In honor of National Mentoring Month, hear from several 2023 ATHENA Award finalists in an insightful Q&A series! Discover the power of mentorship as these seasoned businesswomen share their wisdom, experiences, and advice on the power of mentorship.
Ashlee Atkins, Diversity Manager, ASU Enterprise Partners
How did you first get involved in mentoring, and what motivated you to become a mentor?
In my younger adult years, I did not have a formal mentor (outside of my mom). It was not until I grew into my career that I sought a mentor, and it was hard to do so. Since then, I have been inspired by my positive experiences with my mentors, who guided and supported me, fostering my desire to pay it forward. In addition, I feel it’s our responsibility to share our knowledge and expertise, contributing to the growth and development of others.
My motivation to mentor others, especially college students from underrepresented communities, stems from a passion for helping them navigate challenges, achieve their goals, and unlock their true potential. As mentioned earlier, I did not have this growing up, so I want to make sure our future generation is set up for success.
What qualities do you think are most important for a mentor to possess?
Effective mentors should embody key qualities essential for guiding and supporting others:
- Strong communication skills are crucial, enabling mentors to convey ideas clearly, actively listen, and provide constructive feedback.
- Empathy is another vital quality, as understanding and relating to a mentee’s experiences fosters a more meaningful and supportive mentor-mentee relationship.
- Patience and adaptability help mentors navigate diverse challenges, adjusting their approach to meet the unique needs of each individual.
- A mentor should possess a genuine commitment to the success and well-being of their mentees, serving as a reliable source of guidance and encouragement.
- Mentors who exhibit integrity and lead by example inspire trust and respect, creating a positive and conducive learning environment for those they mentor.
How do you approach building a strong and trusting relationship with your mentees?
Establishing a strong and trusting relationship with my mentees requires a multifaceted approach centered on communication, empathy, and authenticity. From the outset, active listening is paramount, allowing me to understand their goals, concerns, and unique needs. I strive to create an open, non-judgmental space where mentees feel comfortable sharing their experiences and aspirations. Transparency about my own experiences and challenges fosters a sense of relatability and trust. Regular and meaningful communication, whether through scheduled meetings or casual check-ins, helps build rapport over time. Additionally, I tailor my guidance to their individual needs, providing constructive feedback and support tailored to their goals. Through empathy, reliability, and a genuine commitment to their success, I aim to cultivate a trusting mentor-mentee relationship that encourages growth and development.
As a female mentor, have you faced any unique challenges, and how did you overcome them?
As a female mentor in various fields, I have encountered unique challenges such as gender bias, stereotypes, or limited representation. To overcome these challenges, I have had to utilize a combination of resilience, mentorship/support networks, and advocacy for gender equality. I’ve chosen to leverage my experiences to inspire and empower mentees, breaking down gender-related barriers through their achievements. Additionally, advocating for diversity and inclusivity has helped me foster environments that appreciate and recognize the contributions of women, helping to create a more equitable landscape for mentorship and professional development.
Can you share a memorable lesson or piece of advice that you’ve learned from your own mentorship experiences?
Advice I’ve heard from many aspiring leaders and mentors is the significance of embracing failure as a stepping stone to growth. My mentors often stress that setbacks and challenges are inherent parts of any journey, offering valuable learning opportunities. Encouraging me to view failures as lessons, adapt my strategies, and persevere fosters resilience and a positive mindset. This advice underscores the importance of resilience, continuous learning, and maintaining a forward-looking perspective in the face of obstacles.
Ginger Clayton, President & CEO Elontec
How did you first get involved in mentoring, and what motivated you to become a mentor?
I first got involved in mentoring during my early career when I realized the significant impact that mentors had on my own professional and personal development. I had the privilege of being guided by other women in executive positions who generously shared their knowledge and experiences with me. The time and advice that they gave me helped me achieve my career aspirations. Recognizing the value of mentorship, I was motivated to pay it forward and contribute to the growth of others.
