How to find and keep a great mentor

If it weren’t for a few incredible women, I might be crying in a dark corner somewhere.

Instead, I’m at this challenging, passionate, and driven agency in a region I am proud to call home. I am exactly where I want to be.

Mentors have made a profound impact on my life. It must have been dumb luck or divine intervention; I never sought them out. Simply being in the proximity of strong women I admire shifted my direction and helped me to be more true to myself.

After college, I worked in TV news. Jenny trained me to produce while she was training for marathons, anchoring, and becoming a mother. Upon entering public relations, I met Jess. I saw her chase her dreams and run her own business. Both are high achievers, but their accomplishments pale in comparison to their integrity and character. Each is a phenomenal human being with an incredible work ethic and strong values.

I was fortunate enough to work under both of these incredibly intelligent, unwavering, healthy, fun, loving leaders. They’re inspiring. They’re bad-ass. They are professional and kind, have really high expectations, and maintain a gentle approach.

As I’ve watched my peers navigate waters in a tough professional climate, I have come to realize how rare it is to find a great mentor.