Congratulations Class of 2022! Now What?

Congratulations, Class of 2022! You did it! You crossed the finish line. What an accomplishment!

You are the first class to graduate “post-COVID” where you could attend your commencement fully in person (2021 graduation ceremonies were mostly either online or hybrid).?

You’re graduating at a time when the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics reports a 3.6% unemployment rate as of April 2022. Job prospects are very strong and job growth is widespread.

The workplace environment has adapted and may never return to pre-COVID requirements. Many jobs continue to be 100% online or offer a flexible, hybrid work environment. As a result of this transition to remote work offerings, you may never have to go to an office to work full time in your career.?

However, all of this change could make it challenging to build the relationships necessary to develop as a professional, build your network, and enhance your career.

The big question now is: “Now What?” The best strategy to secure and grow your career, especially in this new world of work, is to develop your skills and secure a mentor as soon as possible. This is important if you’re graduating high school, entering college, or graduating from college and headed to your first full-time job or graduate school. Having an experienced and trusted advisor who has experience in life, the role you are in, or the role you want to be in is an indispensable component of success.?

It took me years to understand why I was not progressing the way that I planned in the corporate world. I was almost 15 years into my corporate career before I met my first true mentor, Bob Dean . Bob was the Vice President of Global Learning and Talent Development at Heidrick & Struggles .?At the time Heidrick & Struggles was the #1 executive search firm in the world.?

Eddie Turner and Bob Dean after the conclusion of a high level executive learning event. The power of a mentor and sponsor in a career journey cannot be overstated.

Before meeting Bob, I had people in my life whom I called mentors because they were helpful to me, gave me advice, explained the corporate cadence to me, and more. That was helpful, and I appreciated it, but it was insufficient to help further my career. Bob was the first person to fully take me under his wing and provide a positive coaching alliance with object lessons, step-by-step guidance, and impart valuable wisdom that proved instrumental to my career. He helped me transition from an information technology professional to a learning and talent development expert. That put me on the road where I am today—Leadership Development. Having a mentor is the first essential key to success post-graduation.

Carla Harris , known as “a Wall Street Powerhouse,” said in her 2019 TED talk “How to Find the Person Who Can Help You Get Ahead at Work” that “…a mentor is a nice to have. You can survive a long time in your career without a mentor, but you are not going to ascend in any organization without a sponsor! Invest in a sponsor relationship.”

Those powerful words from Carla Harris illuminate the second key to success—find a sponsor! The mentor advises you (talks to you). Sponsors (talks for you) are strong, consistent advocates who use their institutional capital to ensure you gain the support, promotion, compensation, etc., you deserve to grow strategically in your career.

A mentor talks to you.

A Sponsor talks for you.

As Carla said, “I went a long time without a mentor. I did well, but not as good as I could have done if I had a sponsor. A sponsor speaking up on my behalf would have made all the difference in the world. Because I did not have an advocate in the room speaking on my behalf when my name came up, I was overlooked, underused, and undervalued.”?

I wish I knew the difference between a mentor and a sponsor sooner. My advice to you is to avoid delay! Find a mentor and a sponsor as soon as you can. Don’t wait for someone to assign these individuals within your company. Be proactive. Scan the horizon for leaders who embody your values or value their strengths and career trajectory. Look for the folks you want to help you in this capacity. Be willing to approach them and ask for their mentorship and sponsorship. When they agree, be determined to make them proud by living up to their good name they are associating with you. The most successful protégés recognize that sponsorship must be earned with performance and loyalty—not just once but continually.

Because Bob Dean invested in me as a guide and mentor, my career path improved. Bob went on to become my sponsor. Bob often said: "My grey hair will open doors for you." And that, it did! My life was transformed because of his sponsorship.

Congratulations again, Class of 2022! You did it. Your perseverance and dedication to your education have been inspiring…what an accomplishment! Now go find a mentor and a sponsor!

Top Mentor of the Globe

On May 14, 2022, I was honored to be recognized as one of the Top 20 Mentors of the Globe for 2022 by the International Federation of Learning and Development!

It was wonderful to be with the other top mentor award recipients whom I deeply respect and count as friends, along with a terrific group of attendees!?Thank you, Dr. Shailesh Thaker ?and Marshall Goldsmith , and the IFLD Committee, for the recognition and the incredible event.

Grad School

I am beyond thrilled to announce my acceptance into Teachers College, Columbia University —"the nation's first, largest, and most comprehensive school of education, health, and psychology." I look forward to "joining an impressive community of educators, researchers, leaders, and learners" to pursue a graduate degree in Adult Learning and Leadership.?

From my time in ministry as a pre-teen, through my career as an information technology professional as a Microsoft Certified Trainer (operating systems and networking), to the work I do now in leadership development, I have spent the majority of my career teaching, training, facilitating, and coaching adult learners.?I am a continuous learner who loves helping others learn, grow, develop, and transform as leaders.?Additionally, Teachers College, Columbia University has an incredible coaching program and runs one of the most popular coaching conferences in the profession. To that end, I believe this is the perfect program for me.

I am grateful to the educators and mentors in my life who supported my decision to return to grad school: Kristen Barrett , Dr. Robin Erickson , Dr. Ruth Gotian , Dr. Tom Kolditz , Dr. Dorothy Siminovitch , Dr. Holly Tompson , and Charles Whitaker .

Special thanks to Dr. Ruth Gotian whom I happened to be with when I received the news.?She received her Doctoral degree from Teachers College and was a guiding resource for me.?She immediately bestowed this ribbon from her own bag to me!

