Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer – BMI
In your opinion, what qualities make a “Moves Mentor”?
Compassion, Empathy, Fairness, Kindness, Acceptance, Respect, Acceptance/Appreciation, Patience, Vulnerability, Authenticity, Credibility, Trustworthiness
How does mentoring benefit the mentor? Career-wise? Intellectually? Spiritually? Socially? Any other “-allys”?
It creates a relationship for the mentor to receive information from someone who might have a different perspective, and the content shared by a mentee often enriches the mentor in various facets of performing their role. The relationship enables feedback that the mentor may not ordinarily receive whether it enriches mind, body, or spirit.
Should mentorship be a company requirement or a personal give-back?
I recommend that mentorship is both a voluntary and personal give-back. It’s far more genuine, authentic, and vulnerable in those instances versus when it is mandatory, which leads to trust and ultimate enrichment.
What is your mentorship method? Do you prefer a more hands-on or laid back approach?
I prefer a laid back approach for two reasons. It fits my personality , and I don’t want it to seem forced or contrived but rather natural, supportive and sincere.
Was there a defining moment or experience in your life that led you to where you are today? What was it?
It was when my previous company was acquired, and there was an intense transition period where senior leadership wanted to merge the two firm’s cultures. During that time, my relationship-building skills kicked in, and mentors and peers encouraged and coached me to focus on my skillsets and strengths in order to navigate where I should focus my efforts professionally. The growing pains were significant but impactful. The life lessons gained during that time still guide my decision making processes and how I show up each day.
How does diversity play into mentorship?
Difference of experience, background, perspective all contribute to giving a more comprehensive mentorship relationship. It prevents homogenous thinking and and leads to working towards issue resolution and presecribing solutions.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Do not take things personally, especially in the workplace. It rarely is about you. Most colleagues are juggling a lot personally and professionally, and it can carry over to work interactions and engagements.
What would you say to yourself if you could go back in time 15 years?
I’d say to have more patience with others and more grace for myself. Patience to accept others and their uniqueness without making assumptions or passing judgment. Grace for myself and try not to allow disappointment to set in when I don’t measure up to my expectations.
Who do you most admire? Why?
I most admire my mother and grandmother. They each were steadfast in encouraging girl power. In their own way, they promoted the need to understand one’s self-worth, not to fall victim to the imposter syndrome, and how to advocate for myself. Their guidance threaded these themes throughout my childhood and carried them into adulthood. While the actual terminology may not have been used, the meaning was always there. I always admired how despite their own upbringing, challenging circumstances, and lives that were so paradoxically different, they still were able to instill that messages in me.
