[Flash] When Zendaya and Demi Matched in a Mentoring Circle

Every year during the awards season, The Hollywood Reporter organizes a Roundtable series to showcase Oscar frontrunners. ?

These Roundtables are powerful not because of the stars they bring together but because of the structured conversations they kindle – they are Mentoring Circles that just happen to promote industry talent.? ?

During each Roundtable, a facilitator leads the celebrities in an insightful exchange with thoughtful, relevant questions, prompting them to reflect on their careers, challenges, and experiences in Hollywood.? ?

This year’s Actress Roundtable did not disappoint.? ?

Demi Moore, Zoe Saldana, Mickey Madison, Tilda Swinton, Angelina Jolie, and Zendaya explored topics ranging from imposter syndrome and second-guessing their decisions to feeling self-conscious and ignoring their inner critics.? ?

Like prior Roundtables, their conversation was revealing, entertaining, and uplifting. ?

At one point, Zendaya reflected on the beauty of connecting in this format, ?

“I appreciate having moments like this because at least now the connections are made. I can reach out and ask questions because all of you have such experience, and that’s so valuable. I often feel too nervous to reach out and ask, “Hey can I get some advice?” ?

To which Demi Moore quickly responded, ?

“In truth, it’s a real gift to feel like there’s any kind of experience, strength, and hope I could impart to someone. That is actually enriching. So, reach out!” ?

Proving that the desire for mentoring knows no bounds! ?

Unfortunately, many people feel like Zendaya: too nervous to reach out.? ?

And most mentors feel like Demi: longing to impart their wisdom, hoping someone will benefit from it. ?

So what stops people (even famous people!) from connecting? That which can derail the best of us: fear, time, and distractions.? ?

And that’s when a formal mentoring structure plays a strategic role, intentionally bringing people together for purposeful conversation. ?

Mentoring circles, mentoring programs, buddy programs, group mentoring, and job shadowing each normalize the exchange of advice, perspectives, and ideas.? ?

The Hollywood Reporter Roundtables work because the mentoring circle format reduces the intimidation factor, de-risking the connection. ?

And when the space feels safe, strangers evolve into acquaintances, and chitchat becomes bold banter. ?

But we don’t need an Oscar nomination to know that we could use some advice or that someone would benefit from our hard-earned wisdom. ?

We simply need to stop trying to navigate life alone.

? 2025. Ann Tardy and MentorLead. www.mentorlead.com. All Rights Reserved.