Inspiring Mentorship Experiences

Back when I was an undergrad student in India, I sometimes used to struggle with my studies and finding my passion. On some days, I used to think maybe engineering wasn't even for me. I even failed a class, something which I never did up until that point in time. The way engineering is taught, from rote memorization to regurgitating them in exams, was something I could barely cope with. But, in my second year of college, there was a professor, who was a little different. He had this zeal for the field and was determined to revamp the entire education system. He truly wanted to change how engineering is taught in the country. He was so passionate, that he used to even spend his own money to bring projects for us students to try out. Now able to implement the knowledge hands-on, I started to enjoy learning. I even built a Tesla coil: an incredibly difficult feat to achieve with limited resources, which even got recognized by the state Chief Minister at that time! That's when I realised: that maybe it isn't the field of engineering I have an issue with, maybe it's the way it's been taught. Many years later, and having worked with cutting-edge technology at various places like Tesla and Aurora, I look back on my journey and feel so glad that I had a professor who was enthusiastic and passionate about letting us experiment and actually put theories to test. I've learned that having the right guidance can make an immeasurable difference when navigating new and uncharted territories in life. Don't lose hope, especially when you feel that you might not be where you're meant to be. Seek out mentors and educators who share your enthusiasm and can help you unlock your full potential. With dedication and the right support, you can pave your own path to success and fulfillment. 😊 #FindingYourPath #NeverGiveUp #Education #Mentorship

My growth as an Individual Contributor across Amazon, Uber, PayPal, and Google wasn't an individual effort. It was a journey shaped by phenomenal leaders who invested in my development every step of the way. Working at some of the most inspiring companies, I've been truly blessed to have amazing guides along the way. From my first agency internship with Susan Elmore, to Becky Zavala, MBA Zavala at Dow Chemical, Natalie Domond in Amazon Operations, Christina Sorenson who gave me my first corporate role on the Amazon Incentives team, Ricky Rios my first manager in NYC leading our team through a new Amazon product launch, Nancy Joyce Ghosh at Uber and Purva Bhandari at Paul Murray Google. Each of these leaders took a chance on me and came from such different backgrounds. Their guidance allowed me to gain exposure to diverse strategic approaches, learn how to tailor communication for different audiences, think outside the box to solve tough problems, confidently promote my skills, and engage effectively with senior leadership. Having strong managers has played a monumental role in my career, and I am truly grateful for the lessons learned from their unique leadership styles. Here are some key tips I've learned that you can apply with your managers: - Structure Your 1:1s: Use your one-on-one meetings to highlight areas where you need clarity on prioritization or where your manager can help remove blockers for you. - Seek Exposure: Volunteer to shadow or sit in on meetings with your manager. This is invaluable for gaining additional exposure to what that next level looks like and how decisions are made. - Communicate Your Goals: Clearly articulate your career goals and the skills you want to develop. This enables your managers to actively seek out opportunities for you when they arise. - Ask for Real-Time Feedback: Always ask for open feedback in real-time. This allows you to course-correct immediately and continuously improve your performance and approach. A huge thank you to everyone who's been instrumental in my career journey! Your guidance has made all the difference. #Mentorship #CareerGrowth #Leadership #InterviewSuccess #CareerAdvice #MyJourneyToTech #ProfessionalDevelopment

Let me be clear… I wouldn’t be in the tech industry today if it weren’t for my network and my mentors. I would not be in DC, I would not be in my current role, and I most likely would not have even gotten my first DEI internship if it were not for someone believing in me and pushing me to do what I didn’t even know I could. This is why I talk about mentorship and networking so often because their significance cannot be overstated! Before my best friend and mentor, Noelle Fall took time out of her day to connect and recommend me to roles in tech, I had never even thought about working in the industry because I didn’t know anyone in it. Before Jeanne Bronson and Mary Frances Weatherly encouraged me to apply to my first DEI internship at Pearson, I didn’t even know that DEI was being done on a corporate scale. Before Dr. Florida Starks closely mentored me as I completed that first DEI internship, I would not have had the courage or the knowledge to apply to my internship at Adobe. So you see, someone had to pour into me each step of the way. Growing up in Alabama as a young girl, encountering individuals who resembled me in influential positions was a rarity. Prior to college, the world of big tech seemed distant and unfamiliar. It wasn’t until others illuminated the path for me that I realized my own potential. So remember, the best walks through life are not taken alone. Seek out mentorship opportunities, connect with others, and don’t hesitate to seek guidance when necessary. Surround yourself with advocates who can champion your cause, especially when self-advocacy feels daunting. And if you ever need someone to talk to along the way hit me in the dms! I would love to help in anyway possible 🫶🏾 #tipswithtaylor #mentorshipmatters #blackintech

