To my greatest mentor ever,
I've been fortunate to work with inspiring supervisors, managers, and mentors throughout my career, but you were the first to encourage me to truly be myself.
Related: 10 Ways to Find Your Perfect Mentor
At a Fortune 100 company, I believed I knew exactly what I wanted and how to achieve it. You showed me I had not only the confidence to excel in my role but also the potential to think beyond my expertise—to evolve from a strong communicator into a true business leader. Thanks to you, I stopped fixating on my successes in communications and recognized the vast opportunities ahead.
Thank you for imparting these five invaluable career lessons:
1. Always be authentic and bold.
While others urged conformity, you encouraged originality. On my first day, you told me to wear whatever I wanted—even a shower curtain, as long as it wasn't see-through. Unbeknownst to me, your leadership team was navigating a major crisis, yet you made time to welcome me personally.
As I integrated into the company, your quirky advice resonated deeply. You empowered me to challenge norms, tackle issues my way, and bring fresh ideas without apology. Coming from a different environment, I might have hesitated, but your constant reinforcement built my confidence to own my voice.
2. Maintain your sense of humor.
You kept things light amid chaos—our team made music in meetings, danced on tables, wore silly outfits, and shared fun cards. This wasn't distraction; it was resilience against stacked odds, reminding us not to take ourselves too seriously.
We remained professional, hitting ambitious goals and holding each other accountable. No matter how intense situations got, you ensured we enjoyed the journey. This mindset helped us revive the company and its products better than ever. I've since adopted it, teaching my team to 'embrace the suck' with laughter and collaboration to conquer stress.
3. Deliver constructive feedback with respect.
You never sugarcoated errors or let subpar work slide, but it was never personal—no yelling or blame. Instead, you collaborated to improve. When I needed to vent or seek personal advice, you listened without judgment, free from office politics.
In one one-on-one, you sensed I was off and pivoted to a heartfelt talk, reshuffling your day. That gesture profoundly impacted me, and now I extend the same support to my team to foster their growth, just as you did mine.
4. Delegate effectively and step back.
Unlike micromanagers I've known, you hired capable people, provided resources, and trusted us. You became our advocate—clearing obstacles and providing backup when needed—creating true partnerships, not hierarchies.
After a public disagreement, you invited me to your office to resolve it constructively, never making me feel reprimanded. This empowered me to voice opinions confidently, even against you, building my trust in my instincts.
5. Prioritize work-life balance.
During tough times with late nights and weekends, you modeled balance—stocking healthy snacks, exercise gear, and checking in on our families. Your 'health and family first' philosophy guides me today as a leader, ensuring my team thrives holistically.
Though we're no longer at that company, we stay in touch. Your wisdom shaped me into the leader I am, and you continue to inspire from afar. I strive to mentor others with the same impact you had on me.
Related: How to Excel as a Mentor or Mentee
