Discover how Menttium’s cross-company mentoring program has impacted the career journey of Tony Meale, Sr. Manager of Executive Communications at Discover Financial Services. Tony shares his experience as a Menttium mentee and reflects on the valuable insights, guidance, and support he gained from his mentor.
Through Menttium’s unique approach to mentoring, Tony highlights how the program helped him navigate challenges, broaden his perspective, and develop skills that have enhanced his professional growth. His testimonial is a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of mentoring relationships that go beyond the boundaries of a single organization.
Discover how Menttium’s mentoring programs Cross-Company Overview Differentiators provide professionals with the tools to decode the “currency of success” and foster leadership skills that benefit individuals and organizations alike. Watch now to learn how mentoring can drive transformative change in your company!
Mentoring has the power to transform organizations by shining a light on intangible success factors often overlooked in professional development. In this video, we explore how Menttium has created a safe, supportive environment that fosters psychological safety while equipping professionals—both mentors and mentees—to navigate and succeed within these unwritten rules.
Key topics include:
Robyn helped me to understand my weakness and shared ideas on how to develop them. Every interaction with her was so powerful and I was able to implement her suggestions to real work situations immediately. Her ideas on some of the issues, I bought to her, helped me to develop myself especially during this critical time of change within our organization. I value Robyn's contribution to my development and would love to stay in touch. Thank you!
Jyotsana Shrivastava | Discover Financial Services
One major impact of this mentoring experience was that I became open to seeking help and insights from others. Previously, I considered myself self-driven to a point where I did not consider the benefits of having a mentor on my side. After participating in this program, not only do I have a newfound appreciation for mentorship, but I have also learned to take a look in the mirror and truly reflect on the type of leader I was, am and want to be going forward. I am now more eager than ever to explore my natural talents and continue to build on my current skill sets while being open to exploring opportunities which may sometimes take me out of my comfort zone. Peg has been an instrumental part of my growth over the last year. Peg's leadership experience and knowledge not only encouraged me throughout the year to lean into my own leadership qualities, but also helped me to take on opportunities of growth as they present themselves. Her openness to share her career high and low points also encouraged me to reflect on some of my own experiences and to stay motivated when things become tough while also never being complacent, even when things are going well. I truly appreciate the mentorship that Peg has provided to me during our time together and I am excited for others who may also have the pleasure of working with her in the future.
Glenn Turner Jr | Discover Financial Services
Julie has helped me grow in countless ways. We quickly built a deep connection which enabled us to share openly and honestly about our personal and professional lives. She has increased my confidence in the skills I have and helped me to appreciate my unique experiences and how they add value to my organization. She has helped me home in on opportunities and shared tools, resources, and experiences that can help me strengthen my skills so that I can continue to develop as a leader into the future. She has changed the way I think and work and has solidified in me a passion for continuous improvement. Julie has created in me a true commitment to managing my own time and calendar in a way that makes me successful, but also balances the reality of what is not in our control. I am so grateful for our time together and hopeful for continued connections as I believe we have become strong accountability partners for self care, advocacy, personal, and professional development. I cannot thank her enough for all she has done for me!
Meleah DesLauriers | U.S. Bank
Thank you so much for pouring into me to make me a more wholistic leader. You've greatly broadened my perspective as a leader to not live in such a bubble of thinking. I've gained confidence to continue to lead with humility while setting boundaries.
Siana Talley | Department Manager
After a decade of self-employment, I pivoted to Corporate America during the pandemic and was fortunate to participate in Menttium not long after joining my current company. If you’re unfamiliar with Menttium, know this: Nothing in this program happens by accident. Every step of the process is done with extreme precision and care, from placement to goal-setting to professional development. Through Menttium, I met a kind, caring, and considerate mentor who took time to get to know me and understand my goals. We met twice a month for one year, during which time she helped me acclimate to Corporate America, establish my brand, and pursue and achieve various personal and professional goals. When the program ended, we continued to meet every few months—and still do, as she remains a trusted advisor and friend. If your company gives you an opportunity to participate in Menttium, do not pass it up. Be intentional about your goals and what you want to achieve. You will get out what you put in, and if your experience is anything like mine, you will emerge a better professional and person.