I'm thrilled to share that I had the honor of being featured on the Equal Inspired Podcast by Equal IT. In this episode, I delve into my journey from the Dominican Republic to the United States, overcoming language barriers and embracing my unique identity. Throughout the conversation, we explore: * The transformative power of embracing vulnerability * How mentorship has reshaped my life and career * Practical tips for transforming your thinking * Creating safe, inclusive spaces in the workplace * Integrating mindfulness into daily routines * My experiences delivering a TEDx Talk on mentoring women and minorities in tech * The importance of being a true ally and supporting LGBTQ+ individuals beyond Pride Month This podcast is a heartfelt discussion on resilience, growth, and the importance of diversity and inclusion in tech. I hope my story inspires others to embrace their unique journeys and use their experiences as strengths. You can listen to the episode on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube, and I will add the link in the comments! Thank you, Ellie King, for this incredible opportunity! #EqualInspiredPodcast #Mentorship #Inclusion #WomenInTech

🌟 Cate Luzio on How #Mentorship Helped Her Leap From Corporate Executive to Luminary Founder 🌟 During a recent episode of my #FabulousOver40 Fireside Chat 🔥 series, I had the pleasure of interviewing the amazing Cate Luzio, founder and CEO of Luminary — a global professional networking platform for women and their allies. Cate’s founder story is without question, a testament to the transformative power of mentorship in navigating career inflection points. As a seasoned 20+ year corporate executive, Cate never imagined herself stepping out of the security and familiarity of corporate life. However it was her long-time mentor and sponsor Don McCree, who planted the seed of entrepreneurship in Cate's mind, and encouraged her to broaden her influence outside of corporate. Don, who now serves as Vice Chair, Head of Commercial Banking at Citizens, previously worked with Cate at J.P. Morgan, and knew that she was a superstar destined for more greatness and more impact. As Don challenged Cate during one of their catch-up meetings, “Do you want to keep working for a big bank — or do you want to have a different kind of impact?” This conversation was the catalyst for Cate's career pivot. And In just eight months, she went from drafting a business plan to launching Luminary. Cate's journey illustrates how the power of mentorship can open our eyes to possibilities, and inspire us to harness our skills in new, impactful ways we've never considered. Based on Cate's story, here are some additional tips on how to effectively nurture mentor relationships in today’s dynamic work environment: 👉🏾 Be Open to Challenge: A great mentor doesn't just support — but challenges our thinking. Be open to these challenges as they often lead to growth and new opportunities. 👉🏾 Establish Regular, Consistent Communication: Keep the lines of communication open with mentors, sponsors, etc. Regular check-ins can lead to invaluable insights, advice, and magical career moments. 👉🏾 Be Intentional and Take Action: Don't just listen, but also act based on feedback. This demonstrates how you value input from mentorship, and your commitment to growth. 👉🏾 Provide Mutual Value and Reciprocity: Remember, mentorship is a two-way street. Always think about how you can bring value to your mentor. This invites a deeper, more meaningful connection. Again, Cate’s story is a powerful reminder of how mentorship can be a game-changer... Especially during those mid-career moments when we are at the crossroads of transition, transformation, and mastery. Let's go. 🚀 #NationalMentoringMonth #careers #pivot #ProfessionalGrowth #Leadership #WeAreLuminary #midcareer #midcareermastery

