07 Jun Transformation Through Mentorship
Lynn Sontag, Menttium owner, shares valuable lessons from her 25+ years leading the global mentoring organization. In this inaugural episode of the Menttium podcast, host Solveig Brown explores Lynn’s journey and key insights that have shaped her leadership style. They also discuss how to achieve transformation through mentorship.
Transformation Through Mentorship
Mentoring lies at the heart of Menttium’s mission to empower individuals and foster growth. With over 80,000 participants in 70 countries, Lynn has seen firsthand how meaningful connections can change lives. She emphasizes:
- Mentoring builds confidence: It creates a safe space for vulnerability and action.
- Learning through others accelerates growth: Mentors share their hard-won wisdom, sparing mentees unnecessary missteps.
- The right match is critical: Intentional pairings based on mentee needs and mentor strengths unlock the relationship’s full potential.
Key Lesson: Mentoring happens in the difference. Growth occurs when mentees work with mentors whose diverse perspectives challenge their assumptions, pushing them to think in new ways.
Lynn’s Journey: From 3M to Menttium CEO
Lynn began her career at 3M developing internal mentoring programs. After joining Menttium in 1996, she purchased the company in 2002. This bold step was driven by her personal experience with mentoring and a belief in its transformative potential.
Key Lesson: Embrace risks and listen to your mentors. Lynn shared how seeking advice from her own mentor gave her the confidence to take the leap into leadership. This experience reinforced the importance of having trusted advisors to guide life’s pivotal moments.
Lessons from 25+ Years in Mentoring
Lynn’s extensive career has taught her powerful life lessons that resonate with leaders at all levels:
- You are enough: Success comes from authenticity and self-belief.
- Life is about continuous learning: Embrace failures as opportunities for growth.
- Be generous and assume positive intent: Compassion and forgiveness enrich relationships and foster collaboration.
Practical Advice for Emerging Leaders
Lynn shared actionable insights for those aspiring to grow in their careers:
- Let go of fear: Focus on abundance and possibilities instead of limitations.
- Persist through challenges: Stubborn determination is key to solving problems and innovating.
- Lead authentically: Build trust through humility and genuine connection.
The Role of Gratitude in Leadership
Lynn credits gratitude as the cornerstone of her leadership style. It has helped her navigate tough decisions, stay grounded, and appreciate the little and big moments alike. She starts each day with a grateful mindset, which fuels her ability to lead with authenticity and resilience.
Conclusion: Mentoring as a Lifelong Gift
Lynn Sontag’s dedication to transformation through mentorship is a reflection in her belief that personal growth is a lifelong journey. Her advice encourages leaders to embrace vulnerability, seek out diverse perspectives, and practice gratitude as they grow.
About Lynn Sontag
Lynn Sontag is a mentoring expert and owner of Menttium, a global leader in innovative mentoring experiences. Starting her career at 3M, she developed and facilitated internal mentoring initiatives and executive roundtables. Since joining Menttium in 1996 and becoming its owner in 2002, Lynn has been instrumental in shaping award-winning programs that promote leadership development and inclusion worldwide. A recipient of the Business Journals Women’s Changemakers Award, Lynn also served on the University of St. Thomas – Opus College of Business Advisory Board and champions women-owned businesses through professional organizations.