Tori Paulman’s Post

Do not discard young minds The other day I talked with someone who studied the same career as I did, but 20 years before me. Mid-conversation she said: “Wow, we studied the same thing, but we apply it in such different ways, I have so much to learn since times have evolved quite much.” I was surprised. I’ve heard many young people say that their bosses do not like them because they’re so young and don’t have enough experience or are not committed enough. But that conversation with that woman made me realize that some people do not take advantage of young minds, and instead of being a mentor, they just discard them. I believe that mentorship is a two-way street, and I say it because I’ve lived it. Experience and innovation need to meet at a mid-point and exchange ideas freely. It’s about teaching, and learning from each other. It’s not just about the years of experience, it’s about the enthusiasm and potential, that we young minds can bring to the table. Our generation is looking for meaning and person, so bosses and mentors need to trust us with it. Again, as a young mind, I can say because of experience that having mentors who are willing to listen to you and absorb and consider your ideas, makes the difference at work. So for bosses, be that mentor who listens. And for young minds, look for that mentor who listens. Repost this as a reminder to your network that young minds are as powerful as others who might have more experience! #Mentorship #Persistence #Recognition

I have the pleasure and privilege of being a mentor to amazing female Tech Enthusiasts and Tech professionals. However, there is a story I want to share and my mentee might see this and I want her to know how proud I am of her. I believe that the one of the worst thing you can do to a person is to take their voice away - not only physical voice, but the other outlets in which expressions are released and revealed. One of our mentoring goals is to build her confidence in taking ownership of what she knows and accountability for what she is yet to know; To use their voice and share their expertise. So after every session, we have a list of tasks that she has to do prior to the next session - and one of the tasks I gave her was to document her learnings and aha! moments on LinkedIn as she was taking a LinkedIn learning course - there was some reasons behind this ask (Holding her accountable, sharing her expertise and increasing her visibility - amongst others). At our next meeting, she says she could not do this task! Fear was and underlying factor and I knew that the more she undervalues her voice even on writing a post, it is going to affect her work. I asked why - and I heard all the reasons. I gave her another task - Write out 10 benefits of writing/ sharing your expert opinions on LinkedIn. She not only wrote 10 benefits, she went ahead to write out multiple posts based on what she has learnt so far. So what changed? It moved away from why I thought it was beneficial to communicate your thought leadership on LinkedIn to How it benefits her. The better part of this is how 'little' act like this causes ripple effects such as: -Self assuredness and awareness Confidence to speak up on team calls -Creating a professional development plan to move to the next role -and more. As mentors, it's our duty to empower/educate/support our mentees to find their voice and use it to make a difference and the great part of this is - learning always goes both ways!

For months now, I have actively sought mentorship, reaching out to individuals whose qualities and achievements deeply inspired me. Regrettably, due to personal or professional commitments, they weren't available to take on a mentorship role at that time. My partner shared a different perspective, emphasizing that a successful mentor-mentee relationship thrives on mutual or more-mentor driven investment and that the most fruitful mentor-mentee relationships are often boundless, evolving beyond rigid definitions. He's been fortunate to have dedicated and altruistic mentors, and his advice resonated: Patience Shamim, you and your mentor will gravitate towards each other at the right time. Anyone who knows me well enough understands it takes quite a lot to keep me seated in one place, seemingly waiting for magic to happen. My friends occasionally refer to me as 'a doing word', always immersed in one goal after another. Regardless, I took on the difficult task and attempted to sit still for a while. I found myself in a cycle of contemplation. I even questioned, 'With all the accountability partners I have (one for work, one for all aspects of life, and one for personal life), did I really need someone else to guide me with my big dreams and even bigger energy?' Sheila Aboth recently introduced me to the world of self-improvement books (Thanks Sheila). I was more of a big fan of self-improvement articles (Quick and easy to read) but challenging myself to improve my reading culture is high on the goal list. I stumbled upon an enlightening line in the audiobook during my commute, highlighting that mentors don't always have to be physically present—they can also exist in books or historical figures. It was earlier this month during a conversation with a friend that a Eureka moment struck when they spoke about Helen Keller. Helen Keller lost her sight at the age of 19 months, but her remarkable accomplishments in life stand as a testament to the power of mindset over limitations. An extraordinary author and educator, she overcame deafness and blindness, inspiring the world with her resilience and advocacy. It seems we've found ourselves a mentor. A great SHE. Now we can wait for the gravity pull to do its thing. As long as we are not seated still in waiting. 😊