My motivation to become a mentor stems from a genuine desire to support others in achieving their goals and navigating their own career paths. I believe in the power of mentorship to foster learning, provide guidance, and create a positive impact on both mentor and mentee. The satisfaction I derive from seeing someone I’ve mentored succeed and grow is incredibly rewarding.
Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to mentor individuals at various stages of their careers, from entry-level professionals to those seeking guidance in leadership roles. Each mentoring relationship has been a unique and enriching experience, reinforcing my commitment to this practice.
In summary, my journey into mentoring began with the realization of the impact mentors had on my own life, and my motivation to become a mentor stems from a genuine desire to contribute positively to the professional development of others.”
What qualities do you think are most important for a mentor to possess?
The role of a mentor is pivotal in shaping the professional and personal development of an individual, and I believe several qualities are crucial for effective mentorship. Firstly, empathy is fundamental. A mentor should be able to understand and relate to the challenges and aspirations of their mentee. This allows for a more meaningful and supportive relationship. Communication skills are another vital aspect. A mentor should possess the ability to articulate ideas clearly, actively listen, and provide constructive feedback. Effective communication fosters a positive mentor-mentee dynamic and ensures that guidance is conveyed in a way that resonates with the mentee.
Adaptability is key in mentorship. Each mentee is unique, with different learning styles and needs. A successful mentor can adapt their approach to cater to the individual requirements of each mentee, ensuring a tailored and impactful mentoring experience. Patience is also a valuable quality. Professional growth takes time, and a mentor should be patient, allowing their mentee to learn, make mistakes, and evolve. By providing a supportive and patient environment, mentors can empower their mentees to overcome challenges and develop resilience.
Furthermore, a mentor should be committed to continuous learning. The professional landscape is dynamic, and a mentor who stays informed and engaged can offer relevant and up-to-date guidance. Lastly, trust is the foundation of any mentor-mentee relationship. A mentor should be trustworthy, creating a safe space for open and honest discussions. This trust facilitates a mentee’s willingness to seek guidance and share their goals and concerns.
In summary, the most important qualities for a mentor include empathy, effective communication, adaptability, patience, a commitment to continuous learning, and the establishment of trust. These qualities collectively contribute to a successful and impactful mentoring relationship.”
How do you approach building a strong and trusting relationship with your mentees?
Building a strong and trusting relationship with mentees is at the core of successful mentorship. My approach revolves around several key principles. Firstly, I prioritize active listening. By truly understanding the goals, challenges, and aspirations of my mentees, I can tailor my guidance to their specific needs. This fosters a sense of being heard and understood, laying the foundation for trust.
Open and honest communication is essential. I make it a priority to create a safe and non-judgmental space where mentees feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and concerns. Regular and transparent communication helps in establishing mutual expectations and ensures that the mentorship relationship evolves in a positive direction. I also believe in setting clear goals and expectations collaboratively. This involves discussing the mentee’s objectives and creating a roadmap for achieving them. By aligning on expectations from the beginning, both parties are more likely to remain committed and engaged in the mentoring process. In addition, I encourage a two-way dialogue. It’s important for mentees to not only receive guidance but also actively participate in discussions. This approach promotes a sense of collaboration and shared responsibility in the mentorship journey.
Building trust takes time, so I invest in consistency and reliability. By being consistent in my support, responsive to their needs, and reliable in delivering on commitments, I demonstrate my dedication to the mentees’ growth. This consistency contributes to the overall trustworthiness of the mentor-mentee relationship. I am mindful of celebrating successes and learning from setbacks together. Acknowledging achievements, no matter how small, reinforces a positive dynamic. Similarly, using setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning ensures that the mentee feels supported in all aspects of their professional journey.
In summary, my approach to building a strong and trusting relationship with mentees centers around active listening, open communication, collaborative goal-setting, fostering a two-way dialogue, consistency, and celebrating both successes and learning experiences together.”
As a female mentor, have you faced any unique challenges, and how did you overcome them?
As a female mentor, I have encountered certain unique challenges in my professional journey. One challenge has been the presence of gender stereotypes that can sometimes influence perceptions in the workplace. In overcoming these challenges, I have focused on several strategies.
