Mentoring IRL

Mentoring IRL
  • 4.5 (8)
  • CAREERS

Discover how transformative mentoring relationships are built from both sides of the table. Whether you're looking to guide others or accelerate your own growth, this podcast reveals the art and science behind meaningful mentorship. Each episode combines actionable strategies with compelling real-world stories, showing you how to navigate difficult conversations, set clear expectations, and create lasting professional relationships that benefit everyone involved. From first-time mentors learning to give effective feedback to ambitious mentees maximizing every interaction, we explore what separates good mentoring from great mentoring—and how both parties can thrive in the process.

  1. 3D AGO

    Ep #30: GUEST - The Jungle Gym of Careers: Mentoring Lessons from Kate Crane

    Contact Us: mentoringirl@gmail.com Contact Kate Crane: https://www.directionoverperfection.com/ Summary In this insightful interview, Kate Crane shares her journey from art history to tech leadership, emphasizing the importance of mentorship at all career stages. Discover practical advice on building meaningful mentoring relationships, the evolving nature of mentorship, and the impact of face-to-face versus virtual interactions. Keywords mentorship, career development, leadership, coaching, professional growth, networking, tech industry, career pivot, relationship building Key topics The importance of mentorship at different career stages How to start and maintain effective mentoring relationships The impact of face-to-face versus virtual mentoring Evolving mentorship relationships over time Takeaways Mentorship is a lifelong journey that adapts to life's seasons. Effective mentoring starts with listening more than giving advice. Face-to-face interactions are more powerful for building trust. Mentors and mentees should evolve their relationship as careers progress. Key Actions Start mentorship conversations with active listening. Maintain regular, organic contact with mentees. Be adaptable as mentorship needs evolve over time. Prioritize face-to-face interactions when possible. Sound bites "Mentors can change over time based on your needs." "Being positive keeps mentors wanting to help." "In-person interactions are more engaging and powerful." Chapters 00:00 The Journey of Kate Crane: From Art to Tech 03:24 The Value of Mentorship in Career Development 06:13 Navigating Career Pivots and Mentorship Dynamics 08:48 The Evolution of Mentorship Relationships 11:34 Mentoring Across Different Career Stages 14:20 The Importance of Positive Mentorship 17:12 The Role of Technology in Mentorship 19:52 Maintaining Mentorship Relationships 22:26 The Personal Touch in Mentorship 25:04 Final Thoughts on Mentorship and Career Growth resources

    30 min

  2. APR 27

    Ep #29: Mastering Feedback as a Mentor (Yes, Especially Mentors)

    Contact Us: mentoringirl@gmail.com Summary This episode explores effective mentoring through the art of giving constructive feedback. Learn practical strategies to foster trust, reduce defensiveness, and help mentees grow by mastering feedback techniques that are specific, intentional, and recurring. Keywords mentoring, feedback, leadership, professional development, coaching, communication, growth, trust, psychological safety Key topics The importance of feedback in mentoringStrategies for giving effective feedbackCreating psychological safety in conversationsPattern recognition and behavioral insightsBuilding a feedback ritual for ongoing growth Takeaways Always ask permission before giving feedback to reduce defensiveness. Align feedback with the mentee's goals to make it relevant. Use the situation-behavior-impact framework for clarity. Focus on behaviors, not personalities, to keep feedback objective. Make feedback a recurring, predictable part of mentoring. Handwritten notes foster better engagement than typing. Sound Bites "If your mentor won't give feedback, who will?" "Keep feedback objective, not personal." "Provide specific, actionable guidance." Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Feedback 02:49 Creating a Safe Feedback Environment 06:05 Delivering Constructive Feedback 09:06 Encouraging Self-Reflection 10:44 Common Mistakes in Feedback 12:41 Making Feedback a Ritual 14:58 The Power of Handwritten Notes Resources Manager Tools - https://www.managertools.com 7 Habits of Highly Effective People - https://www.franklincovey.com/courses/the-7-habits/ Guest Links LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelafalcini LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/billbonwit

    26 min

  3. APR 13

    Ep #28: The Superpower of Adaptability and Flexibility

    Contact us:  mentoringirl@gmail.com Summary This episode explores the importance of flexibility and adaptability in the workplace and life. Angela Falcini and Bill Bonwit discuss how to develop these skills, overcome resistance to change, and leverage them for career growth and resilience. Keywords adaptability, flexibility, change management, resilience, career growth, leadership, problem-solving, communication, emotional intelligence, workplace skills Key topics Why flexibility is crucial in a changing workplace and life Practical strategies to increase adaptability and flexibility The importance of separating change from threat and reframing challenges Building resilience and managing emotional responses to change Takeaways Flexibility and adaptability are essential for handling constant change in work and life. Reframe change as an opportunity rather than a threat to stay proactive. Develop resilience by protecting recovery time and managing burnout. Ask questions early during change to gain clarity and reduce ambiguity. Attach your identity to skills, not roles, to remain adaptable during transitions. Chapters 02:56 The Importance of Flexibility in Life and Work 10:23 Practical Strategies for Enhancing Adaptability 18:48 Emotional Resilience and Adaptability 24:07 Learning from Patterns in Change Resources The Fires of Heaven by Robert Jordan - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A7X7U4Q Conscious Leadership Group - Locating Yourself video - https://consciousleadershipgroup.com/locating-yourself How Big Things Get Done by Bent Flyvbjerg - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07V4V7V4X Mentoring IRL Episode 18 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-FPVvVZC9k guest links LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelafalcini LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/billbonwit

