaning friends, family and professional associates questioned its viability. Having Debs as a business mentor was hugely helpful. She set tasks for me to test its viability for myself. She was supportive yet challenging. It was so much more constructive engaging in this process with Debs than with people I was close to. That way, I tested my own ideas without become discouraged, defensive or dismissive. If, for no other reason than this, a business mentor like Debs can make the difference between a business venture succeeding or failing.