Mentoring and coaching are rarely clearly defined and there has been a growth of confusion, as both terms tend to develop singular meanings in different professional contexts. In this paper both activities are defined and explored in terms of how they can develop as co-creative synergy where the personal and professional development of both parties results in mutual benefit. Additionally, I explore how mentoring and coaching can be generative. New generations of coaches and mentors can evolve out of pre-existing coaching and mentoring relationships and this has a particular relevance to research at a time where practitioners are encouraged to investigate their work in order to improve.