Firstly, I advocate for gender equality and challenge stereotypes through my actions and achievements. By consistently delivering high-quality work and contributing effectively to my field, I aim to break down any preconceived notions about what a mentor or a professional in a leadership role ‘should’ look like. I actively engage in mentorship and support networks for women. These networks provide a platform to share experiences, offer guidance, and collectively work towards overcoming gender-related challenges. Being part of such networks has not only been personally empowering but has also allowed me to contribute to the broader conversation on diversity and inclusion. Moreover, I approach challenges with resilience and a positive mindset. Instead of dwelling on obstacles, I focus on finding solutions and leveraging opportunities for growth. This proactive approach has helped me navigate challenges with confidence and determination.
I also make a conscious effort to mentor and support other women in their professional journeys. By actively participating in mentorship programs and creating an inclusive environment, I contribute to breaking down barriers for future generations of female professionals.
In summary, while I have faced unique challenges as a female mentor, I have approached them by advocating for equality, engaging in support networks, maintaining resilience, and actively contributing to mentorship initiatives. These strategies have not only helped me overcome challenges but also contribute positively to the broader conversation on diversity and inclusion.
Can you share a memorable lesson or piece of advice that you’ve learned from your own mentorship experiences?
One memorable lesson I’ve learned from my own mentorship experiences revolves around the importance of encouraging mentees to embrace failure as a stepping stone to success. Early in my mentorship journey, I had a mentee who faced a significant setback in a project they were passionate about. The mentee was disheartened and doubted their abilities.
In that moment, I realized the transformative power of reframing failure as an opportunity to learn and grow. I shared with my mentee my own experiences of facing challenges and setbacks in my career. I emphasized that setbacks are not indicative of failure but rather a natural part of the learning process. Together, we developed a plan to analyze the situation, identify key lessons learned, and use those insights to approach future endeavors more strategically. Witnessing my mentee bounce back with resilience and newfound determination was incredibly rewarding.
This experience reinforced the importance of fostering a growth mindset in mentorship. Encouraging mentees to view challenges as learning opportunities not only builds resilience but also instills a sense of confidence in their abilities to overcome obstacles. Since then, I’ve integrated this lesson into my mentorship approach. I actively encourage mentees to embrace challenges, learn from setbacks, and use those experiences to continuously evolve both personally and professionally. It’s a lesson that highlights the transformative power of mentorship in guiding individuals through the complexities of their career journeys.
Jen Scrivner, Chief Operating Officer, Goodmans
How did you first get involved in mentoring, and what motivated you to become a mentor?
I wanted to become a mentor because I have experienced tremendous personal and professional growth as a result of having some outstanding mentors in my life.
My first formal mentoring relationship was with an entrepreneur who was going through the Seed Spot incubator program. This was an outstanding opportunity for me to give back in a structured format.
What qualities do you think are most important for a mentor to possess?
A mentor needs to have strong listening skills, be empathetic, and be willing to challenge the thinking of the mentee.
How do you approach building a strong and trusting relationship with your mentees?
I think it is important to be yourself. We are all human and have strengths and flaws. Being authentic and vulnerable creates an environment of trust and respect.
As a female mentor, have you faced any unique challenges, and how did you overcome them?
The most common barrier to growth for women is self-confidence. I have used my voice and actions to support women in business and the community. It is truly amazing what one can accomplish if they believe in themselves go after it.
Can you share a memorable lesson or piece of advice that you’ve learned from your own mentorship experiences?
The most valuable lesson I have learned is to understand your own blind spots by being open to feedback so you can grow and learn from them. For example, I was once viewed as unapproachable. Whether it is in person or in writing, my communication style is very direct. In the office, I was focused on my work and getting things done quickly. I was thinking about the task at hand and not about the other people in the space around me.
Understanding how I was being perceived and having a trusted advisor to help call me out when needed, helped me to smile more, slow down the conversation, be present, and enjoy the moment. This helped me to change my behavior and how I was being perceived. I can say with confidence I am now viewed as one of the most approachable people in our business and it is a direct result of great mentorship.