Tony Meale | Discover Financial Services
Joyce is extremely patient, caring, and has a life history of learnings. I so value the time we've spent together and all the advice she has shared and taught me - teachings I will use in my professional and personal life. Most importantly, I am thankful for meeting Joyce - one I can call a friend!
Bill Collins | Discover Financial Services
Trust the process. It far exceeded my expectations and I had a massive year of growth.
William Davies | U.S. Bank
Wendy's Mentoring has had a huge impact on my confidence in myself! Having a mentor from outside my company made it easy to trust that she truly had my best interests in mind. She helped me work on my Authentic Self Promotion and Executive Presence and these invaluable skills will help me accelerate in my career path! I have a whole different understanding of myself and my position in the company. I changed many of the initial answers in this survey and even laughed at a few of my responses. I assumed I was 'great" at many things and after this year I realize how far I have come in personal development.
Michelle Roslinski | Nalco Water, an Ecolab Company
I gained so much through this experience, but I think more than anything else I can say I am now more confident in myself than I was a year ago. My mentor helped me see that more often than not, my instincts on what to do are correct. I think I am also a better coach to others as a result of this experience. I greatly admire my mentor's vulnerability in sharing her own experiences to help me, and I aspire to be that open with people that seek my guidance, as well.
Cody Wolkowitz | Ecolab
This program built great relationship with my mentor senior leader and gained his experiences that helped me to learn and implement in the current working culture. It increased my confidence and self awareness on executive presence and in all. I just wanted to express my gratitude for the incredible Menttium leadership program over the past year. It has truly been one of the best courses I've ever attended.
Vijayaraghavan Adikesavan
I am so thrilled to have met and learned from Ted in a life-changing way - I feel confident, understand where I still have work to do and believe I can get there, and have found ways to further influence at a leadership level in my organization that I don't think I would have been able to do without Ted's mentorship.
Jenny Brulc | General Mills
My mentor's wisdom, patience, and encouragement have made a significant impact on my personal and professional growth. My mentor shared her expertise, challenged me to think critically, probing into my own experiences and outcomes, while offering alternate mechanisms to change the outcome to a desired outcome. Her mentorship has been invaluable, and I am truly fortunate to have her as a guide.
Sirisha Chinamuttevi | Allstate
Connie has been an incredible mentor and I am very appreciative. She is wise, insightful, and has definitely been invested in my growth and development. Connie's approach has truly helped me to reinforce and appreciate my strengths as well as helping me to grow in the ways that are most meaningful for me as an individual and a leader. As Connie has put it, I've been making "thoughtful adjustments." I have gained clarity and am excited about what I can deliver as a leader. I feel fortunate to have had Connie as my mentor and can't thank her enough. I will put to good use what I've learned.
Lisa Jansen | UnitedHealth Group
My Menttium journey started approximately 20 years ago - how time flies! And each partnership has been unique: different goals, different industries, different professions. And yet they all had a common link - the desire to become more effective, both professionally and personally. For anyone considering being a mentor, know that you will come out being a better person - you learn from your mentee and it's a relationship that will be memorable. Menttium does an incredible job matching the mentee with the mentor.
Donna Howard | PhyNet Dermatology LLC
Menttium’s Executive Mentoring Program allowed me the opportunity to partner with another executive outside of my industry, and comfort zone. My Mentor was invaluable as we talked about critical lessons he learned throughout his career – from transforming businesses, making major changes, understanding market dynamics, and addressing people issues. I would strongly recommend this program for anyone who is seeking a fresh perspective on how to approach their business challenges.
Natalie Stute | Jostens, Inc.
I have been involved with Menttium since 2000 and am a strong believer in this program. I have been amazed through the years at how effective virtual mentoring can be. I have learned a significant amount on how to be a good mentor that I have used in both my business and personal life. Most important, I have learned so much through the partnerships I have had and the input and thoughts of the mentees I have worked with. It is an incredibly rewarding experience.
Jackie Seto | Side People
Caroline "got" me and my world, and she did so really quickly. This meant that we could dive into real work situations and work through them together, which was extremely valuable - I could use the products of our conversations immediately. Caroline has an ability to analyze issues and does so with great objectivity, and great care. This, combined with her clear thinking and language, helped me articulate both challenges and solutions in ways I wouldn't have otherwise.
