Having worked as an engineer for nearly three decades, Behshad Sabah is sharing his experience across the energy and natural resources sectors to help newcomers to Canada find meaningful careers.
For mentoring over 15 newcomers through the TRIEC Mentoring Partnership (TMP), Behshad was honoured at the 2026 TMP Impact Awards, co-hosted by TD.
He shares with us the reasons behind why he chose to take up mentoring, and why he continues to give back.
What inspired you to become a mentor?
My journey into mentorship stems from a question that fascinated me as a young mechanical engineer: in engineering, every system operates at an efficiency of less than 100%. Energy is always lost somewhere in the process. If we apply this principle strictly, one might expect human progress to stagnate over time.
But human civilization continues to advance because certain individuals consistently contribute more than is expected of them. Scientists, educators, mentors, innovators, and leaders invest their time, knowledge, and experience to create value far beyond their immediate responsibilities, generating a multiplier effect that benefits individuals, communities, and future generations.
To me, mentorship represents one of the most meaningful forms of this contribution. A mentor helps others unlock their potential, overcome obstacles, and accelerate their growth. The opportunity to positively influence someone’s journey and contribute to a better future is what inspired me to become a mentor and continues to motivate me today.
What is the one mentoring partnership that stands out to you, among all the others? What made it so meaningful?
It involved a highly motivated and exceptionally disciplined mentee. She was detail-oriented, proactive, and required little supervision. During weekly meetings, over four months, she demonstrated remarkable commitment to her professional development goals.
Within that short period, she secured a position with a government organization while simultaneously earning her Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
What made this experience especially meaningful was not just the speed of her achievements, but also witnessing the direct impact that focused guidance, determination, and consistent effort can have on a person’s career trajectory.
Her success remains one of the most rewarding examples of what can be accomplished through a strong mentor-mentee partnership.
Could you tell us about the impact your mentoring journey has had on you, both personally, and professionally?
Mentorship has profoundly influenced both my personal and professional development.
Personally, working with individuals from diverse backgrounds has strengthened my ability to listen actively, demonstrate empathy, and appreciate the unique challenges each person faces. I have learned that limitations are often highly individual; when someone says something is impossible, it frequently reflects their specific circumstances rather than an absolute truth.
This realization has encouraged me to become more proactive, adaptable, and creative when helping others navigate obstacles.
Professionally, these lessons have enhanced my leadership and communication skills. I have become a more attentive listener in meetings, more open to diverse perspectives, and more innovative in problem-solving.
Mentorship has reinforced the understanding that there is rarely a single solution that works for everyone. Success often comes from recognizing individual needs and tailoring approaches accordingly.
What are some of the most valuable lessons you’ve learned from your mentees?
One of the most valuable lessons I have learned is that every individual sees the world through a unique lens shaped by their experiences, culture, values, and circumstances. As a result, the same challenge may be perceived very differently by different people.
This has taught me the importance of listening carefully before offering advice. Effective mentorship begins with understanding rather than instructing. By fully understanding a mentee’s situation, goals, and constraints, I can provide guidance that is both relevant and practical.
Through my mentees, I have learned that successful solutions are rarely one-size-fits-all. Creativity, flexibility, and personalization are essential in helping individuals find pathways that work for them and can be realistically implemented in their daily lives.
What advice would you give to your fellow professionals: the ones who say that they are unsure about whether mentoring is for them, or do not have the time to mentor?
I believe that mentorship is less about having extra time and more about recognizing the value of giving back. Time management is a skill, and most professionals can dedicate a small portion of their week to helping others if they choose to prioritize it.
A quote often attributed to Winston Churchill states: “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”
While our careers allow us to earn a living, our contributions to others help define our legacy and the impact we leave behind.
Mentorship is not limited to career development or job searching. It can involve sharing expertise in any field: engineering, business, music, literature, gardening, craftsmanship, or countless other areas. Every person possesses valuable knowledge or experience that can benefit someone else.
What inspires you to keep mentoring?
What continues to inspire me to mentor is the opportunity to work with people who bring different backgrounds, perspectives, cultures, and challenges to the table. No two individuals are the same, and every mentoring relationship presents a unique learning experience.
Each new mentee encourages me to think creatively, challenge assumptions, and continuously improve my ability to communicate and guide effectively. The diversity of experiences and obstacles that people face keeps the process intellectually stimulating and personally rewarding.
I am inspired by the possibility of helping someone achieve a goal they once believed was beyond their reach. Seeing individuals grow in confidence, overcome barriers, and succeed in their chosen paths is one of the most fulfilling experiences a mentor can have.