Lifting Others Up: How Mentor Christopher Scott Lives His Philosophy of Service
When asked how he would describe mentorship, Christopher Scott prefers to describe it as an expression of how he chooses to live, rather than just an act of guidance.
It’s this philosophy of service and kindness that underpins everything Christopher does, as a lawyer, a father, and a mentor.
“We all live in a social environment, in relation with one another,” he says. “When I think about being a human being, the question is really about how I am in relation with others. I want not only to treat people the way they’d like to be treated but also to elevate them.”
Born in Vancouver and raised in Prince George, Christopher studied computer science and mathematics at University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) before going on to attend law school at University of Victoria (UVic). His career path eventually led him to specialize in intellectual property law, first in private practice and then as in-house counsel at a quantum computing company; he is now general counsel for a group of companies in Vancouver. “That’s me professionally,” he says with modesty. “However personally, I’m a father of two young kids, which means I spend most of my time chasing them around.”
Despite the full plate of parenthood and a demanding career, giving back has always come naturally to him. “I’m one of those people who joins a strata council,” he laughs. “I’ve sat on daycare boards, volunteered wherever I could. I’ve always wanted to be of service.”
So, when an email from his alma mater landed in his inbox asking alumni to mentor students facing adversity, he didn’t hesitate. “I said yes immediately,” he recalls. “I wasn’t sure what I had to offer. I had been in school for twenty years myself. The idea of helping young people who just needed someone to talk to felt right. Someone asked, and I figured out the rest as I went. I’ve never regretted jumping in feet first.”
That single “yes” became the start of a meaningful chapter in Christopher’s life as a mentor with Beedie Luminaries. Through the program, he has been paired with two students, Tayyib (Cohort 2020) and Jennifer (Cohort 2022), each with unique experiences, goals, and challenges.
“One of the most interesting things about Beedie Luminaries is being connected with individuals from such different backgrounds,” he says. “It’s my job to figure out how I can fit into their process and help demystify the post-secondary experience. A lot of what I do is just reminding them not to be afraid to ask people for what they need. Students who are new to this don’t always understand the degree of their own importance. Just ask. Just stand up for yourself.”
Christopher knows firsthand the impact mentorship can have because he’s benefited from it at every stage of his own career. As a young lawyer, he found natural mentors in two senior colleagues, who shaped his approach to learning and leadership. “They had an open-door policy,” he says. “I asked all my stupid questions, and they were always generous with their time and advice. They taught me that feedback is a gift: there’s always something to learn, but it should always be constructive. That generosity of spirit is something I try to emulate.”
His own approachable nature quickly made him a mentor to others, even before he had the title. “I’ve always been pretty gregarious, so people weren’t intimidated to ask me their ‘stupid’ questions. That’s how mentorship started for me, just helping the people around me navigate what they were going through. It’s satisfying. It’s a basic human need to help others.”
When asked what separates a good mentor from a great one, Christopher pauses. “I’m not sure I’ve figured it out completely,” he admits. “But I think generosity and humility are essential. As mentors, we have to resist the urge to just dump advice on someone. It’s about leaving space for people to make their own decisions, to express their own preferences, and to learn through doing. A good mentor knows when to step up and when to step back. You’ve got to keep your ego in check and remember that you’re there to be a data point, not the whole picture.”
For Christopher, the true measure of mentorship isn’t career outcomes — it’s confidence. “If there’s a performance indicator, it’s the development from insecurity to confidence,” he explains. “My first mentee, Tayyib, just graduated. Five years ago, he was nervous about all the new student stuff. He worried about the logistics, the uncertainty, the fear of failure. Now, he’s accomplished so much. I make a point to remind him that every step forward deserves celebration. Watching that transformation, that progression of worry into ease, is what success looks like.”
And while the practical side of mentorship is vital, from sharing insights about the job market to expanding networks, Christopher believes the greatest value comes from helping students bridge the gap between potential and opportunity. “Confidence pays dividends everywhere,” he says. “That’s often what holds people back: the hesitation to go after something they deserve. Sometimes, all it takes is someone to tell you that you can.”
Reflecting on his experience with Jennifer and Tayyib, Christopher smiles. “I adore them both. They’ve shown incredible growth and thoughtfulness, and they’re both destined for great things. I’d love to continue being part of their journey, but I also want to leave that in their hands. My role is to be available: to listen, to celebrate, to support if they need it.”
“He is one of my biggest motivations to do well in school and career”, Jennifer says, reflecting on the support she’s received from Christopher over the last three years. “He taught me not only about what he learned in his schooling journey and career but other lessons such as financial literacy and how to transition to adulthood”. Beyond life advice, Jennifer notes how consistent Christopher’s mentorship has been: “he has always been so generous with his time and even after hearing me ramble about the same worries and updates over and over again, he always makes time for me.”
Tayyib, who has now graduated from UBC with a Bachelors in Engineering and moved to Ottawa for work, remarks that Christopher’s anecdotes and insights have guided him to where he is now. “I really could not have asked for a better mentor. From my university career to now, he helped me through a job search and first offer, general life issues (big or small), and even simple things like my first time writing a final exam. Through it all, he was so consistent – for most of my first and second year, we meet weekly on Fridays!” Now that Tayyib as moved, he looks forward to staying connected with his mentor from afar.
At the heart of it all, Christopher’s motivation remains simple. “I do it because it’s good,” he says. “There’s moral satisfaction in helping others. These young people are smart and full of life. If I can help them see their own strength, that’s enough for me.”
Through his mentorship, Christopher embodies the Beedie Luminaries mission, lifting others up, leading with humility, and reminding us all that service and kindness are powerful forms of leadership.
Thank you for your mentorship, Christopher.
Join Beedie Luminaries and mentor the next generation.
