Thanking the Mentors Who Helped Make Me Who I am Today

It's National Mentor Day today.

I was going to do a LinkedIn post about it but realized I needed more characters to share with you about my mentors, the people that have helped make me who I am today as a businesswoman, a leader, and mentor myself. My mentors have never been people where there was a conversation about them mentoring me, it just happened. I don't think it has to be a defined relationship.

A mentor is defined as a noun "An experienced or trusted advisor" or a verb "Advise or train someone (especially a younger colleague)." Mine have been both, although often not necessarily someone older, but certainly someone further along in their career or business journey.

Aida Whedon

I was born an artist. My favorite thing was my cigar box of Crayola Crayons. Ah, that smell. My favorite crayon, used down to the last bit, was called Periwinkle. When I got a bit older, my mom was looking for an art school for me. The first one she found wasn't right because everyone's paintings looked the same. Then she found Aida Whedon.

At Aida's studio, we did painting, etching, and clay. Clay was with her husband Dan. She had little kids, way younger than me, sticking their hands in acid with their plates, and painting to their heart's content.

In order to help cover my attendance in classes, I helped out with those for the younger kids. I watched how she taught, really by encouraging what was already there to shine. I watched how she also took care of business, making sure everyone knew how to clean their brushes,

I learned how to help people bring out what is already inside them.

Note: Alas, Aida passed away in 1994.

Suzanne Giovanetti

Suzanne was the creative director at a small company where I was an art director. Her style of leadership was trusting, guiding, and inspiring.

She taught me that a solution I came up with was valid and even wonderful even if different than what she would have done, as long as the client was happy.

I distinctly remember that if I had a deadline and had to work late, she would stay late too so I wouldn't be there alone. When she went outside for a break she would always invite all of us. She also was very clear that if you needed time off you didn't have to explain why.

I learned that different solutions to a problem are acceptable and even desired. I learned to build a team, include everyone, and treat them like adults.

Note: She's not active here on LinkedIn so I won't link to her profile.

Jim Conenello

Jim hired me at Pall Corporation. He recognized my skills and drive and gave me projects that were larger than anything I had ever managed before, guiding me just enough so that I would feel complete ownership, responsibility, and pride in their completion and success.

When the woman that started the website left the company, I offered my help in the interim and ended up being promoted into that role.

I learned that I didn't have to DO everything and that it was actually even better to acknowledge and promote the skills and brilliance of my team. I learned to see the abilities of my team and assign appropriate projects. I learned to allow my team to show they were ready to step into my role so I could take on new roles myself.

Ellen Volpe

In 2010 I thought I was looking for a new job. A friend invited me to a networking group called American Business Associates. I didn't even know what networking was. It changed my life, setting me on the course of being a business owner. I like to say that they knew I was starting a business before I did, and it's true.

Ellen models the behavior of successful networking in everything she does. She is not only a wonderful businesswoman, networking sherpa, and leader, she is truly an amazing human.

I learned how to ask questions, listen intently, and make appropriate introductions. And, by watching how she facilitated each meeting, I learned to do the same. Now, I facilitate an ABA council and love my group. (Go Beacon Council!)

Randi Busse

Randi was in my ABA council and kept telling me that I could start a business instead of looking for a job. She had done it and I was inspired by that. Whenever I questioned myself I knew I could call her and she'd talk me out of looking for a job.

I learned that I could build something from nothing.

These people mentored me and showed confidence in me even when I didn't have it in myself sometimes. I feel pride in where I am today and in the ability to guide others. It is actually a huge part of my business.

Who have been your mentors and what did you learn from them? Let me know in the comments.

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