My Five Mentors

Introduction

Mentorship has been a guiding force in my life, shaping not just my career but the person I am today. Along the way, I've been fortunate to learn from five extraordinary individuals who each brought unique insights, skills, and perspectives. Each mentor impacted me in a distinct way, leaving lessons that I carry with me to this day. From family members who were among my first role models to colleagues and friends who shared their wisdom and guidance, this journey is a tribute to them and the wisdom they imparted.

Sean Winslow ( Sean C. Winslow )

My first mentor was my older brother, Sean Winslow, who was five years my senior. Growing up, we had the typical older brother-younger brother dynamic—playful rivalry, jokes, and occasional fights. Things changed when Sean graduated from high school and joined the Air Force around the time of Desert Storm. Suddenly, he wasn’t just my big brother anymore. He was a hero.

When Sean returned, he was different—not just as my brother but as a mentor who took a newfound interest in my life. I was a freshman obsessed with computers and starting my journey in football, and he saw potential in both. One afternoon, he pulled me aside after practice, a mischievous grin on his face. He told me he’d found a way to merge my two interests. He had read about a workout system in a book that involved calculating different percentages for weight training based on your maximum lift for each exercise, and he wanted to make a program for it. Without thinking, I said, “Let’s do it.”

There we were, a 14-year-old kid and his Air Force medic brother, creating a program that generated customized workouts. At the time, I didn’t fully understand what we were doing, but looking back, I realize that I was taking on tasks most adults were paid to do. That project set the stage for a unique bond between us, and over the years, Sean became not only my brother but my trusted partner in creativity and problem-solving.

Sam Davis ( Samuel Davis )

In 1994, my brother Sean encouraged me to apply to an internship program called INROADS, which provided opportunities for talented underrepresented minorities. Through Inroads, I secured a spot as an intern with FMC Corporation, where I met my second mentor, Sam Davis. Sam had recently joined FMC from a tech role in San Jose, where he had led a team of brilliant engineers who were skilled and adaptable.

One hallway conversation with Sam has stayed with me vividly. He was describing his San Jose team, and the way he spoke about them made me feel like he was talking about elite athletes, not software engineers. His eyes lit up with admiration as he described these engineers who, he said, "could take on any challenge thrown at them." They moved fluidly from project to project, thriving in a fast-paced environment and consistently delivering top-notch results. To Sam, his team wasn’t just competent—they were powerful, resilient, and inspiring, much like a well-trained sports team.

It was the first time I’d ever heard someone talk about engineers with such pride and respect, and it changed my perspective entirely. Until then, being an engineer felt more like being a “nerd,” an outsider who worked on obscure projects out of the public eye. But hearing Sam’s description made me realize that engineering was not just about technical skill—it was a profession that requires creativity, strategy, and determination. It was a path to be proud of, and I felt, for the first time, like I was a part of something bigger and more impactful.

In addition to our direct conversations, I learned a great deal just by observing Sam. My cubicle wasn’t far from his office, and I would often see people stop by to talk with him. He had an outgoing, approachable demeanor, and he made everyone feel as if they were the most important person in the room. He had a gift for making others feel valued, a skill I’ve worked to develop throughout my own career. My time under Sam’s mentorship gave me not only pride in my profession but also a deeper understanding of how to lead with empathy and respect.

Note: I wrote an article a few years back about my INROADS internship.

Duane Winslow

My third mentor, Duane Winslow, was my uncle, though I didn’t know much about him until I was a teenager. On a trip to Alabama to visit family, my grandmother casually mentioned, “You know, your uncle has a software company in Belgium.” I remember feeling a jolt of excitement—there was someone in my own family who had turned a passion for technology into a successful career.

Soon after, Duane invited me to intern for him in Amsterdam. I was eager but also anxious; this was Europe, after all. I’ll never forget the first time we had a coffee break on the first floor of his office in the World Trade Center of Amsterdam. I wasn’t a coffee drinker yet, so I had a “warme chocolademelk” (hot chocolate). As I looked around, taking in the bustling energy, he said to me, “As a true professional, you should be able to speak for five minutes, intelligently, about any subject.”