🌟 The Power of Mentorship: Unlocking Potential 🌟 As I reflect on my career journey, I'm continually inspired by the transformative impact mentors have on careers and personal growth. Mentors, sponsors, and coaches each fill a different niche. Here's one way to think about them. 🚀 Mentor: A mentor is like a seasoned navigator, guiding you through the complex seas of your career. They share wisdom, provide advice, and help you see the bigger picture. It's a journey of mutual growth and learning. 🔦 Sponsor: Think of a sponsor as your career's spotlight operator. They not only believe in your potential but also actively advocate for you in spaces where you're not present, opening doors to new opportunities. 📈 Coach: A coach is akin to a personal trainer for your career. They focus on enhancing your skills, setting goals, and developing strategies to overcome specific challenges and achieve peak performance. Now, for a bit of a humblebrag 🙌: One of my mentees recently got promoted! Our sessions revolved around sharing their educational successes and building out networks that lead to career growth. Witnessing their growth and seeing them apply our discussions to real-world challenges was incredibly rewarding. Their promotion is a testament to their hard work and the power of mentorship. Mentorship isn't just about imparting knowledge; it's about fostering confidence and unlocking potential. It's a reminder that sometimes, a little guidance can pave the way for great achievements. 🌐 Are you a mentor, a mentee, or both? I'd love to hear your experiences and insights on how mentorship has shaped your journey. #MentorshipMatters #LeadershipDevelopment #CareerGrowth #PersonalDevelopment #MentorMenteeJourney

🌟 Reflecting on a Legacy of Mentorship 🌟 Last week, I had the privilege of engaging in a candid conversation with KC Simmons, MSOD, a professional whose journey has intertwined with mine since our paths crossed in 1994. Back then, I delivered an organization-wide training initiative, and KC was one of the bright minds I had the pleasure of training. Fast forward to last week's interview facilitated by the Center for Mentoring Excellence where we delved into the intricate dance of mentorship. As the conversation unfolded, it became evident that the mentor-mentee relationship is a dynamic and reciprocal journey. In our case, what began as a mentorship between mentor (myself) and mentee (KC) eventually evolved into a two-way street. KC, in her wisdom and experience, became a mentor to me, and that connection continues to enrich my professional and personal growth to this day. The interview provided a unique opportunity to reflect on the twists and turns of our mentorship dynamic, uncovering valuable insights and lessons learned along the way. Together, we looked back on our experiences and discussed the evolving nature of mentorship and tidbits that might just resonate with you on your own mentorship journey. You can tune into the interview here: https://lnkd.in/gr6nRVnW #Mentorship #ProfessionalDevelopment #LeadershipJourney #CareerGrowth #LearningTogether

Mentorship has made a difference in my life. ⭐ Growing up, many took the time to share their story and give guidance that opened my eyes and opened doors. Mentorship helped pay for my college tuition in undergrad as I received a community service scholarship to run a college mentoring program bringing college students and underserved middle school kids together to forge unexpected bonds. One bond was my mentee Jason Jenkins who went on to graduate middle school and then high school to get the same scholarship to run the program at my alma mater, Otterbein University. He has gone on to make huge impacts in his city and family and I'm so proud. In my journey, being mentored and being a mentor have been forces that have given me guidance, shared connections, inspired new ideas, and stretched my thinking. Over many years in my career as an entrepreneur and intrapreneur, I’ve had the privilege of being guided by amazing mentors. Here are 4 Steps to Mentoring Success:  👉Identify your Northstar - What are the areas where you want to strengthen your skill, experience, or insight to lead you to the ultimate vision 👉Be willing to be vulnerable - Trust is paramount to uncover what you don’t know. 👉Be Open - Know it may be uncomfortable at first, but avail yourself of new relationships with those who are different and similar to you. 👉Be a sounding board instead of a solution provider - As a mentor, it's important to avoid the temptation to try to solve for your mentor. Instead, sharing your lived experience without assuming it will be the exact answer for your mentee gives room for their own lived experience. Along the journey, I’ve had mentors in various areas of my life, from entrepreneurship to preparing for companionship as well as mentors in health and wellbeing. From Ella Coleman, Eric Hall, Monica Mitro, Maurice E. Coffey, II, Buddy Crum, Thaddeus TJ Jenkins, Michael Goldstein, Ebony Tye, and the countless others who invested in me, I'm grateful. A shoutout to Andy Steggles, my current mentor, who’s been instrumental in helping me navigate the challenges and opportunities of scaling a SaaS business. To move to your next level, identify the areas in your life where you need support and find a mentor who can get you there. As a mentor, identify people you want to invest in - someone can learn from your expertise and experience. The mentor connection can be for a lunch or a lifetime. Take full advantage. How are you activating mentors in your life? I encourage you to take a moment to honor them. ⭐ #Mentorship #MondayMotivation #PayItForward

