What impact has a mentor had on you?
— Compiled by Magi Thomley Williams
This month we asked Bella readers how an experienced mentor’s influence, guidance or direction can affect personal or professional growth and success. Read their responses here. Bella invites you to share the impact a mentor has had on your life at facebook.com/pensacolabella or instagram.com/pensacolabella.
My son, Dr. Dominique Foster, industrial-organizational psychologist, has greatly influenced my personal and professional growth. Throughout his academic and professional career, I’ve watched him face and overcome many obstacles and challenges with poise and integrity. In my personal life and career, I have turned to him to discuss difficult challenges. Rather than telling me what I want to hear, my son would help me see the bigger picture and use critical thinking to find the best possible solution.
— Valerie Foster Boyd, founder and CEO of Sonia Faye’s Botanicals
I’ve embraced stepping into uncomfortable situations and learned the power of asking. Growth happens outside your comfort zone, and remember: If you don’t ask, the answer is always no. A great mentor doesn’t need to mirror your appearance or share your profession; diversity can be a strength, helping you see challenges from new angles. My experience has proven this true. Mentorship transcends superficial similarities, focusing instead on shared values, mutual respect and the transfer of wisdom.
— Olevia McNally, VP of Build a Brain
Mentoring someone is a unique opportunity — while the positives may be obvious for the mentee, I find so many benefits as the mentor! I get to make a deeper connection and share lessons learned. Something that I may have struggled with in the past may now be inspirational or helpful to someone. Often this reflection spurs more personal growth for me, as I now see the bigger picture. A lesson learned and shared as a mentor can be meaningful to both the mentor and the mentee.
— Martha Holden, president, IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area
Jess VanErt paved the way for me back in 1975 when I was a 27-year-old attorney very early in my career. He encouraged me to step up to challenges. He accepted me and made a space for me which enabled me to do well through hard work. He was so kind to me, which was unheard of in an era where I was considered a diversity hire. One precious memory is when he discreetly covered the credit card bill for a large group when my card was declined! I would not have been successful without him.
— Barbara Little, retired chief environmental lawyer, Shell Oil
