#10 “Lifting as we Climb” (the last issue)

After leaving my corporate job I really wanted to share what I learned from amazing coaching and mentoring after 20+ years. That is why I did this newsletter. I feel great about the comments and texts I received after each issue; I hope it resonated with you too. While there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to this (hence the title Take It or Leave It) I do think we hit some good topics.

?#1 The Benefits of Networking

#2 Acknowledging the Rules of the “Game”

#3 Digest!

#4 “80 for 20”

#5 Continuous Learning

#6 Trust Your Team

#7 You Can’t be Everything to Everyone

#8 Personal Care

#9 Live to work or work to live?

#10 “Lifting as we Climb” (the last issue)

?

I still have a passion for this space and am excited about the next adventure! Last year, Mary Wagner and I asked ourselves a question…How can we connect the remarkable women leaders in Cincinnati with the young, female talent starting their career? We are bringing this idea to life alongside some of the most successful and caring professionals I know. These women have a passion for coaching and want to continue giving back in this space, I am thrilled to have Kim Kraus Tracie Hoffman Toi Clarke Jones Krista Keehn, CFP? Rhonda Starghill help Mary and I bring this idea to life!

We had a kick-off event last week and met several young, talented women who are striving to advance their careers but going through some common challenges. Through this group called “Coaching Conversations” our goal is to set-up small groups, 1-1 coaching sessions and provide the opportunity to network with each other. Just based on our first engagement, we know it is going to be impactful…and fun! ?

?Which brings me to the topic of this newsletter edition – it is so energizing to give back to the next generation of women professionals. The motto “Lifting as we climb” has a rich history* and is still so relevant in the pursuit of equal opportunity. The role of coach or mentor spans across so many walks of life: sports, corporate, academics, etc. The overarching goal is clear in all cases, but the execution can vary greatly. There will always be someone that knows more about a certain topic or has been through similar experiences or can facilitate a conversation solidifying the destination you want to go to but aren’t sure how to navigate the way. Here are some quotes on the topic I really like:

• “If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.” ― Booker T. Washington
• "A coach is someone who tells you what you don't want to hear, who has you see what you don't want to see, so you can be who you have always known you could be."?Tom Landry
• "The delicate balance of mentoring someone is not creating them in your own image, but giving them the opportunity to create themselves."?Steven Spielberg

As a role as parent, we often hear the phrase “it takes a village” to raise a child. And boy, that resonated with my experience as a mom of 3 kiddos! Neighbors, teachers, family, church…all play a role in shaping and teaching our kids a variety of lessons. I find professional mentorship to be the same. No one person has the answer for all challenges someone faces in their career. In fact, ideally you have a slate of trusted and experienced people to go to depending on the situation. Sometimes you need someone with a similar experience or a similar style, or someone whose life and career trajectory mirror your goals. But other times you need to talk to someone with a different approach that would be challenging for you and help you grow. I encourage all of you to carve out time to mentor or coach someone that is coming up the ladder after you, your experiences are valuable and should be shared!

I hope this newsletter has been helpful to you, it was cathartic for me ?? Going forward, I will share our experience and learning with Coaching Conversations in Cincinnati. It is sure to be a highlight of 2024 and beyond!

?All the best,

Nalini

*Elizabeth Lindsay Davis: "Lifting As We Climb" - Chicago History Museum

*Lift as You Climb: The Story of Ella Baker - Social Justice Books

*Mary Church Terrell