Ala Mobedi – Mentor Healthcare

Mentor Healthcare’s personalised mentorship fosters everyday living skills, independence, wellbeing, nutrition and ongoing relationships. ‘Empowering Individuals with Diverse Abilities to Reach Their Goals’

Ala Mobedi’s story is one of resilience and empathy, shaped by his experiences as a refugee and his drive to give back to his community. Born in India to an Iranian family that fled political and religious unrest, Ala and his family migrated to Australia when he was five. Growing up without a father figure and facing significant financial struggles, Ala discovered his natural talent for sport, particularly soccer. Despite starting late and without the resources to fully develop his athletic potential, he managed to play semi-professionally in South Australia and later spent eight seasons in Germany—a life-changing adventure.

Returning to Australia, Ala felt a strong desire to give back. He began offering free soccer clinics, where he connected with young individuals with autism. This experience sparked his journey into the disability space, revealing a massive gap in the market: a need for positive male role models and a focus on sport, nutrition and exercise within the disability support industry.

“I’m what I call a raw businessman. I never studied business, nor did I intend to have a company of 60 employees, so I learn and improvise as I go. Vistage has been an excellent way for me to develop professionally.”

In 2019, Ala founded Mentoring All Men, a company dedicated to providing positive male role models for young men with disabilities, with a unique emphasis on sport, health and exercise. Starting as a sole trader, the business grew rapidly through word of mouth, whilst the company name began as Mentoring All Men, the growth and inclusion of a female sector and an allied health sector inspired them to change the name to Mentor Healthcare. By 2024, the company had grown to 60 employees, driven by a commitment to delivering genuine quality in a crowded and often scrutinised market.

Ala has reinvested over half a million dollars to ensure that Mentor Healthcare maintains high standards in policies, safety, and client care. This commitment to quality has guided his decisions, including the appointment of a CEO to help scale the business while preserving its core values. For Ala, growth is not about profit or status but about providing the best possible service.

”Having a peer advisory group with diverse styles and strategies offers a genuine way of professional development that suits different people. The true value of Vistage is hearing from someone else’s unique approach, which helps me adapt my own style based on their advice.”

Ala’s introduction to Vistage came through his CEO, who saw the potential for him to develop professionally despite his lack of formal business training. Through Vistage, Ala has found a supportive environment where he could overcome imposter syndrome, gain confidence and refine his leadership style. He values the monthly speakers, particularly those who highlight the importance of different leadership styles and the need to strengthen what comes naturally.

“When you attend and meet other CEOs, you realise that not everyone has a master’s in business—a lot of people are learning as they go. This has given me the confidence to know that the ethics I hold are what drive the company’s achievements, and that’s what I need to keep strong.”

Ala’s main challenge is finding mentors who genuinely resonate with the company’s values and have an empathetic approach. The business also faces the complexities of operating within the NDIS framework, where regulations can change frequently.

Looking ahead, Ala’s goal is not to build the largest or most profitable company but to be recognised for delivering the highest quality service in South Australia. He is committed to creating a strong, empathetic culture where every mentor feels valued, and where the focus remains on making a positive impact on the community.

Ala’s leadership is deeply rooted in empathy. He trains his mentors to either be the person they wish they had growing up or to model someone who was a positive influence in their own lives. This ethos permeates the company culture, where transparency, communication and genuine value for everyone are paramount. Ala rejects hierarchical structures, instead fostering a culture of mutual respect and continuous learning. He even takes time to mentor his staff on personal finance, sharing the knowledge he wishes he had received in his youth.

“Catching up with my Vistage Chair Kate Chalk, always leaves you feeling fulfilled, motivated, and happy. But the standout aspect of one-to-ones with Kate—and with the group—is accountability. You leave each meeting having made a promise about what you’ll do to develop your business. Without that, it would likely just remain an idea floating in your head. But once you’ve told someone else, you’re accountable for it, and it’s written down, adding a level of motivation to keep your promises and follow through.”

Ala’s ultimate dream is to create a self-sufficient company that allows him to transition into full-time volunteer work, setting a powerful example for his children. He believes that true success lies not in accumulating wealth but in having the time and freedom to serve others—a philosophy that continues to drive his work and his vision for the future.