As I reflect on my own career, it's hard to imagine where I'd be if people didn't take early bets on me. 

I try my best to pay it forward, but I'm curious if anyone has ideas on to do it more intentionally.

I've never had a formal "mentor," fwiw.

me too. what i've done: 1) volunteer to mentor others and 2) long-term apprenticeship for the most motivated

Tyler Cowen does a ton around this theme, maybe most notably Emergent Ventures

Being a mentor is the most rewarding thing. I’ve done it in numerous contexts as a designer—from teaching at bootcamps to ADPList and programs like Co.Lab, and now through First Round.

The happy balance for me has been to join smaller communities and share your story…

Never had a formal mentor either. A differentiated way to pay it forward is to reply to cold emails for juniors seeking advice. Very few did it in banking but was appreciative for those who did. And now I do the same in venture.

Reconnect with high school/college to help students interested in tech!

2x a year check-ins with a handful of younger, long-term thinkers can be very high-leverage for them without being a huge burden on you (depends on how many a “handful” is 😬)