Leadership Insights

I contribute thought leadership to Linkage, Inc's Leadership Insights blog. This month I answer the question "Why Are We Still Talking About Inclusion?" This is the outgrowth of a webinar I co-hosted with our CEO, Jennifer McCollum .

Deloitte Alumni Open House

In May 1995, I accepted an offer to join Deloitte & Touche LLP in Chicago.?27 years later, the firm that played a pivotal role in defining my understanding of corporate life is simply known as Deloitte .

On May 9, 2022, I attended my first Alumni event at the newly renovated Deloitte Houston Office, which included a tour of their new Innovation Center.?I thoroughly enjoyed meeting incredibly talented and accomplished colleagues who are current employees and others who, like myself, are proud alumni.?

Kudos to the Alumni Relations team that made the event an evening to remember!?It says a lot about Deloitte that they invest in staying connected to people who have worked for their organization.

The Communicator Awards

On May 10, 2022, the 28th Annual Communicator Awards winners were announced by the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts.?I am excited to share the Keep Leading!? podcast was recognized with the “Communicator Award of Distinction” for “Individual Episodes-Business Podcasts.”

After releasing 133 episodes in two years, I paused production of the podcast in December 2021.?I'm excited to see many listeners around the globe continue to access the show.?Visit KeepLeadingPodcast.com or wherever you listen to podcasts to hear one of the interviews I conducted with some of the world's most incredible leaders.

I’m grateful to all my listeners, sponsors, and production team for helping me spread my message about the need to Keep Leading!?

Special thanks to Dr. Mirella De Civita , Grand Heron International , Shaun Hettinger , David Wolf , C-Suite Radio , and Jeff Hayzlett

Podcast of the Month Recommendation

My good friend Lou Diamond ?is the host of?the Thrive Loud podcast. He broadcasts three times a week from New York. Lou is dedicated to inspiring people to reach their peak potential in every facet of their life. He interviews newsmakers, entrepreneurs, celebrities, and everyday people doing extraordinary things.?Visit https://www.thriveloud.com/podcast/ to listen to one of his 800 episodes!

I recommend this podcast because of its quality and the amazing guests.?I also had the honor of being a guest on this incredible podcast.?I was honored to be part of Lou's celebration of 500 episodes in 2020. Click here ?to listen to my episode (#154). Listen and subscribe by visiting Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Book of the Month Recommendation

The Earned Life: Lose Regret, Choose Fulfillment?

Marshall Goldsmith

On May 3, 2022, Marshall released his new book, The Earned Life! I am really excited about it. He has walked his coaches through the book for the last few months. The early reviews are strong. Marshall has already hit the top of the charts on Amazon and USA Today!

??Order your copy on?Amazon !

The No Club: Putting a Stop to Women's Dead-End Work

Linda Babcock, Brenda Peyser , Lise Vesterlund , and Laurie Weingart

At the recommendation of Dr. Robert Livingston , I purchased a copy of "The No Club: Putting a Stop to Women's Dead-End Work" when it was released on May 3. It is written by Linda Babcock, Brenda Peyser, Lise Vesterlund, and Laurie Weingart. This is an insightful book that identifies the common practice of female workers disproportionately being saddled with work that as they define it as: "Non-Promotable Work." I found myself examining my own practices in this area as a result of this well-written book that provides another perspective on the topic of Inclusion.

??Order your copy on?Amazon !

The authors published a nice summary of their thesis in The Wall Street Journal .

Books Available for Pre-Order

Leading Inclusion: Drive Change Your Employees Can See and Feel

Gena Cox, Ph.D

Organizational Psychologist and Executive Coach, Gena Cox, Ph.D . is set to release her new book "Leading Inclusion: Drive Change Your Employees Can See and Feel" on October 4, 2022. Gena shares her formula to help leaders and organizations lead inclusively from the top down. It's available for pre-order now!

??Pre-Order your copy on?Amazon !

TED

Very few TEDx speakers have the honor of having their speeches elevated to the TED platform. I'm excited for my friend Dorie Clark who just had her 8-minute TEDx elevated to TED. Take eight minutes to listen to her explain The Reason You Feel So Busy (and what to do about it) .

Keep Leading!? Podcast (On Pause but Powerful)

I’ve paused the production of the Keep Leading!? podcast but love looking back at the powerful words of the incredible leaders I interviewed.?Check out this look back at one of my most memorable episodes with Dr. Simon T. Bailey . He is a Breakthrough Strategist whose life’s purpose is to teach 1 billion people how to be fearless and create their future.?His Building Business Relationships course on LinkedIn Learning has been viewed by more than 875,000 people worldwide. His Goalcast video has over 80 million views.

?? 60 Second Preview ?? available by clicking?here !

Visit?the Keep Leading!? podcast website for the entire episode or wherever you listen to podcasts!

About Eddie Turner

Top 10 Ranked Motivational Speaker in the World—Global Gurus ?|?Preeminent Authority on Emerging Leaders—Forbes ?|?Certified Executive Coach ?|?International Best-Selling Author ?|?Master Facilitator ?|?Former C-Suite Radio Host of the Keep Leading!? Podcast ?|?Member of Marshall Goldsmith’s 100 Coaches ?|?#ICFCoachoftheWeek ?|?Top 25 Thought Leader—Thinkers360 ?|?Top 30 Biggest Voice in Leadership to Watch for 2022 —leadersHum ?|?Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education Alum: Public Leadership | Top Global Mentor for 2022 - IFLD