Dawn Trapp, CEO, Civitan Foundation, Inc
How did you first get involved in mentoring, and what motivated you to become a mentor?
I believe that first time I started mentoring was very early on in my careers by hosting interns and working with youth from Rotary and Civitan clubs. Watching someone learn and “get it”, and not being afraid to try new things is something that always warms my heart.
What qualities do you think are most important for a mentor to possess?
Listening and watching where the struggles are. Being honest in the progress and having the patience to stick with them.
How do you approach building a strong and trusting relationship with your mentees?
For me, the gut is my best instinct always. I think you learn to know vibes; body language is also so important. Open mind- open hearts. Many of my mentees are now moms, dads, doctors, teachers, nurses, and climbing the ladders in the corporate and non-profit worlds. Keeping up and letting them know you truly care about the success or struggles, staying in their lives.
As a female mentor, have you faced any unique challenges, and how did you overcome them?
No, I really feel I have been able to mentor both male and females with no difficulties, the best piece of advice here is to be very transparent, open, and honest.
Can you share a memorable lesson or piece of advice that you’ve learned from your own mentorship experiences?
Your vision- as you work with mentees you cannot help but have ideas on how and where you’d like to see them go or become. This does not always happen. Disappointment can be real, and you just have to keep in mind that you create and build a path, the choice will always be theirs.
Heather Vana, Senior Communications Director, Avnet
How did you first get involved in mentoring, and what motivated you to become a mentor?
I had excellent mentors at the beginning of my career, which was especially essential as I entered the job market during a recession. The guidance and lifelong friendships I gained through those experiences motivated me to help others. Now that I’m approaching 20 years in my field, I get so much energy from helping others navigate similar issues. It helps me reflect on the progress I’ve made in my own career and what elements others might benefit from replicating.
What qualities do you think are most important for a mentor to possess?
For me, mentors are the connective tissue between hard skills. They should provide context and support as mentees grow. So, I feel listening is the most essential skill for a mentor. Especially when you mentor someone in your own organization, it’s easy to have an agenda, even if it is unconscious. But you are not your mentee. They have their own unique experiences. Especially now that the generation gap appears to have widened, this is key. On the other hand, I tell mentees that it is important that they find a mentor they feel comfortable asking seemingly “dumb” questions of—especially in an industry like tech that tends to create its own weird language with every new wave of technology.
How do you approach building a strong and trusting relationship with your mentees?
Expanding on my point about listening, it’s important to share how you relate to your mentees’ current challenges at the appropriate time and frequency. Share your background and your stories, especially examples that relate to what they’re going through. Sometimes, camaraderie is more important than advice. And don’t hesitate to ask your mentees for advice, either. One time, my mentor was struggling with an employee issue so much that I found her on the bathroom floor crying at work. This only affected my vision of her positively; she’s human and has both things she struggles with today and lessons I can learn from. Just because you’re in a position of “authority” as a mentor doesn’t mean you’re not vulnerable.
As a female mentor, have you faced any unique challenges, and how did you overcome them?
I’ve definitely faced situations where people are intimidated by the fact that I am a woman with accomplishments you can learn from. As a genderqueer person, I regularly challenge traditional gender roles just as a course of my existence, and that is difficult for some. For example, a male employee really struggled to take my advice because he felt he had more experience than me in the industry—even though I had worked at our company longer. I had to find the right balance between letting him fail on his own and picking up the pieces myself when his social cues misfired. It was tough!
Can you share a memorable lesson or piece of advice that you’ve learned from your own mentorship experiences?
When I would get worked up about an issue or assignment, one of my first bosses/mentors always told me: “No one is going to die.” In PR/comms, we deal with extremely high-pressure situations and are often the last line of defense in crisis situations (or those we’re planning for). It literally can feel like the weight of the world is on our shoulders. But it is not, and it’s important for our health as well as our behavior that we ground ourselves in this. It’s something I still repeat to this day when things get tough.
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