They have a product mentality, not a marketing mentality. Adolphe's experience working with Garrett's company proves the wisdom of Baird's words. Adolphe credits his mentor with teaching him survival skills. Adolphe recommends openness. Tell your mentor what you want to do.
Candor is very important.
Being a minority, there is a tendency to think you need to find another minority to get good guidance. If you have a good concept or product, businesses are smart enough to look beyond certain obviously benign things like color. They put their money where they are going to make more money. When missteps challenge their progress, they find solutions and move ahead. As a Latino, I tend to see things a little differently.