01 Mar Women-led Leadership and Mentoring
Missy Chicre, CEO of Menttium, and Lynn Sontag, Chairwoman and Owner of Menttium, share perspectives on women-led leadership and the role of mentoring. They delve into how mission-driven leadership fuels success, especially in times of change.
A Journey to Menttium: Women-Led Leadership and Mentoring
Missy and Lynn’s paths to leadership highlight the impact of mentors and the importance of resilience. Here’s a closer look at each of their stories:
Lynn Sontag’s Path to Leadership
- Early Career:
- Lynn started at 3M as a receptionist and advanced to a supervisory position, when few women were in management.
- Mentorship’s Influence:
- Early in her career, a female mentor saw her potential, which led to several promotions and opportunities.
- Joining Menttium:
- After 15 years at 3M, Lynn took a leap to join Menttium, a company focused on professional mentoring. By 2002, she purchased Menttium, driven by a passion for its mission of empowering women through mentoring.
Missy Chicre’s Professional Journey
- From Academia to Corporate HR:
- Missy pursued a career in academia, before moving to corporate HR and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
- Embracing Change:
- Missy’s roles at Best Buy and Cargill involved global DEI initiatives, giving her experiences that shaped her leadership approach.
- Transition to Menttium:
- Missy joined Menttium, later becoming CEO. She aligned deeply with the company’s mission and was drawn to its focus on empowering women through mentoring.
Key Women-Led Leadership and Mentoring Principles
The Role of Mentorship in Professional Growth
Missy and Lynn emphasize how mentorship supports personal and professional growth:
- Whole-Person Mentoring: Menttium’s mentorship model considers the “whole person,” helping individuals thrive both professionally and personally.
- Emotional Safety and Authenticity: Menttium’s mentorship creates a safe environment where mentees feel free to be authentic and vulnerable.
- Confidence and Perspective: Mentors help mentees see beyond current situations, providing confidence-boosting support.
The Impact of Women-Led Leadership in a Mission-Driven Organization
Menttium, as a women-owned and women-led organization, emphasizes empowering women professionally and personally:
- Mission with Purpose: Missy and Lynn express deep passion for Menttium’s mission, describing it as a privilege to impact mentees’ lives.
- Encouraging Continuity in Mentorship: Menttium’s culture inspires mentees to become mentors, creating a lasting cycle of growth.
- Building Strong Relationships: Known for building strong relationships, Menttium maintains long-term partnerships that are strengthened through mentorship.
Menttium’s Vision for the Future
Menttium’s impact has endured through economic shifts and workplace changes, thanks to its unwavering mission and adaptive approach to mentoring.
Supporting Growth Through Change
Missy and Lynn see mentorship as especially crucial in times of disruption:
- Integrating Life and Career: With work-life boundaries increasingly blurred, Menttium’s mentorship approach helps mentees design fulfilling lives that balance personal and career goals.
- Timeless Relevance: Menttium’s “whole-person mentoring” supports mentees’ professional and personal well-being, promoting a balanced, purposeful life.
Sustained Impact and Community Growth
Having impacted over 80,000 professionals worldwide, Menttium is dedicated to expanding its influence:
- Strengthening the Mentor Community: Missy and Lynn value Menttium’s diverse mentors who foster human connection and growth.
- Future Vision: Missy envisions Menttium continuing its leadership in mentoring while building a broader community of mentors and mentees to foster even more transformative experiences.
Why Women-Led Leadership and Mentoring Matter Today
In today’s world, support, connection, and a sense of purpose are vital. Missy and Lynn highlight how mentorship fills these needs:
- Purpose and Belonging: Menttium’s mentorship provides individuals with purpose, as many seek meaning in their careers.
- Mental and Emotional Health Support: Menttium’s whole-person approach addresses the mental and emotional well-being of mentees, offering guidance through tough times.
Conclusion
Through women-led leadership and mentoring, Missy and Lynn show how intentional leadership, authenticity, and resilience fuel both personal and organizational success. Menttium’s vision for the future includes broadening its reach, offering the benefits of mentorship to a growing network of professionals seeking personal and career growth.
About Missy Chicre
Missy Chicre is the CEO of Menttium, bringing a wealth of experience in human resources, change management, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). With a career that spans leadership roles at Best Buy and Cargill, Missy has a unique background that bridges academic rigor and corporate HR expertise. Her journey to Menttium was guided by a desire to support women in professional and personal growth, making her a natural fit to lead this mission-driven organization. Passionate about advancing women’s leadership and creating inclusive workplace cultures, Missy combines strategic insight with a genuine commitment to Menttium’s core values. In her role, she fosters an environment where mentorship transforms careers and empowers the next generation of women leaders.
About Lynn Sontag
Lynn Sontag is the Chairwoman and Owner of Menttium, a pioneer in professional mentoring with a career spanning over three decades. Originally joining Menttium after a successful 15-year career at 3M, Lynn took a leap of faith in 2002 to purchase the organization, driven by a vision to foster growth through mentoring, especially for women. Known for her expertise in developing structured mentoring programs and her dedication to uplifting others, Lynn has impacted thousands of careers through Menttium’s network. As a mentor herself and an experienced facilitator, Lynn leads with authenticity, building Menttium’s reputation as a trusted resource for mentoring and professional development. Her commitment to empowering women remains at the heart of Menttium’s enduring success.