Two Rockstars On Closing The Gender Gap and Mentorship Chantal McNeily shares, ever since I was a little girl, I was determined to be #successful. At the age of 12, I started delivering newspapers and I have not stopped working since. By 30, I was teaching #financial #advisors about products that would #grow and protect their client’s wealth, but my real passion was helping them better #communicate with women. The industry encourages technical jargon, complicated concepts and solely emphasizes performance. But for women, there is much more. I have always been comfortable talking about money and investments, but I quickly realized how many women felt overwhelmed when talking about their finances. These were bright, talented, and determined women but when it came to #investments, they felt paralyzed. They simply lacked the internal #selfbelief and #confidence in their abilities to manage money. I have spent almost 20 years in the financial services industry, #advocating to help close the #gendergaps that exist for women when it comes to #money. I believe that as women, our focus needs to shift towards building our #financialconfidence vs solely focusing on #financialliteracy. 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻💰💰💰💰 Siobhan Calderbank Early in my career, when I was #struggling to navigate the work environment and get promoted, I was advised to find a #mentor. I wasn’t quite sure what a mentor was or where to start, but was assured mentorship would make a difference. Fast forward to today, I have several #mentors that have changed my life in many ways. I am grateful for their #leadership and #guidance. Mentorship is a relationship between a mentor and a #mentee, where the mentor provides guidance, #advice, #feedback, and #support to the mentee, who is seeking to #learn, #grow, or achieve a specific goal. Mentorship can be formal or informal, long-term or short-term and can occur in various settings, such as work, #education, or personal life. However, not all mentorship #relationships are equally effective. Effective mentorship is more than just finding someone who is willing to help you. It requires a clear understanding of your #goals, a strategic approach to finding and reaching out to potential mentors and a #commitment to building and maintaining the relationship over time. ***NOW AVAILABLE The I Am Unbreakable® Global Media is now available through the Apple Store, Google Play via PressReader and our website. Link: https://lnkd.in/dpBh--as Link: https://lnkd.in/g-q_Wv4v Dr. Jen Welter Brittany MacLean, OLY Suzie Yorke Rose Marie Gage, C.Dir, GCB.D, CCB.D Dr. Deborah Rosati FCPA, FCA, ICD.D, GCB.D, CCB.D Chris McMartin Gen Cleary Nkechi Nwafor-Robinson Sherry Shannon-Vanstone Stephanie Fontaine Mara Dorne Alethea Crimmins Sherri Stevens #iamunbreakable #iam #unbreakable #magazine #empoweredwomen #empoweringwomen #stories #storytelling #storyteller #podcast #rockstar

I get the strong sense there’s a growing demand for mentorship - both to give and receive. But why? And how do we define a ‘mentor’, anyway? On the face of it, mentoring looks a lot like coaching or consulting, but has some distinctive elements that set it apart. Chip Conley created a wonderfully simple model to surface the two broad types of mentorship: 📚 1) Librarian: When a mentee sees you as a subject matter expert, you are a Librarian. You have ‘know-how’ and ‘know-who’. Usually these mentor relationships are finite - your role is to provide answers (or at least the directions to them). 🤫 2) Confidante: Here, the mentor role is to help a mentee understand themselves more as a human. Instead of you answering the questions, you’re more often asking them. These mentor relationships can last months, years, or even decades. I’m curious how and why mentoring seems to be growing sharply in popularity - particularly as many arrangements are unpaid, pro bono. If you’re a mentor to someone (or would like to be) - what’s appealing? And you’re seeking a mentor: what (and who) are you seeking? Feel free to leave a comment - you might just surface an opportunity to become a Librarian, or find your new Conidante...

No LinkedIn for me this weekend as we have a huge family celebration for my son but this post isn't  to celebrate him. It's for his teacher who has taught him for the last 18mths. I’m reminded of the profound impact a single individual can have on a person's life. My son is not one for applying himself academically:  "𝘙𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬 𝘰𝘯 𝘮𝘦," was what he told me last week at the suggestion of school revision! Last night, he cried during his last lesson with his teacher. That is a sign of an amazing teacher. This emotional farewell from the teacher as well is a testament not only to the bond they've formed but also to the transformative power of a committed mentor. In our careers, just as in education, the influence of a mentor can be the linchpin to unlocking potential we might not even realise we possess. The right mentors don't just teach us skills—they inspire us, challenge us, and believe in us, often before we believe in ourselves. They see the best within us and nurture them with patience and understanding, much like my son’s teacher did for him. Moreover, he "got him" - he got my son's wicked sense of humour and bantered back. The value of mentorship is immeasurable, not just in knowledge but in fostering resilience, sparking curiosity, and encouraging growth. This weekend, as we celebrate both my son and one incredible educator, let us also reflect on the mentors who have shaped our paths. Who has been your mentor? How have they influenced your journey? Share your stories as we celebrate the unsung heroes in our lives and careers. ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ For further insights into effective LinkedIn marketing & training strategies, please follow my updates by pressing the 🔔 on my profile. Subscribe to @The Link Tank®️ newsletter: https://lnkd.in/dDQdcSQu #businessdevelopment #LinkedInTraining #EmployeeAdvocacy #Trevisan