His words stuck with me. Before that, I would avoid conversations where I felt out of my depth, but Duane taught me to see them as opportunities to learn and engage. He was proof that success wasn’t just for someone else; it was attainable, and he showed me how to carry myself as a professional. When he passed away in 2021, it was a tremendous loss. But the wisdom he shared will always be a part of me.

Mike Tuyo

During my internship in Amsterdam, I met Mike Tuyo, a fellow black American professional working in telecom. I first overheard him on a train, his unmistakable American accent cutting through the Dutch chatter. I turned around to see a confident, well-dressed man, and I couldn’t resist introducing myself. We clicked instantly, and he soon became a mentor during my time abroad.

One thing Mike and I had in common was that we both came from relatively small families. This shared experience taught us early on that family could extend beyond blood relations, and it made both of us more willing to form deep, meaningful bonds with friends and colleagues. One afternoon, as we talked over coffee, Mike put it simply: “You choose your family.” He explained that, in life and in our careers, it’s essential to build relationships with people who add value to our lives, both professionally and personally.

Mike showed me that professional relationships should be cultivated with the same care as family ties. He emphasized that these connections are built on trust, loyalty, and the willingness to be there for each other, especially in challenging times. He encouraged me to take time to understand colleagues, learn what drives them, and offer support whenever possible. “The strongest teams,” he said, “are made up of people who truly care about one another.” This perspective transformed how I approached my work relationships.

In many ways, Mike was a living example of what he preached. He introduced me to his circle, invited me to events, and always had time for a conversation or advice. Through him, I saw how a network wasn’t just a professional tool but a support system, a chosen family that could offer guidance, opportunities, and friendship. To this day, I carry his lesson that the connections we build—with colleagues, mentors, and friends—can enrich our lives as much as family.

Duane Pressley ( Duane Pressley )

After graduating college, I joined Aramark, full of confidence yet somewhat blind to my own limitations. There, I met my fifth mentor, Duane Pressley. Duane quickly noticed that I was eager—perhaps too eager—to share my thoughts, often before I fully understood the subject at hand. He pulled me aside and said, “For a while, just be quiet and follow my lead. But don’t stay quiet forever.” He felt that confidence, without some level of understanding, was simply arrogance.

What stood out about Duane was his courage and self-assuredness, qualities he wanted to instill in me. He encouraged me not only to refine my skills but also to take on responsibilities before I felt fully prepared. Duane would say, “If you wait until you’re 100% ready, you’ll never move forward.” That sentiment stayed with me. He would assign me tasks slightly outside my comfort zone, pushing me to stretch my capabilities. With his guidance, I took on projects I might have shied away from otherwise, gaining confidence with each step.

The ultimate test came when Duane left Aramark to join Microsoft. To my surprise, he recommended me as his successor on critical projects, assuring the leadership team that I could handle the job. I remember feeling both honored and completely overwhelmed. I wasn’t sure I was ready to fill his shoes, but he reassured me: “I’m just a call away.” And for the next three months, I leaned heavily on that promise, calling him regularly for advice. Patiently, he guided me through each challenge, never once making me feel like I was burdening him. With time, I started to stand on my own, realizing that the leap of faith Duane had inspired in me was paying off.

The experience taught me a profound lesson: sometimes, we’re more prepared than we realize, and often, the growth we seek only happens when we step into roles that feel daunting. Through Duane’s mentorship, I learned to embrace challenges and seize opportunities, even when I wasn’t entirely sure of my readiness. His faith in me gave me the courage to take chances, and it’s a philosophy that continues to shape my career and life to this day.

Conclusion

Each of these mentors left a unique mark on my life, building a strong foundation and giving me the confidence to navigate challenges. Their teachings have shaped my professional path and personal philosophy, influencing my interactions, leadership style, and approach to life. Looking back, I’m grateful for the guidance they provided and continue to carry their lessons forward, both by applying them in my life and by sharing them with others. Mentorship, in its many forms, has been a gift—and gifts are meant to be shared!