MY EXPERIENCE MENTORING (+ TORY BURCH FOUNDATION)
In the past I have mentored with a few different organizations including the United Nations, AARP, The New School and the newest one being The Tory Burch Foundation (see below about my experience). Although I love helping others and usually say yes to mentorship opportunities, I have to say that it looks good on a resume, but it is also very exhausting.
What ARE THE benefits and challenges?
There are many benefits to being a mentor as it can be a fulfilling way of helping the world become a better place. What else is there to it?
On top of helping others grow and help them learn new things, hacks and various life and business lessons it also gives you an opportunity to expand your network. You build a true connection with your mentee, who then can also expose you to other opportunities. People often think that a mentor is someone who is junior to them, but we can find a mentee that has more experience in another field we’re looking to learn something in. I love this type of a relationship because it’s not only take-take-take, but you also get something in return.
As years go by and I mentor more humans in my life I also feel a strong sense of giving back. Not all my mentees go on to do great things, but sometimes they do. One of my mentees from a few years ago has millions of followers on Instagram and my other mentee just did a speech with Jay Shetty. Not so bad! The others who didn’t take your advice or were not able to grow from where they have been for years will just stay there forever. I did my best!
Now, let’s dive in on what I noticed is lacking in mentorship.
1) It’s mostly unpaid
As professionals we work countless hours, days and years to perfect whatever we are working on. We spend sleepless nights trying to figure things out and when we finally get to that top level we get to share that knowledge… for free!
I know that a large chunk of the population truly thinks that mentorship is this spiritual experience and somewhat connected to the heroes journey where the hero gets to train their prodigy. To me it makes no sense. I strongly believe that mentors are supposed to get paid because it’s like you are getting free strategy session without even knowing if your expertise will be appreciated.
2) It gets overwhelming
If you are a good mentor (like me — duh), it will get overwhelming really fast if you don’t know your boundaries. I’ve had countless mentees stalk me and suck every drop of inspiration and energy that I had. I’m a giver by nature, so I love helping others. It’s not a good thing here as people (not maliciously) will take advantage of your giving tendencies.
Tip: Set clear boundaries and don’t be afraid to tell your mentee that they’re in touch a bit too often. If you never set boundaries you can tell them you’re setting them now. Thank me later.
3) It’s a one sided relationship
Be ready to give over and over without a thank you or appreciation. Some mentees will, but there will be others that will not give a care in the world how you are feeling, if you are overwhelmed or you simply hit a wall in life and need some space. Mentees are sometimes like babies that become dependent on you.
Again, boundaries over everything!
Mentoring at The Tory Burch Foundation
Check back soon!
