The Most Powerful Mentoring Relationships

In this series, professionals thank those who helped them reach where they are today. Read the posts here, then write your own. Use #ThankYourMentor and @mention your mentor when sharing.

Jason Mayden: Inspiring. Provocative. Talented. Generous. Creative. Kind. Uniquely Principled. And more.

My relationship with Jason Mayden has never felt like a typical mentor-mentee relationship. I believe the most powerful mentoring relationships are those where both parties are willing to invite, listen & consider diverse perspectives. That's the relationship I have with Jason. It has always been about the exchange, the additive, the build...the power of "and".

Our conversations are peppered with phrases like: what if..., did you know... and I wonder why. Jason has big, bold ideas that he brings to life in unexpected ways. He's a great storyteller who has always been willing to share his story. It's one of the things that initially caused me to spend time with Jason. His unique experiences and world view inspired me!

One of the biggest ah-ha moments I've had with Jason was during a discussion about businesses setting financial targets. He taught me that sometimes the strategy for reaching a business target can be so specific that it stifles creativity & becomes a strategy that limits what's possible. He helped me see how it might become a demotivating force within a team and throughout an organization. That conversation forever changed the way I approached creating strategy.

Jason is always one to speak his truth and stand on principle for the things he believes. Some of our more spicy discussions have occurred when we've had differing opinions. These discussions would often end with the surprise of unearthing shared experiences across two generations. Sometimes age really
is just a number.

Getting to know Jason has sparked me to look at work through a new lens.
No labeling of generations allowed! He has quizzed me, nudged me and gently challenged me in ways that I didn't expect. While doing so, he has offered an unwavering degree of support as I continue grow and learn...I am always both a teacher and student.

I am very grateful that Jason and I have had the chance to share our unique gifts with one another. I am honored to be considered one of his mentors; he has certainly been one of mine.

Thank you, Jason.