20 Aug The Power of Mentorship

Tim Meyer, Vice President, Clinical and Scientific Affairs for Bolt Medical shares his journey from technical contributor to global leader, highlighting the significant power of mentorship in his career. He discusses overcoming imposter syndrome, the importance of diverse mentorship, and the value of staying open to new opportunities. Tim also emphasizes building a strong network and managing conflicts with kindness and respect.

Tim emphasizes the pivotal role mentors have played in his career. Early on, he didn’t recognize his advisors and coaches as mentors, but looking back, he acknowledges their significant impact. These relationships were often serendipitous, like meeting a future advisor while swimming laps at university. Tim’s first experience with Menttium as a mentee at Boston Scientific was transformative, leading him to value the importance of giving back as a mentor.

Tim’s journey underscores the importance of being open to opportunities and the influence of mentorship in career development. He stresses the value of a supportive network, advising others to stay open to opportunities and to actively seek mentors who offer diverse perspectives.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

One key topic Tim discusses is imposter syndrome. He recalls feeling a lack of confidence despite his accomplishments, such as earning a Ph.D. and working at prestigious companies. Hearing about imposter syndrome from a Menttium webinar was a revelation for Tim. This webinar helped him understand his feelings and to navigate his career with more confidence. Tim highlights the importance of a supportive network, including mentors and family, in overcoming self-doubt.

The Importance of Diverse Mentorship

Participating in Menttium’s Women Mentoring Men program was a significant experience for Tim. Mentored by a Black woman, Tim gained valuable insights into different perspectives and the unique challenges faced by women in the workplace. This experience reinforced the importance of seeking diverse mentors to gain a broader understanding of the world and improve as a leader.

Global Experience and Empathy

Tim’s global experience has been enriching and humbling. Working internationally taught him to be patient, empathetic, and an active listener. He learned to appreciate different approaches to problem-solving and the value of building relationships across cultures. These experiences have enhanced his leadership skills, enabling him to create more inclusive and effective teams.

Managing Conflict with Kindness and Respect

Tim’s approach to conflict management has evolved over time. Initially, he tended to delay addressing conflicts, but he has learned to handle them with a pragmatic and respectful approach. He emphasizes the importance of addressing conflicts directly but kindly, fostering an environment of trust and mutual respect.

Building a Network and Staying Open

Tim advises young professionals to build a strong network, not just for job opportunities but for long-term personal and professional growth. He encourages staying open to new experiences and continuously seeking opportunities for learning and development.

Final Thoughts and Quotes

Tim shares his favorite motto, “Be a nice human,” and a quote by Maya Angelou: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” These principles guide his leadership style, emphasizing kindness, respect, and the importance of making others feel valued.

In closing, Tim’s journey highlights the transformative power of mentorship, the importance of staying open to opportunities, and the value of a supportive network. His experiences offer valuable lessons for aspiring leaders and mentees, underscoring the impact of empathy, respect, and lifelong learning in achieving personal and professional success.

About Tim Meyer

Tim’s career has grown from a technical contributor to a leader of global teams, covering both academia and business. His experience ranges from large corporate cultures to nimble startups, providing him with a rich dual perspective on the roles of both mentee and mentor.

With over 18 years in global clinical trials and risk management in the medical device industry. Preceded by nine years in academic research and teaching, Tim currently serves as Vice President, Clinical and Scientific Affairs for Bolt Medical. His previous roles include Vice President, Clinical Affairs for Respiracardia, Inc., and multiple positions at Boston Scientific.

Tim holds a B.A. in Zoology and History from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, an M.S. in Physiology from the University of North Dakota, and a Ph.D. in Movement Science from Washington University in St. Louis. Residing in the Twin Cities area with his family, Tim has been a longtime partner to Menttium, participating as both mentee and mentor, including in our Women Mentoring Men pilot program.