The surprisingly easy way to become a difference-maker for women

The last big thing I did before the great COVID lockdown in March of 2020 was taking the stage at my university, I felt a great sense of responsibility. I had the opportunity to mentor from the front of the room in a way I haven’t before as the keynote speaker at my university for International Women’s Day. While I told my stories of success and hardship with hopes to inspire other women of all ages, it was important for me to acknowledge some of the many mentors who have helped, supported, and inspired me along that journey. In sharing my story, I wanted to help other women see that they are infinitely powerful and will overcome any adversity that comes their way. I also wished to inspire both men and women to mentor, support and champion more women. 

Mentorship is about guiding and influencing another. Think about your daughter, sister, niece, cousin, friend, colleague, partner, wife or any other woman in your life. Would you like to see them achieve their maximum potential?  As I reflect on the women and girls in my life this March, I dream that they all surpass what they can imagine and dream for themselves. To get there, they’re going to need some guides. They’re going to need some direction to help them find their way on the unknown and uncertain path they’re walking.

What makes someone mentorship material?  Are you cut out to mentor a woman or girl? Absolutely you are. I know it. If you have an interest in her success, you are qualified. You pass. Being a mentor can come in a formal relationship like the many I engage in each year, but it also comes in countless informal forms. Last week, I had coffee with two different women asking to talk about my journey and perspectives as an Executive Coach and business owner. In the past month, I’ve presented to professional colleagues including men and women to share my stories of professional achievement and failure. I’ve introduced someone I just got to know to someone else in my community I thought she’d benefit from connecting with. I’ve also shared my experiences through podcasts with the goal of helping others feel not alone in their journeys. I’ve also texted friends and colleagues to cheer them on in milestones and made time for a phone call with another to explore some feedback she received from others. In every interaction, I wasn’t focused on giving value, but trusted that what I shared or just being present was enough to support her. You can too.

Starting is as easy as going out of your way to making regular time with a woman for conversation or to seek out opportunities to support her. You may already know her, or you might want to seek her out through a formal mentorship program. There is no such thing as too young or old for mentorship and even the most successful people benefit from additional mentorship. You might engage with texting and email, with informal coffee or Zoom chats, or a regular time to connect. It can also look like sharing your knowledge in communities that support women as a speaker to a big or small group or facilitating introductions to others in your network. I’ve had incredible mentors in my life who didn’t even know they were mentors; they began with investing in me and my journey.  All you need to do is start and you’ll figure the rest out.

May every woman in your life become a mentor to other women because you have helped them surpass their own dreams. Who will you mentor next?

This post was originally published on the Incito website. Click here to read more.