the parity perspective: mentoring & networking

?? editor's note

I'm thrilled to be writing this as Parity's newest newsletter editor. My name is Mohamed Salah and I'm stepping into the boots that Fern left behind as editor and content creator for Parity.

As part of that change, this month we launched the first of our new VIDEO newsletter format: Parity Presents ??.

Some of the familiar format features you can expect:

?? a monthly theme (this month's is Mentoring & Networking)

?? community updates

??? an interview with an awesome guest (this month we had the incredible Elizabeth Gazda, CEO of Embr Labs)

This format allows us to get closer to the Parity community and give you access to the humans behind the brand and personally, I think it's going to be a gamechanger. Grab your lunch and get the latest Parity news in a 30min bitesize video format. We'll still be putting this newsletter out at the end of each month but rather than the long-form written content, I'll be sharing the video again, along with a TL;DR and some tips around the month's theme.

I'm so exciting to be part of the Parity community and to be driving this new phase of content. As always, if you are interested in being a guest for any of our upcoming issues, reach out!

Mo S

?? mentoring & networking

This month's theme is mentoring and networking and I was thrilled to be joined by Elizabeth Gazda, CEO of Embr Labs, for Parity Presents two weeks ago. You can watch back the session below.

Here's some of Liz's insights on mentoring and networking:

• Long-term mentoring relationships: Liz highlighted the value of long-term relationships with mentors who have seen her career journey over the years, providing consistent and valuable guidance. We love that she's still in touch with her professor from 30-years ago.
• Self-mentoring: Liz believes in developing the ability to mentor yourself by trusting your instincts, emphasizing the importance of women learning to listen to their inner voice and gut feelings.
• Mentoring others gives back: Mentoring is a two-way street; Liz feels that she gains just as much by mentoring others as it allows her to reflect on her own challenges and solutions.
• Female mentors offer unique perspective: While mentorship can come from any gender, female mentors may provide more relevant advice on navigating specific workplace challenges women face.

• Informal networking is key: Liz prefers informal networking over formal events, as it feels more natural and often leads to the most significant connections in unexpected ways, such as conversations in coffee shops or airports.
• Translating ideas for diverse audiences: Liz spoke about how she had to become adept at translating her ideas, especially when pitching to male investors about menopause and women’s health.
• Asking for help: Liz believes that asking for help is not a weakness, but a strength, and often leads to great opportunities as people are usually willing to assist.

Thank you to Elizabeth Gazda for being a brilliant guest for our first Parity Presents ??.

? tips for finding a mentor

Before you get to work finding a mentor, ask yourself: what are you struggling with? If you are already have the skills to get the job done, but are finding you still have a block on achieving the things you want, perhaps it is a coach you need instead. A mentor is an advisory role so if you have a skill gap or need technical or specific expertise advice, a mentor is for you! To find a mentor you should:

• Consider what you want to get from a mentoring relationship and set goals
• Look for someone who has already achieved similar goals
• Leverage your network at work and online
• Consider multiple mentors for different goals
• Recognize that although not all mentors are paid, some may charge for the time they spend with you

?? tips for being a mentor

Mentors play an incredibility important role in developing and nurturing talent. As a mentor you should:

• Set expectations from the start for time, investment, communication, and outcomes
• Help with goal setting
• Hold your mentee accountable for their own growth
• Offer support, guidance and appropriate feedback
• Actively listen and show an interest in what they tell you
• Show respect & confidentiality

?? Parity's 100 Women In High-Impact Tech Report

To celebrate our new website we are launching our first 100 Women in High-Impact Tech Report. This is your chance to highlight some of the amazing women shaping the future, in FinTech, HealthTech, GreenTech & EdTech.

We're spotlighting the Founder, Leaders, Builders and Connectors that are shaping the future of Impact Tech ? Nominate your colleague, mentor, or inspirational leader?before midnight on September 30th for them to be featured in the report.

Click here to nominate ???

?? parity presents

Catch us for the next video newsletter on Thursday 10th October, the theme? Scary AI ??

?? the parity team

Parity was founded and launched by Kesi Johnson, SVP of Client Success and champion of female boardroom powerhouses. As well as running the day-to-day leadership of the Parity board, Kesi is responsible for the external part of our network so you will find her networking her way around New York and in spaces where female leaders thrive.

The Parity board includes Chelcie Harry, Global Marketing Director and motivation maestro; responsible for bridging the internal and external facets of our network (think panels and events to offer our internal team inspiration, and ensuring the external network have access to the top jobs we have on). And Elle Baker, Senior Talent Manager and inclusion warrior, responsible for our internal community; organizing our internal mentoring and training opportunities and gender diversity reporting to our Board.

And I'm Mohamed Salah Recruitment Consultant for Storm3 by day, editor and chief conversationalist by night. My role is to bring together all our news and insights and relay back to you, our community, through monthly content and this newsletter.

As a network, Parity offers:

• Support to women across Technology sectors: FinTech, HealthTech, CleanTech, & EdTech.
• Career spotlighting through panels and events.
• Connection to other leaders across tech and VC ecosystems.
• Leadership, negotiation and partnerships advice.
• Coaching and mentoring services for senior leaders.
• Office space and sponsorship for events.

Please do hit that subscribe button so you don't miss this each month and for more of our events and opportunities - follow the Parity page.

Until next month ??