Sarah Hunt | Thrivent Financial
Roz has been an incredible help through many of my professional challenges. She shared her own personal experiences to help me put to practical use. She is not only well respected in the business community, but also has great talent to share.
Nadine Hauf | UnitedHealth Group
My mentor was incredibly valuable in helping me to think through actions and approaches I could take to help improve my overall performance. He listened to what my priorities were and helped to define a path to achieve my objectives. He was there for me when I needed and was focused on what I needed to get out of the relationship. He was a pleasure to work with.
Shawna Dodds | Cigna
Kathy was highly supportive in assisting me in the achievement of my goals. She demonstrated strong listening skills and offered valuable, actionable advice. I benefited tremendously from her perspectives specifically relating to foundational leadership behaviors and relationship building.
Patricia Hall | Discover Financial Services
Dear Dannette,
I was blessed to have you as my mentor. The experience allowed me to pause, take a step back and self-reflect. Your breadth of knowledge, leadership skills and uncanny ability to comprehend and easily navigate any challenge I brought to your attention was mind blowing. You showed up with dedication and commitment during every session. Every engagement was refreshing, and I enjoyed every bit of it.
With your support, I was able to recognize my strengths and create my own personal brand/value. Your efforts have resulted in increased awareness about my self-development opportunities in the areas of EP (executive presence), presentation and communication style. You provided invaluable guidance on conflict resolution strategies as well as served as a sounding board while I navigated some internal org changes. I will not forget the following magical tips “stop myself sooner than I should, create one-line summaries of slides, advance preparation, practice, practice…”
I am really grateful and would like to sincerely thank you for providing excellent support and guidance through this journey. This engagement has significantly increased my confidence level. I plan to continue to practice and apply the skills learnt over the last year to grow professionally as a leader and thereby increase my contributions and value to Voya.
Thank you for everything!
Regards,
Sudeen Kinnarkar | AVP IT function | Voya Financial
Robyn helped me to understand my weakness and shared ideas on how to develop them. Every interaction with her was so powerful and I was able to implement her suggestions to real work situations immediately. Her ideas on some of the issues, I bought to her, helped me to develop myself especially during this critical time of change within our organization. I value Robyn's contribution to my development and would love to stay in touch. Thank you!
Jyotsana Shrivastava | Discover Financial Services
One major impact of this mentoring experience was that I became open to seeking help and insights from others. Previously, I considered myself self-driven to a point where I did not consider the benefits of having a mentor on my side. After participating in this program, not only do I have a newfound appreciation for mentorship, but I have also learned to take a look in the mirror and truly reflect on the type of leader I was, am and want to be going forward. I am now more eager than ever to explore my natural talents and continue to build on my current skill sets while being open to exploring opportunities which may sometimes take me out of my comfort zone. Peg has been an instrumental part of my growth over the last year. Peg's leadership experience and knowledge not only encouraged me throughout the year to lean into my own leadership qualities, but also helped me to take on opportunities of growth as they present themselves. Her openness to share her career high and low points also encouraged me to reflect on some of my own experiences and to stay motivated when things become tough while also never being complacent, even when things are going well. I truly appreciate the mentorship that Peg has provided to me during our time together and I am excited for others who may also have the pleasure of working with her in the future.
Glenn Turner Jr | Discover Financial Services
Julie has helped me grow in countless ways. We quickly built a deep connection which enabled us to share openly and honestly about our personal and professional lives. She has increased my confidence in the skills I have and helped me to appreciate my unique experiences and how they add value to my organization. She has helped me home in on opportunities and shared tools, resources, and experiences that can help me strengthen my skills so that I can continue to develop as a leader into the future. She has changed the way I think and work and has solidified in me a passion for continuous improvement. Julie has created in me a true commitment to managing my own time and calendar in a way that makes me successful, but also balances the reality of what is not in our control. I am so grateful for our time together and hopeful for continued connections as I believe we have become strong accountability partners for self care, advocacy, personal, and professional development. I cannot thank her enough for all she has done for me!
Meleah DesLauriers | U.S. Bank
Thank you so much for pouring into me to make me a more wholistic leader. You've greatly broadened my perspective as a leader to not live in such a bubble of thinking. I've gained confidence to continue to lead with humility while setting boundaries.