In the rollercoaster world of entrepreneurship, we're often advised to wear an armor of thick skin. It's part of the entrepreneurial dress code, right? But, here's a little secret: we all need a mentor with whom we’re ready to share our vulnerabilities without sugarcoating our words. One such person I’m glad to have as my mentor is James Gwertzman, the mastermind who skyrocketed Azure PlayFab to fame before it became a prized asset of Microsoft. Calling James an encyclopedia of backend gaming services isn't hyperbole. He's the one you ring up for technical advice that's as straight-shooting as it gets, no fancy trimmings. I recollect my days as a first-time founder pitching Snapser’s earliest versions and collecting nothing but rejections - about 19 times or so. It was during one such pitch I crossed paths with James. With a wealth of experience in crafting cloud-based gaming backends himself, he immediately resonated with my vision of creating customizable plug-and-play backends for game developers. In an industry where everyone else seemed to be scratching their heads, he was the first to say, “Yes I know what you’re doing!” Fast forward to today, James remains my go-to subject matter expert. I call him whenever I need that laser-focused, insightful advice on anything backend. Having him in my corner is a game-changer.🎮 For entrepreneurs, it’s rare to find a mentor in someone who understands their vision and also backs it. James is that person for me. To all the entrepreneurs out there, remember: it's okay to show your vulnerabilities, to seek guidance. Find your James. Trust me, it makes this wild journey a little less daunting and a lot more rewarding. 🚀 #Entrepreneurship #Mentorship #GamingIndustry #Snapser #LearningFromTheBest

John Cox was my first business mentor. We first met at Shipley Company in Massachusetts shortly after I graduated from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and began working as a packaging buyer. As a chemical engineer, I was looking for a more impactful role that used my engineering background. John joined Shipley as the Director of Environmental Health and Safety, seeking to expand the department, which led us to connect. In John, I found a leader who gave me opportunities that balanced autonomy with challenge but always unwavering support. John represents the “S” in siY, LLC. He is the foundation of what safety became for me in my career. For the 100 Miles of Dialogue™, our time together was a 1-mile stroll combined with an hour of dialogue, a 4-minute segment is captured related to John's stroke. It's worth a listen as it tells an important story while also demonstrating why John is a blessing in my life.   Takeaways: - #Mentoring - Having someone who is there in good and bad times can make all the difference when you are looking to make a change or simply evaluate. Over time, a teacher like John can become a lifelong friend. Stay in touch! - #ChemicalEngineering - We both found our path through the love of science, math, and chemistry. But at the core is problem-solving through critical thinking. Common experiences. - #Family - Some situations can cause us to reflect on the words we use about how important our family is to us. Our actions aren’t always aligned in the regular day-to-day. Self-reflection. - #Networking - When trust is achieved between people, you can recommend new people or business opportunities without hesitation. Recommend others. - #Laughter - Humor, when central within the work, makes even the most difficult situations worth the effort. And, John’s laugh is great! Have fun. - Radical Honesty - Who do you call when your back is to the wall and you need an alternative viewpoint? Direct feedback. As we move past our core careers the concept of time changes, so take the time today to call a mentor and thank them for the impact they have and are having in your life.