Mentoring was all I could think of in 2020-21. As if that was my sign. My ikigai waiting for me all this while. I started to observe the story I told folks who asked why I mentor. How this is the most fulfilling role I have played in my life as a mentor. To help, guide, support and empower folks. Nothing else mattered.
And its true - this wasn’t work for me. Every conversation was comforting and I loved connecting with folks around the world - an attempt to make their day a little better than before.
… ‘a little better than you found it’
A beautiful passage in a book, about how the best you can ever do is to leave the world a little better than you found it. It doesn’t matter how you do it.
Reach out a helping hand; just, you know, leave it a little better than you found it.
I have discovered amazing mentoring communities and would like to thank each community for showing me a place where I belong and be my true authentic self.
ADPList - this was the first one my sis shared in Dec 2021, when I said this is what I want to do when I left my full time job. It doesn’t pay my bills, but it was comforting in its own way - to know that I could help someone in need.
PMA mentor - As a PMA ambassador, I was lucky to meet amazing product marketers around the world starting in July 2020. I had set an OKR of connecting with 10 mindful folks and was able to support 15+ folks. Truly blessed by the chance to be in their lives. These folks are my bedrock and now good friends over time. There is power in community and belonging.
Growthmentor - since 2022, I have had the opportunity to mentor folks in product, design, marketing, leadership and mindfulness. Heartwarming.
Mentorcruise - at the end of 2022, I came across this platform with paid mentorships. By this time, I found my sweet spot - career growth, authentic leadership and product marketing. This was my aha moment that I could make mentoring work for me over time. This was my first baby step into paid mentoring and doing what I love.
These experiences and the vote of confidence from my mentees gave me the courage to create my own mentoring services - Pay it forward 1:1 and monthly mentorship in 2023.
Other mentoring platforms that came along via introductions in the past few years have shown me the way of life - to help and support each other in whatever way I can - to make it a little better.
Mentoring is about the commitment and accountability. We have to be invested in each other’s success and growth.
It’s not ok to book a session and not show up. This is true for both mentee and mentor. We are here to create opportunities at the same level. And mutual respect is key to foster this relationship.
There are times I wait for 10 minutes and send a message on the mentoring platform. At times, life happens and I understand.
Get to know each other - who we are beyond the job titles and know their story, their struggles, their life. We shape each other and can bring the best together.
Set the intention on what this mentoring session means for you. Find the right balance to tap into opportunities, build network connections and just be human.
Each conversation opens a new door, a different path than you could imagine. Reach out and be open to new ideas and perspectives.
The world is your oyster - only you can be YOU. So, lift your chin and be the best YOU, you can be.
I am rooting for you. I believe in you.
Be ready for the miracles in your career and life.
Wondering where to start, as either a mentee or mentor?
Start right where you where. Take the first step. Join a community that connects with your values and beliefs. I wish you all the very best as you discover more of you in the world. Trust me, there is lovingkindness around the world. We just need to be ready to see, feel and embrace the connection.
I always struggled in teams and organizations where people were out to get you and put you down. That’s when I decided my happy zen is when I can help and support, lift each other and empower folks. And I am blessed by the opportunity to have you all in my life. Gracias! Obrigada!
Decide what you want your career/life path to be and go for it
with your heart, mind and soul - you will be surprised by the universe …
for me, it was about meaningful work and having an impact in each other’s lives.