Siana Talley | Department Manager
After a decade of self-employment, I pivoted to Corporate America during the pandemic and was fortunate to participate in Menttium not long after joining my current company. If you’re unfamiliar with Menttium, know this: Nothing in this program happens by accident. Every step of the process is done with extreme precision and care, from placement to goal-setting to professional development. Through Menttium, I met a kind, caring, and considerate mentor who took time to get to know me and understand my goals. We met twice a month for one year, during which time she helped me acclimate to Corporate America, establish my brand, and pursue and achieve various personal and professional goals. When the program ended, we continued to meet every few months—and still do, as she remains a trusted advisor and friend. If your company gives you an opportunity to participate in Menttium, do not pass it up. Be intentional about your goals and what you want to achieve. You will get out what you put in, and if your experience is anything like mine, you will emerge a better professional and person.
Tony Meale | Discover Financial Services
Joyce is extremely patient, caring, and has a life history of learnings. I so value the time we've spent together and all the advice she has shared and taught me - teachings I will use in my professional and personal life. Most importantly, I am thankful for meeting Joyce - one I can call a friend!
Bill Collins | Discover Financial Services
Trust the process. It far exceeded my expectations and I had a massive year of growth.
William Davies | U.S. Bank
Wendy's Mentoring has had a huge impact on my confidence in myself! Having a mentor from outside my company made it easy to trust that she truly had my best interests in mind. She helped me work on my Authentic Self Promotion and Executive Presence and these invaluable skills will help me accelerate in my career path! I have a whole different understanding of myself and my position in the company. I changed many of the initial answers in this survey and even laughed at a few of my responses. I assumed I was 'great" at many things and after this year I realize how far I have come in personal development.
Michelle Roslinski | Nalco Water, an Ecolab Company
I gained so much through this experience, but I think more than anything else I can say I am now more confident in myself than I was a year ago. My mentor helped me see that more often than not, my instincts on what to do are correct. I think I am also a better coach to others as a result of this experience. I greatly admire my mentor's vulnerability in sharing her own experiences to help me, and I aspire to be that open with people that seek my guidance, as well.
Cody Wolkowitz | Ecolab
This program built great relationship with my mentor senior leader and gained his experiences that helped me to learn and implement in the current working culture. It increased my confidence and self awareness on executive presence and in all. I just wanted to express my gratitude for the incredible Menttium leadership program over the past year. It has truly been one of the best courses I've ever attended.
Vijayaraghavan Adikesavan
I am so thrilled to have met and learned from Ted in a life-changing way - I feel confident, understand where I still have work to do and believe I can get there, and have found ways to further influence at a leadership level in my organization that I don't think I would have been able to do without Ted's mentorship.
Jenny Brulc | General Mills
My mentor's wisdom, patience, and encouragement have made a significant impact on my personal and professional growth. My mentor shared her expertise, challenged me to think critically, probing into my own experiences and outcomes, while offering alternate mechanisms to change the outcome to a desired outcome. Her mentorship has been invaluable, and I am truly fortunate to have her as a guide.
Sirisha Chinamuttevi | Allstate
First, my mentor could not have been a better fit for me. I was very excited to know that I was working with another veteran. I am so appreciative of his council and advice in a year that had a multitude of professional roller coaster situations. His ability to help me navigate this year has given me confidence and courage. I am forever grateful for this experience! I would never have guessed the power of a mentor that is outside of my organization. I am forever grateful for my mentor's advice in times that I needed a sounding board from someone not in my chain of command.
Thomas Rusk, The Cigna Group
I had a wonderful experience meeting and working with my mentor throughout the year. Her deep expertise, thoughtful and unique views helped me work through challenges with ease and, most importantly great fun. She was a perfect match and I feel so blessed that I was able to partner with her.
Marianne Perben, ISO New England, Inc.
I couldn't have asked for a better mentor. This experience has brought me out of my comfort zone. The timing was great for this engagement. I was moving into supporting a new business and working with a new product. I was very uneasy about it but I learned that its okay to ask a lot of questions and admit when you need more understanding. I learned to rely on the team and I don't have to be the SME or work through everything myself. I haven't overcome this completely, but I'm more aware and adjusting everyday.