Even your mentor doesn't have it all figured out, trust me. Some weeks ago, I received a message from an undergraduate who said, "I'm at a point where I don't know what to do. It's more like I'm just living." This is a feeling that resonates with many, particularly young people. As someone who mentors, I can assure you that even I don't have it all figured out. This year, I’ve learned, I unlearned, and relearned. I have made mistakes and I have made good choices. So, dear young person cut yourself some slack! You don't need to have it all figured out at once. If you're feeling lost and in need of direction, here's what you can do: - PRAY: Seek wisdom and guidance from God. God has promised wisdom to anyone who asks. - GET A MENTOR: Do your homework first and remember, a mentor is there to guide, not spoon-feed you. Set clear mentorship goals. - TRY DIFFERENT THINGS: It may sound crazy, but trying different things helps you discover your interests and passions. Like I always say, don’t put yourself in a box. - PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR PASSIONS AND BURDENS: What weighs on your heart? What are you genuinely passionate about? - EMBRACE YOUR JOURNEY: Life is an evolving journey, and your current interests may change along the way. Accept that it's okay not to have everything figured out. I now have more clarity about my future goals, but this clarity didn't manifest overnight. I've also followed the steps I've just shared. Dear youth, I'm rooting for you. If you've faced similar moments of uncertainty and found your way forward, please share your insights. Your experiences could inspire and guide others who may be feeling lost. If you found this post valuable, kindly leave a comment and share. Don't forget to follow for more.

Set Boundaries with Your Mentor While a great mentorship can result in a transformative connection between two people, there are some nuanced challenges inherent in mentor-mentee relationships. Clear boundaries are key to safeguarding your mental health, privacy, and productivity. Here’s how to establish and protect them. Understand your limits. Reflect on what you’re comfortable discussing about your work and life. For example, you might be open to discussing career goals but not personal relationships. Communicate your boundaries. Initiate a conversation with your mentor about boundaries. Ask about their preferences and share yours. For example, you might say, “I prefer not to discuss personal matters deeply, but I’m open to professional topics.” Remember: Your relationship will evolve over time. Be open to revisiting and adjusting your boundaries as necessary. Keep communication open to manage expectations and maintain a healthy relationship. Enforce your boundaries in the moment. If a boundary is crossed—even one that wasn't previously communicated—address it calmly and clearly. You might say, “That’s not an area of my life I really want to get into. It’s not personal, just a boundary I’ve set for myself at work.” Then give them the chance to respond. If they acknowledge your feelings and make an effort to adjust, you can continue the mentorship without revisiting the issue. This tip is adapted from “The Importance of Setting Boundaries with Your Mentor,” by Janice Omadeke

Set Boundaries with Your Mentor While a great mentorship can result in a transformative connection between two people, there are some nuanced challenges inherent in mentor-mentee relationships. Clear boundaries are key to safeguarding your mental health, privacy, and productivity. Here’s how to establish and protect them.   Understand your limits. Reflect on what you’re comfortable discussing about your work and life. For example, you might be open to discussing career goals but not personal relationships.    Communicate your boundaries. Initiate a conversation with your mentor about boundaries. Ask about their preferences and share yours. For example, you might say, “I prefer not to discuss personal matters deeply, but I’m open to professional topics.” Remember: Your relationship will evolve over time. Be open to revisiting and adjusting your boundaries as necessary. Keep communication open to manage expectations and maintain a healthy relationship.   Enforce your boundaries in the moment. If a boundary is crossed—even one that wasn't previously communicated—address it calmly and clearly. You might say, “That’s not an area of my life I really want to get into. It’s not personal, just a boundary I’ve set for myself at work.” Then give them the chance to respond. If they acknowledge your feelings and make an effort to adjust, you can continue the mentorship without revisiting the issue. This tip is adapted from “The Importance of Setting Boundaries with Your Mentor,” by Janice Omadeke

Set Boundaries with Your Mentor While a great mentorship can result in a transformative connection between two people, there are some nuanced challenges inherent in mentor-mentee relationships. Clear boundaries are key to safeguarding your mental health, privacy, and productivity. Here’s how to establish and protect them. Understand your limits. Reflect on what you’re comfortable discussing about your work and life. For example, you might be open to discussing career goals but not personal relationships. Communicate your boundaries. Initiate a conversation with your mentor about boundaries. Ask about their preferences and share yours. For example, you might say, “I prefer not to discuss personal matters deeply, but I’m open to professional topics.” Remember: Your relationship will evolve over time. Be open to revisiting and adjusting your boundaries as necessary. Keep communication open to manage expectations and maintain a healthy relationship. Enforce your boundaries in the moment. If a boundary is crossed—even one that wasn't previously communicated—address it calmly and clearly. You might say, “That’s not an area of my life I really want to get into. It’s not personal, just a boundary I’ve set for myself at work.” Then give them the chance to respond. If they acknowledge your feelings and make an effort to adjust, you can continue the mentorship without revisiting the issue. This tip is adapted from “The Importance of Setting Boundaries with Your Mentor,” by Janice Omadeke