“The delicate balance of mentoring someone
is not creating them in your image,
but giving them the opportunity
to create themselves.”

— Steven Spielberg

A colleague invited me to speak to her class of college juniors and seniors who were practicing entrepreneurship. It wasn’t hard to put this on my schedule or devote the time and effort. I benefited from my college and graduate school experiences and from the relationships that were established during those formative times in my life. If I can contribute in even a small way to someone else’s experience, the answer will always be yes.

Another reason for accepting this invitation was that I respect this colleague. She has devoted herself to the development of other people, especially at the high school and college levels. She is disciplined in her growth, committed to supporting other individuals’ success, and generous in spirit. I like her company and admire her dedication.

There is always something to be learned from being with other individuals. Though I was invited to share my entrepreneurial journey and lessons, I knew I would learn things from this next generation of students. Their perspective is valuable.

A few who have started their businesses have already reached out to schedule more time with me. And I’ve asked one student with a digital services company to help me with my plan to share on Tik Tok how my crazy pack of six dogs helps me to be the best human I can be – every day. It’s not what I do for a living, but it is how I enrich my life. I am not planning a pivot to change my career focus to being a social media influencer, but if I can put some good content into the world with the help of my four-footed family? Rock on!

I will carry the energy of their youthfulness and confidence into the rest of my week and weekend. I left feeling very hopeful about what this next generation will bring to our world, workplaces, and communities.

It was fun to hear what new majors are available in today’s college. I’ll admit, there was a level of surprise when I discovered this classroom had more in common with me than I thought they might. They are being exposed to content I didn’t discover until later in life. They were thoughtful and observant, focused and willing to give of themselves, and even vulnerable in very mature ways.

I learned that good stuff is happening in high school and college classrooms. There is an army of interesting individuals ready to join us in the workplace and world. I need to spend more time with all ages of individuals from whom I can learn a thing or two.

Lastly, we live in a region that honors relationships. I believe my success has been fueled by the network in our region. Early in my small business journey, a very successful woman chose to mentor me. She retained me as a consultant and coach at the young and naïve age of 28. She opened doors, pulled me into organizations and boards, gave me feedback, and championed my passions. My dear friend and mentor, Pat Mead, is still in my life today. Years ago, when I asked her how I could return her kindness, she answered quickly: “One day you will be sought after for your wisdom and network. When someone asks you for your time and attention, just say yes to each request.” And I have.

Every time I do, I am rewarded with a new experience, something to be learned, and someone new to grow with and from. Thank you, Pat, for putting me on this road.

• What are you saying yes to these days?

Leslie

“The mediocre mentor tells.
The good mentor explains.
The superior mentor demonstrates.
The greatest mentors inspire!”

— Luci Ballas Traynor