Angela Milbrandt, U.S. Bank
What I expected to get out of this mentorship and what I received exceeded expectations. I received valuable knowledge to think outside of the box and build a brand not only at my company but in outside endeavors to reach my full potential. The ideas and knowledge my mentor provided were life changing and I am very grateful for the Menttium experience.
Jennifer Weems, Voya Financial
Diane has been a life changer. The skills I have gained from her wisdom and experience will undoubtedly change the projection of my path in this company for the better. I am a better leader, a better teammate and a better employee because of her guidance over the last 12 months.
Amanda Ingram, Trinchero Family Estates
My confidence has grown. I have redefined how I lead "strategic" work and leverage my unique strengths to add value. Outcomes: I developed personal toolkit for setting a vision and strategy. I created structure for managing strategic time. Urmi is PHENOMENAL. She has a gift to listen and hear, to calm and guide. I very much appreciated her coaching both personally and professionally and think of her as a friend.
Amanda Thor, General Mills, Inc.
I am a new, better version of myself. In this Menttium journey, I have not left anything behind that I once possessed but have enhanced each quality, each talent and each skill to better serve my personal and professional aspirations...It's all been such a positive and surreal experience. Alison, my mentor, has invested so much time, energy and wisdom into my life and I am humbled and so thankful for the match Menttium gave me in her. So many life lessons shared and many more professional golden nuggets imparted into my future. Thank you Alison. Thank you, Menttium. This has been absolutely phenomenal.
Sabrina Redfearn-Clark, Allstate Insurance Company
My mentor, Janice has guided me through change within my company due to acquisition. Her mentorship has given me great insight into how to successfully navigate change. It has enabled me to see the broader picture as an HR professional to guide employees through this change too.
Brigitte Harrison, Horizon Therapeutics
My Mentor was simply AWESOME and AMAZING! I valued all of her opinions, suggestions and insights of how to be a better me. For that, I will ALWAYS be grateful and appreciative. She is such a valuable person to this program and if I was in her area, I would just love to be her assistant. All the time she has put in with me, has significantly contributed to my growth and development. I am now sharing her insights and leadership with my co-workers internally and some of my organizations externally. My Mentor was the best!
Lewis Nelson, Allstate Insurance Company
My mentor was fantastic! She was inspirational and also very humble. I felt supported and safe talking to her about anything. She helped me navigate global management and even improved my self-care by setting a fabulous example.
Molly Johnson, Voya Financial
Anita has been a truly spectacular mentor. From the beginning, she provided a different perspective on some of the challenges I faced that I would not have gained on my own or through other mentors within my company. She also helped me develop simple, actionable steps towards my goals that proved to be very effective. Most importantly, in an unprecedented year of the COVID pandemic, social unrest, and my own personal life changes (becoming a mother), Anita truly went above and beyond in her empathy, flexibility, and encouragement to help me meet my goals, which evolved over the course of the year.
Whitney Lang, Allstate
I think I had the best mentor anyone could have. Her memory was solid. She held me accountable and handled my with care. She understood I was in a sense vulnerable since this was my first time, so she pushed me and guided me in a positive and tactful manner.
Clarie O'Sullivan, U.S. Bank
My Menttium mentor was phenomenal. She listened to me and truly understood all of the situations discussed. She consistently provided solid advice and/or posed probing questions that made me think about the challenge in a new way. Natalie's focus was always on getting to the right approach, resulting in forward progress. Being partnered with Natalie has been a wonderful experience!
Jennifer Kennedy, Voya Investment Management
Maryann and I have a story we would like to share with you and the Menttium community. Our connection was so valuable to both of us that we decided to continue our relationship even when we finished the first year. Some nine years after we were first paired together in Menttium, we both continue to benefit from our relationship and the chance to bounce ideas off each other and discuss issues of common interest. We recognize that ours is a special relationship and not every pairing will lead to a similar long-term connection. Nonetheless, we each believe that if both participants take advantage of the resources provided by Menttium, the program will provide valuable benefits to both parties.
William Colbert, BP
At the time I was informed I had been chosen to participate in Menttium 100, I did not understand the value of having a mentor. Then I was paired with the most perfect person for me; someone who had been an executive at the company where I worked at the time and who had left to become an entrepreneur. Having a trusted advisor to cheer me on when I did well and to give me objective feedback on what I could do better completely changed my career trajectory! I am grateful to my mentor, Steve. I continue to mentor in the hope that I am able to be for my Menttium mentees what he was to me!
