Mentor Questions

i. How did you land your current role?

I was already working for the company. A friend suggested that I check online and
apply for a new position that had opened.

ii. Think back to five years ago. Did you envision this is where you would be?

No, but it’s the type of job I’ve always wanted because I enjoy working with kids.

iii. Can you tell me about a time when you had a difficult boss? How did you
handle it?

This one particular boss would ask for 20 things to be done by the end of the day. It
was so much work that I could hardly complete it all. I handled it by sitting down with
her and asking what was needed for the entire week rather than the day.

iv. How did you learn to embrace failure?

I dont embrace failure; I embrace the learning experience. Everything is a lesson and
an area to improve.

v. What’s the most important leadership lesson you’ve learned and how is it
valuable?

Treat people the way you want to be treated, especially while leading a team. Always
listen to them and learn how to be a better leader.

vi. Tell me about a recent setback and how you recovered?

I organized an event and didn’t have the amount of people expected. I had to tell my
boss that there wasn’t a good turn out while the team wanted to say it was fine. I
talked to my boss and we discussed what could be improved and done different for
future events.

vii. Was there ever a job position that you applied for and got, but you weren’t
100% qualified?

I’ve learned that its more typical for a girl to only apply to a job when they feel 100%
qualified, because women must be twice as good as men to receive half as much
attention. I only apply to jobs I know I can do well.
viii. How did you build the skill of always speaking so engagingly in front of
others?

I hate speaking in public and get very nervous, but I have to convince myself and the
audience that I’m confident in speaking. I try to talk slow to avoid stumbling over my
words.

ix. How do you approach risk-taking?

I see what the chances of something going wrong are to prevent it and find solutions
so that the problem doesn’t exist.

x. What new skills do I need to move ahead?

Anything that relates to technology because everything will need it. Whatever skill
you feel you need or are interested in, you should learn it.

xi. What’s the best advice you can give to help plan a career rather than simply
work to keep a job?

Its important to have a career you enjoy and not just one that’ll make you money.
What you’re doing you should want to do for free because you enjoy it.

xii. How and where do you find inspiration?

From the kids I mentor. Their stories and experiences motivate me because I’m able
to see that I can make a difference in someone else’s life.

xiii. What values are you committed to?

I’m committed to being myself. I don’t compromise how I feel to make a dollar; my
values are very important.

xiv. How do you balance your work and home life?

I love to travel and go to the gym. I also go out with friends when I’m not working to
give me balance.

xv. Do you have any books that you would suggest I read?

I would suggest picking a couple of careers that you’re interested in, and then look
into how they started.