Why did you decide to become a mentor?
Being a mentor has been such a rewarding experience for me, both personally and professionally. It's incredible to see the impact that I can have on someone's life, just by sharing my knowledge and experiences. Not only am I able to help others, but I'm also learning so much from the people I'm mentoring. It's a win-win situation. One of the things that I love most about being a mentor is the opportunity to help folks like you earlier in your journey. As a mentor, I can help others avoid some of the mistakes and pitfalls that I encountered earlier in my career as an IC and Founder. It's incredibly gratifying to see my mentees grow and succeed, and know that I played a small role in their journey. Overall, being a mentor has positively impacted my career in so many ways. It's helped me develop my leadership skills, and given me a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment.
How did you get your career start?
When I was first starting out in my career, I didn't have the luxury of having a mentor or coach to guide me. Instead, I relied on my clients for feedback and made sure to always go above and beyond to deliver exceptional service. Looking back, I realize how much easier it would have been if I had someone to turn to for advice and support. As I progressed in my career, I eventually had the opportunity to work with mentors and coaches, which made a huge difference both professionally and personally. If I had the chance to do it all over again, I would prioritize finding a mentor or coach earlier in my journey.
What do mentees usually come to you for?
Considering I've grown my skills with a non- computer science background and have worked my way up to Principal Engineer as an individual contributor, I find common ground assisting mentees both with and without CS backgrounds. Further, having been a founder with a particular fondness for early-stage startups, I've learned of serious counterintuitive challenges on the path. Through conversations with less experienced founders, we work together to spot the pot holes early so we can avoid them altogether. Mentees can expect to be held accountable to their own goals guided through my experiences both as an independent contributor and founder. A mentor's role is not to provide direction, but support informed by experience.
What's been your favourite mentorship success story so far?
I recently had the pleasure of working with a technical founder who was struggling to balance the demands of running a business with their passion for building. They had reached a point where they were exhausted by the frenetic pace required as a founder and realized that their true joy came from developing and creating, rather than managing the growth of a burgeoning organization. As their mentor, I worked closely with them to help them transition into a full-time role as an independent contributor. We focused on finding opportunities that allowed them to leverage their technical skills and passion for building, while also providing the stability and support they needed to thrive. Through a combination of networking, skill-building, and strategic planning, we were able to identify a number of exciting opportunities that aligned with their goals and interests. Over time, this founder was able to build a thriving career as a technical contributor, working on cutting-edge projects and collaborating with talented teams of like-minded individuals. They were able to rediscover their passion for building, while also enjoying the benefits of a more stable and predictable work environment. It was truly a joy to watch them grow and succeed, and I am proud to have played a role in their journey.
What are you getting out of being a mentor?
Being a mentor has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my career and life. I have had the privilege of guiding and inspiring others, helping them to achieve their goals and reach their full potential. In doing so, I have gained a deeper understanding of my own strengths and weaknesses, and have become more confident in my abilities. Seeing the positive impact that my guidance can have on others has been incredibly rewarding, and has inspired me to continue to be a mentor and leader in my field. Whether it's helping someone navigate a difficult challenge, providing feedback and support, or simply being a sounding board, being a mentor is a deeply fulfilling and enriching experience. It allows me to give back to others, while also learning and growing myself. I would encourage anyone who has the opportunity to be a mentor, to take it. The impact that you can have on someone's life is immeasurable, and the personal growth and fulfillment that comes with it is truly priceless.