Michelle Smeby, wHolistic Change, Inc.
Connie has been an incredible mentor and I am very appreciative. She is wise, insightful, and has definitely been invested in my growth and development. Connie's approach has truly helped me to reinforce and appreciate my strengths as well as helping me to grow in the ways that are most meaningful for me as an individual and a leader. As Connie has put it, I've been making "thoughtful adjustments." I have gained clarity and am excited about what I can deliver as a leader. I feel fortunate to have had Connie as my mentor and can't thank her enough. I will put to good use what I've learned.
Lisa Jansen | UnitedHealth Group
I have been mentoring with Menttium for the past eight years. It has been the most rewarding experience of my career. It has been a privilege to mentor and learn from so many talented women over the years. I have learned that we both take away gems from each other over the years. I learned that we get back so much more as we share experiences and wisdom in a true partnership. I have become a better listener. It is the most rewarding experience to give of yourself to better each other in so many valuable ways.
Marianne Allen, Allen Consulting
My Menttium journey started approximately 20 years ago - how time flies! And each partnership has been unique: different goals, different industries, different professions. And yet they all had a common link - the desire to become more effective, both professionally and personally. For anyone considering being a mentor, know that you will come out being a better person - you learn from your mentee and it's a relationship that will be memorable. Menttium does an incredible job matching the mentee with the mentor.
Donna Howard | PhyNet Dermatology LLC
Menttium’s Executive Mentoring Program allowed me the opportunity to partner with another executive outside of my industry, and comfort zone. My Mentor was invaluable as we talked about critical lessons he learned throughout his career – from transforming businesses, making major changes, understanding market dynamics, and addressing people issues. I would strongly recommend this program for anyone who is seeking a fresh perspective on how to approach their business challenges.
Natalie Stute | Jostens, Inc.
I have been involved with Menttium since 2000 and am a strong believer in this program. I have been amazed through the years at how effective virtual mentoring can be. I have learned a significant amount on how to be a good mentor that I have used in both my business and personal life. Most important, I have learned so much through the partnerships I have had and the input and thoughts of the mentees I have worked with. It is an incredibly rewarding experience.
Jackie Seto | Side People
Peggy is a wonderful mentor. She was able to take my professional experiences and relate them to her own that provided excellent parallels. I received guidance on dealing with difficult employees, increasing my executive presence, approaching my manager with new ideas, etc. I also learned not to mentally beat myself up after perceived failures. There are so many wonderful gold nuggets I got from Peggy. I keep a running list of advice from her that I plan to pass on to others.
Alayne Russom, Thrivent Financial
Caroline "got" me and my world, and she did so really quickly. This meant that we could dive into real work situations and work through them together, which was extremely valuable - I could use the products of our conversations immediately. Caroline has an ability to analyze issues and does so with great objectivity, and great care. This, combined with her clear thinking and language, helped me articulate both challenges and solutions in ways I wouldn't have otherwise.
Sarah Hunt | Thrivent Financial
My mentor played an important role in helping me dive deeper in identifying the 'roadblocks' that were holding me back in my career. Once identified, he gave me sound advice based off his own experiences.
Lucy Vongdeuan, U.S. Bank
I currently have internal mentors, but by far, have found the most value in this experience. He was an unbiased mentor where I felt my personal and career development was the only focus.
Lucy Vongdeuan, U.S. Bank
Roz has been an incredible help through many of my professional challenges. She shared her own personal experiences to help me put to practical use. She is not only well respected in the business community, but also has great talent to share.
Nadine Hauf | UnitedHealth Group
My mentor provided guidance to help me better manage my day to day work demands as well as my strategic objectives. Her mentoring helped me more fully align my strategies and, in turn, increase my productivity.
Cindy Webster, BP
With the guidance of my mentor I have become more thoughtful about my approach toward people and problems and have also instituted a pricing model that will generate increased revenue for my organization.
Carol Kuha, RBC
I addressed some issues in my department that were roadblocks to productivity. We now have a team approach versus a silo perspective. Without the assistance from my mentor, I might never have addressed the issue with my team.
