The Dear Accountant podcast is the ultimate mentorship tool: advice, stories, and career introspections from executives, leaders, and idea makers in the accounting industry. Mentorship should always be a multifaceted arena of support. In the first episode of this podcast, I delve into the importance of mentorship with my mentor of decades, Catherine Flax.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
1. BUILD A MENTEE MINDSET
Everyone that you interact with in your network has the power to provide you with valuable insight, from navigating the corporate ladder to office politics. With a mentee mindset, you will feel empowered to glean information from all the individuals around you and become a continuous learner. Moreover, it will enable you to feel comfortable taking the first step when searching for a mentor: reaching out, asking for coffee, and building a relationship from the ground up. Come to meetings prepared and be respectful of other people's time to create an environment that fosters a good relationship. Of course, always remember that the onus is on the person who wants to be mentored to take the initiative, find a mentor, and create a lasting bond that will benefit both the mentor and mentee.
2. EVERYONE NEEDS A MENTOR. AND A MENTEE.
Regardless of level of seniority, everyone should carve out time for both a mentor and a mentee. Mentors help individuals make informed decisions, strategize their careers, and prepare for the future. Mentees build confidence, ensure personal dedication to success, and benefit the mentor in innumerable ways. Mentors can learn how to answer difficult questions, reflect on their past successes and failures, and watch as their mentee blooms throughout their careers. Mentees gain clarity on how others have carved out their own life paths, and get answers to their questions, big or small.
3. DEFINE SUCCESS IN YOUR MENTOR RELATIONSHIP
Importantly, when acting as a mentee, it’s vital to define for yourself what success in a mentor-mentee relationship looks like. Clarity between both parties as to the purpose of the mentorship is key to ensuring satisfaction and success in the relationship. Staying grounded in what you hope to achieve and who you want to be, and allow the mentor to serve as a guide down the decision-making path that brings you there. Setting clear definitions of success is one way of ensuring both parties are accountable towards the mentorship.
🎧 To learn more about these ideas, dive deeper into the concept of mentorship, learn about mentorships myths and misconceptions, or find yourself a mentor in Cece, head to the Dear Accountant Podcast here.
🎙 “Dear Accountant” podcast is a uniquely insightful and entertaining podcast for aspiring young business professionals. Each episode is packed with actionable advice to help young finance professionals get ready for whatever challenge they may face next. Aside from all of the many cool things in accounting (technical topics and trends), we bring in industry experts and influential leaders to share their journey, insights and perspectives. We will also cover topics that were not taught in school - life essential skills such as personal finance, emotional intelligence, mentorship, networking, body language and human behaviors, and so much more!
💬 About our guest, Catherine Flax:
Catherine has a distinguished multi-decade career across diverse industries and positions and has served in executive leadership roles in financial services, FinTech, and commodities. Her global endeavors alongside accomplished worldwide C-suite executives are certainly impressive, but what makes her unique is her deep sense of humanity and empathy, and her genuine interest in connecting with others. Catherine has won numerous accolades, and has also served on numerous Leadership Council and Diversity Council. Service to the community has always been a priority for Catherine, and she serves as board member on a number of significant non-profit organizations. She's also a leadership coach, coaching the top CEOs and executives, the best and the brightest of the world with her leadership wisdom. Her blog hosts a mix of coaching topics in business and in life, and has served as a very helpful resource to leaders and executives globally.
📖 Get the amazing advices from the 20 mentors in the “Dear Accountant” Book: The book offers a unique immersion into the lives and careers of 20 inspiring leaders in finance from different disciplines - their backstories, pivotal moments, career trajectories, and hiccups along the way.
🎧 Listen to Cece’s interviews about her passion and mission in writing this book and paying it forward to help young professionals to find meaning and fulfillment in their life and career: