Mentorship

“A mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself”
- Oprah Winfrey

What, exactly, does it mean to be a mentor? In this particular climate, I believe it is to teach, learn, listen, and reinvigorate. But we're not talking about standing at a chalkboard and teaching lessons. We teach through sharing firsthand experience, opening up our network so that new, fresh, deserving young talent can start to carve out a place for themselves in a world that often feels impenetrable. Over the course of my varied career, being both a mentor and mentee has been one of the single most influential forces in my success.

In selecting a mentor to work with, there are a few key traits to keep in mind. Ask yourself some hard hitting questions, and don't be afraid to respectfully decline to work with someone if it doesn't feel like a tailor-made fit. Will they be a great soundboard to talk through your anxieties? Do they let you speak honestly? Do you feel comfortable sharing with them your professional failings? Do you respect their career choices? Do they let you make decisions? Can you confide in them?

Being a mentor is intensely rewarding for me, as well. Yes, I get tremendous solace in knowing that I'm doing my part to help pave the path of future leaders. And of course, the human connection shared between a mentor and mentee is humbling--it brings me back to my roots, and keeps me grounded in the past with an eye on the future. But being a mentor also provides me with the chance to take professional stock and check in with myself. When working with up and coming industry leaders, I often come away feeling exhilarated and full of questions. Being a mentor is equal parts building leaders of tomorrow, while also making me the best leader I can be. It's a winning combination.

As we enter this new era of corporate inclusion and accountability, please know that I am here to help guide, listen, critique, cheerlead, and support.

— Christina Lucas