Why Feedback, Failure, and Follow-Through Build Real Leaders | BizWorld Mentor, David Fingerote
“These young entrepreneurs are doing real things. They’re fast, focused, and fearless. And that kind of energy—it’s contagious.” – David Fingerote, YES! Mentor, Educator, Coach A Mentor With a Global Mindset When David Fingerote began teaching overseas nearly two decades ago, he didn’t imagine he’d one day be mentoring teen entrepreneurs from across the globe. A lifelong educator with roots in Southern California, David has built his career working with learners of all ages—from university students in Tokyo to startup founders in the edtech space. But when he joined BizWorld’s YES! Program, something clicked. “I had been consulting with education tech companies, but many of them were tech-heavy and education-light,” David explains. “BizWorld stood out immediately—it was focused on real learning, not just flashy tools.” What started as curiosity turned into commitment. Now a mentor to multiple YES! cohorts—including Japan-based teams—David brings a unique blend of perspective, patience, and purpose to every student he meets. Why Mentorship Matters For David, mentorship isn’t about giving instructions—it’s about offering insight. “You’re not there to tell them what to do,” he says. “You’re there to reflect, to provide perspective, and to help them process the decisions they’re already making.” That philosophy has made him a favorite among YES! entrepreneurs. One student—already running a successful clothing brand—emailed David months after their last session, sharing how meaningful their time together had been. Inspired by the message, David later looped that same student into a future cohort to provide marketing advice to another participant. “That was a full-circle moment. It reminded me just how deep the ripple effect of this program can go.” A Lesson From the Court (and the Classroom) David is also a certified tennis coach and ski instructor—and he sees clear parallels between athletics and entrepreneurship. “Both require communication, confidence, and the ability to take imperfect action,” he says. “You can’t build the perfect product in your head. You have to test, fail, adjust. That’s where the learning happens.” It’s this mindset—of learning through doing—that makes BizWorld so effective. And for mentors like David, it’s just as much a growth opportunity for them as it is for the youth. “You’ll develop skills you didn’t expect. You’ll listen to yourself offering advice and realize it applies to your own life too. That reflection—it’s powerful.” Why This Work Deserves Support When asked what he’d say to a potential donor, David doesn’t hesitate: “I’ve lived and taught in places where the idea of youth entrepreneurship is nonexistent. In those places, kids are trained only to work for someone else. Programs like YES! are necessary—not just to empower students, but to build a better future for all of us.” He adds: “If young people aren’t given the space to create new ideas, then only old, worn-out ones keep circulating. And that’s a dangerous place for society to be.” The Final Word: Just Show Up At the end of the day, what matters most to David is simple. “They show up. The YES! program young entrepreneurs wake up early or stay up late just to meet with me across time zones. They work hard. They follow through. Their commitment alone makes my involvement worth every minute.” Whether it’s mentoring through a pitch deck, troubleshooting a business model, or just listening—David is there. And thanks to mentors like him, the next generation of entrepreneurs isn’t just dreaming. They’re doing. Want to Support the Next Generation of Leaders? While mentors like David generously volunteer their time, your support powers everything else—from curriculum and coordination to tech platforms and global access. Help us continue to provide these life-changing opportunities for youth around the world. 🔗 Learn how you can get involved or give at https://bizworld.org/supporter/
