Lessons of a Mentee: From Mentee to Mentor

Rewind back to the beginning of the year when during a casual chat with my MD Richard C. he asked “what do you want to do and achieve this year Kathryn?” A great, unexpected question and not one I’d ever been asked by a boss before.

It was a perfectly timed question as I had been thinking about this already; not just in terms of me achieving the business goals; but also, how can I continue to grow and perform better?

In truth, I wasn’t supposed to be here; I had all but given up on my lifetime love affair with the hospitality industry back at the end of 2019, when I suddenly fell into what should have been a temporary, three-week role in the opening of Daffodil Mulligan (thanks to John Nugent ). Fast forward past COVID, I joined and fell in love with the Corrigan Collection . I had no intention of heading up the sales department as I was looking to change my career path in that same year, but after a few months of what was complete job joy, I suddenly remembered that I had joined the hospitality industry to work specifically in restaurants; but had taken a 20 year detour in events. So here I am nearing my 3-year anniversary in what has been, and continues to be an incredibly fulfilling role.

I love my job. I know that I’m good at it, but I always want to evolve and become a better version of myself, both personally and professionally. What I had been thinking about before being asked this question was that I have never had any formal training in any role in my career and I didn’t know anyone else in a similar role in my industry, so how did I know for sure whether I was being the best person & leader that I can be?? I wanted and wished for someone with relevant experience that I could talk to who wasn’t my competition; that I could bounce ideas off and ask for advice.?

So, my request to Richie was that I wanted a mentor, and back in February, after having various introductory calls with mentors and coaches, in walks (via zoom) the formidable Fay Sharpe OBE . The moment I met even though it was through a zoom chat, I knew she was the one for me. Look her up; her career and what she has done for hospitality and events; it’s truly inspiring Fast Forward 15?

So what has the experience taught me?

1.???? I’ve been inspired; more than any other time in my life; I’m inspired to be a better leader, to be a better person; to do more and to give back to my team, the company and the industry

2.???? My business confidence has sky rocketed since I’ve learnt that the answers to my challenges are already within me. ?I feel validated; which leads me to be braver in my decision making and more creative

3.???? She offered insights in different ways of working and processes, so I am more structured and more focused, improving mine and my team’s productivity and creating a tightly bonded, well performing team

4.???? I’ve become a better leader to my team; I want them to be the very best and I’m using what Fay has taught me in communications and ways of working to focus on them growing to be the best versions of themselves

5.???? She opened up her own network and gave me opportunities that has given my company huge financial gains that will continue to grow

6.???? I’ve learnt that mentorship is a powerful development tool that everyone should have in their career; the gains a company can receive from mentorship isn’t always measurable by financial rewards; its about building confidence to allow that person to be a better version of themselves which will naturally bring returns.

What Fay Sharpe OBE has done for the professional development of people in my industry has inspired me to do better; to be a better leader, to contribute and promote the industry as one of opportunity; that if you’re willing to work and you love people, you can have a very fulfilling and varied career.

So what’s next for me?

Well, I’ve been so inspired by my experience with Fay that I’ve signed up to do a Diploma in Coaching & Mentoring so I can give my team the same experience that I too have had privilege to experience.

I have also been asked by Fay to become an official 2024/2025 mentor in her fabulous and very inspiring Fast Forward 15? programme (and I've accepted!)

I’m hugely excited about all the opportunities that lay at my door now and how I can implement everything I’ve learnt for the benefit of not just the Corrigan Collection, but for my team and for me.

If you're a forward thinking leader, and want to get the best out of your team; I urge you to consider formal mentorship.