Mentorship Matters
For most of my early career, I didn’t see the point of mentorship. I thought everyone had their own journey, nobody understood my specific circumstances, and I could read and study my way to success. (Can you believe I was a Type A, straight A student for most of my life?) Only recently has my perspective changed.
Over the past few years, conversations about mentorship have been popping up more frequently. Maybe those discussions were always happening, but they are resonating more these days. Who knows? A recent conversation about mentorship with friend, colleague, and former Content Kindler Kim Marks Malone struck a chord and inspired me to take a long look at the power of mentorship relationships.
In general, Kim said that all professionals need three groups of mentors in their lives at all times: more experienced mentors that are at a “higher” level than you, mentors that have equal experience and are on the “same” level as you, and less-experienced mentors on a “lower” level than you. It’s the first time I had heard this concept, and I thought it was genius. Then I realized, I currently have all three.
Let’s dive into each group of mentors and why they matter.
Mentors Above You
When you think of mentorship, this is the classic example that comes to mind immediately: a more experienced professional helping pave the way and guide a professional who is in the earlier stages of their career.
When I was starting out, I didn’t think I had mentors. Yet looking back, I had quite a few along the way. We never had the “will you be my mentor” conversation so I never gave it much thought, but that’s exactly what they were.
My first job in marketing was with Huey’s Restaurants, and I’d be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge Lauren Robinson, Ashley Robilio, and Samantha Dean as the first mentors in my career. These three sisters who run Huey’s were patient, strong, and willing to help me along the way.
In 2014, I attended the very first Memphis Business Journal Mentoring Monday event as a mentee, mainly out of curiosity and to get out of the office. I talked to many women that morning! Though I didn't think I would see them again, their advice stuck with me. To this day, 10 years later, I am still in touch with three of the women: Amy Daniels of the Greater Memphis Chamber, Valerie Morris of Morris Marketing Group, and Dr. Mary McDonald of MCD Partners. How cool is that? I didn’t see them as mentors at the time, but I do see it clearly now.
I have developed more mentors in this category along the way, who shine as examples of what I want to be as I grow in my career: Susan Stephenson of Independent Bank, Beth Okeon of ABO Marketing, and Regena Bearden of Memphis Tourism are examples.
Mentors on Your Level
This category of mentors can also be described as colleagues that you admire. These are the people in the trenches with you, who are handling situations with skill and grace, and are moving upward in their careers. You can vent to, solve problems with, and offer support to mentors on your level.
I have had many of these throughout my career, and some of us have grown together over the years. Rachel Haaga of Restore Corps and freelance graphic designer Elizabeth Berglund are two of my longest mentors in this category.
Memphis is full of creatives who are in similar positions as me, and I am blessed to have them as colleagues to share ideas and solve problems. I rely on the support and friendship of fellow creative professionals Michael Newsome with Lab Digital Creative, Nathan and Laura Armstrong with NLA Projects, Jeff Hulett of Jeff Hulett PR, Marvin Stockwell of Champion the Cause, and Andie Ray.
Additionally, I have joined The Society of Entrepreneurs Insights Group, an invitation-only mentorship group of business owners who are mid-level in their career. The group is invaluable to me, helping me grow significantly over the last year. We problem-solve together monthly and support each other however we can. My favorite part is that everyone is in it for the right reasons and not just to get new business.
Mentors Below You
This category was a brand new concept to me and took me a minute to comprehend, but it makes so much sense. Mentors who are younger than you, in the earlier stages of their careers, can help keep you young and grounded. They often reminded you of your roots and where you came from. They also keep you in touch with the latest trends and technologies, help you stay relevant, and show you a glimpse into what the future will hold.
I am blessed with a solid team of mentors within Campfire Collective. Many of our Client Expedition Managers and Content Kindlers are 10-15 years younger than me and in their first or second marketing job. They know TikTok, and they are patient with me when I ask about the latest slang. I even said “slay” once, and they didn’t make fun of me. Bonus: They also help me understand the best way to tuck in my shirt, so I look polished and professional but also not like a stereotypical middle-aged mom.
People often say, “It takes a village,” when referring to raising children, but I don’t think it stops there. I think it takes a village all through your life, professionally and personally. I wouldn’t be where I am today without all the stages of my professional village. They challenge me, support me, and make me a better boss and professional. I encourage you to think about your professional village, identify key people in each stage, and nourish mentorship relationships to the best of your ability.
