“I want to be a secretary like my mom.” As a child, that was my response every time someone had asked what I wanted my future career to be. Like many children, I aspired for my life to reflect those around me… after all, that was what I knew. Whether I lacked creativity, bravery or just knowledge, I never imagined a career outside of the walls I had grown up with. Even in high school, after a tragedy struck my family, I was surrounded by local advocates and I…read more
Connect with a mentor
Upon graduating from The Ohio State University, I immediately put my engineering degree to work at IBM as a Marketing Representative. The company was known for its world class sales training. If you worked for IBM, you were regarded as the “best-of-the-best.” And, that’s exactly what I wanted. I was suddenly immersed in a world of high rollers. Monthly commission checks of $25k-$30k were common place. Jaguars, Corvettes, BMWs and a certain someone’s Ford Escort lined our private parking garage. As an engineering student, I was accustomed to being one…read more
We all need a mentor
In Gloria Vanderbilt’s memoirs, “The Rainbow Comes and Goes,” she reflects on the choices she made in her tumultuous life. As she looks back at her younger self, she pens a letter of advice which includes her desire to have had a mentor. Despite her massive wealth and fame, she felt alone much of her life. It’s a feeling we can all relate to at some point or another. The need for mentorship is foundational, though not something we talk much about. In my own life, I can look back…read more