Adriana Seaton, Comerica
With the support and encouragement of my mentor, I have pursued opportunities where I could add value to the organization and meet my career development objectives. My new role has allowed me to stretch my boundaries and is proving to be a great value to the company as well. My current project has the potential to provide millions in cost savings to the organization.
Anne Staskon, BP
My mentor was incredibly valuable in helping me to think through actions and approaches I could take to help improve my overall performance. He listened to what my priorities were and helped to define a path to achieve my objectives. He was there for me when I needed and was focused on what I needed to get out of the relationship. He was a pleasure to work with.
Shawna Dodds | Cigna
Kathy was highly supportive in assisting me in the achievement of my goals. She demonstrated strong listening skills and offered valuable, actionable advice. I benefited tremendously from her perspectives specifically relating to foundational leadership behaviors and relationship building.
Patricia Hall | Discover Financial Services
I was able to look at myself and my goals more holistically. If I think about a turning point, it was probably during the Menttium mentoring program. It was a great journey for me. It made a difference.
Jennifer Meyer | UnitedHealth Group
Having been a mentor with Menttium for over 10 years, I have seen the transformative changes the Menttium experience can bring to both the mentee and the mentor. Being personally engaged in helping others realize their career goals, learning to manage through challenging situations -- and then "giving back" to others is truly amazing.
Tom Schlick | SterilMed
I feel so fortunate to have attended the program and my mentor has volunteered to stay in touch after the program ends. I am glad that I have had the chance to work with my mentor and look forward to my continued growth.
Rhonda Fensterer, Grainger
My mentor has provided me with a unique perspective on career goals and growth, the world outside of my own company and how to think differently through times of significant transition. Her ability to ask the right questions and provide candid feedback have pushed me to a different level of thinking and goal setting. I have enjoyed all of our conversations and look forward to continuing our relationship.
Erin Liebgott, Grainger
During the first meeting, my mentor and I made a wonderful connection. It was evident she had become familiar with my background. She was very engaged in the conversation, providing astute observations into my character that even those that have worked closely with me haven't noticed. This demonstrates Cynthia's deep experience and commitment to mentoring.
Erica Jordan, Comerica Bank
We have found that our internal and cross-company mentoring programs help us retain our high potential employees and support a key business goal of creating and maintaining a diverse and engaged workforce.
Larry Mosner, Deluxe Corporation
My personal experience with my mentor was "world class" and highly recommended! He created a solid foundation of trust and truly a non-threatening venue to establish ones needs and roadmap to learning. He interjected freely with his vast experience and provided great and relevant perspective to my needs.
Art Ochoa, Grainger
My overall Menttium Experience was priceless with the balance between monthly Menttium sessions and 1:1 mentor meetings.
Kathryn Catalano, Optum a division of UnitedHealth Group
The Menttium experience inspired me. By sharing experiences with my mentor, I was able to realize that I had the potential to achieve much more than I ever imagined.
Elaine Frydrych, Comerica
[Conversations with my mentee] were a tremendous learning experience as well as a “flashback to the past” while I coached her through some of the same experiences I lived through. Unfortunately for me, I had to learn through trial and error rather than having a mentor to offer guidance and validate my experiences.
Patricia Caldwell, MFRI, Inc.
What stands out for me, every time I meet a new mentee, is an awesome sense of possibility — the possibility to help someone achieve her dreams, the possibility to challenge myself, the possibility to learn new things.
John Popoli, Lake Forest Graduate School of Management
I developed a strong relationship with my mentor. She offered excellent advice on all situations we discussed. Even when I didn’t think I really needed any guidance and we were just discussing current events, she offered insight and suggestions that were invaluable!
Catherine Williamson, Ceridian
Being a part of Menttium 100 has been instrumental in changing my career focus and my approach to development. In the past I allowed my career to “happen” to me. Now, “I” make my career happen. It was a significant change and I credit my mentor for that shift in thinking.
Debra Helget, 3M
Each year’s partnership brings new questions, issues and concerns. The people, company, and circumstances may change, but the challenge of dealing with the mentee’s ever evolving needs is constant and consistent. And the biggest surprise and benefit from being a mentor is that the mentor gains and learns as much as the mentee. It is truly a two-way street.
Scott Barnum, CEO, Pyramid Breweries, Inc.