    28 min

  4. APR 6

    Ep #27: Be Someone Everyone Wants to Work With

    Contact Us: mentoringirl@gmail.com Summary Explore the key values that make a great team and how to embody them to become someone everyone wants on their team. Based on Coach K's seven principles, this episode offers practical insights for fostering trust, respect, loyalty, and selfless service in any organization. Keywords team building, leadership, coaching, trust, respect, loyalty, selfless service, organizational culture Key Topics Coach K's seven team valuesDoing the right thing in a team contextRespect and dignity for all team membersCourage to speak up and actSelfless service and contributionLoyalty to team and missionAligning with team duties and goalsBuilding trust and reliability Sound bites "Treat everyone with dignity and respect" "Listening empathetically builds trust" "Selfless service is its own reward" Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Being a Good Teammate 02:48 Values of a Great Team 05:50 Doing the Right Thing 08:38 Respect and Dignity in Teamwork 11:33 Handling Conflict and Composure 14:23 Courage and Accountability 17:31 Selfless Service and Team Success 20:22 Demonstrating Loyalty 23:30 Duty and Dignity of Work 26:19 Building Trust in Teams Resources Coach K's 7 Values for a Great Team - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90by1ya1W9c

    33 min

  5. MAR 30

    Ep #26 : GUEST - Dr. Keith Dorsey, Author of The Boardroom Journey

    Contact us:  mentoringirl@gmail.com summary In this insightful interview, Keith Dorsey shares his extensive experience on leadership, mentorship, sponsorship, and navigating career transitions. Discover practical strategies for finding mentors, understanding the roles of mentors, sponsors, and allies, and how to leverage these relationships for board service and career growth. keywords mentorship, sponsorship, leadership, board service, career development, diversity, executive coaching, networking, personal growth key topics The impact of mentorship on career growth The difference between mentors, sponsors, and allies How to find and approach top-tier mentors The importance of values alignment in mentorship Lessons from a career in leadership and board service Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mentorship and Leadership 02:12 The Impact of Mentorship on Career Growth 07:28 Lessons Learned from Mentoring Relationships 14:16 Understanding High-Potential Employees 15:38 Defining Mentors, Sponsors, and Allies 18:33 The Importance of Multiple Mentors 24:56 Approaching Potential Mentors 28:54 Navigating Board Service and Mentorship 33:29 The Boardroom Journey: Insights and Themes resources The Boardroom Journey - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CXYZ1234

    40 min

  6. MAR 23

    Ep #25 - Letting Go and Transitioning the Work (Growing Your Successors)

    Contact us:  mentoringirl@gmail.com Summary This episode explores how professionals can effectively transition into leadership roles by developing succession plans, delegating responsibilities, and building trust with stakeholders. Learn practical strategies to prepare for career growth and ensure smooth transitions that benefit both individuals and organizations. keywords leadership development, succession planning, delegation, career growth, organizational trust key topics The importance of mindset shift from doer to builder Identifying critical knowledge, decision authority, and key relationships Documenting decision frameworks and trust relationships Strategies for developing successors and gradual delegation Engaging leadership and external stakeholders in transition planning Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Delegation in Leadership 11:04 Identifying and Preparing Successors 19:13 Engaging Leadership in Transition Planning resources Angela Falcini - Leadership Coach - https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelafalcini Bill Bonwit - Leadership Expert - https://www.linkedin.com/in/billbonwit

    26 min

  7. MAR 16

    Ep #24: GUEST - Nicole Malachowski, US Air Force Fighter Pilot, First Female Thunderbird

    Contact Us: mentoringirl@gmail.com Keywords mentorship, female pilots, self-doubt, leadership, career development, feedback, advocacy, imposter syndrome, personal growth, military Summary In this episode, Colonel Nicole Malachowski shares her inspiring journey as a trailblazer in the U.S. Air Force, discussing the challenges she faced as a female fighter pilot in a male-dominated field. She emphasizes the importance of finding mentors, overcoming self-doubt, and the role of feedback in personal and professional growth. Nicole also highlights the significance of building authentic relationships and believing in oneself, while providing valuable insights on mentorship and leadership. Takeaways Where to find mentors when you are a pioneer in your field. Self-doubt is common; it's important to overcome it. Feedback is a form of love and essential for growth. Mentorship can come from unexpected places. Building authentic relationships is key to effective mentorship. It's important to define success on your own terms. Mentorship doesn't have to be formal; it can be informal and flexible. Believing in those who believe in you is vital. A mentor should challenge and support their mentee. Sound bites "Failure is part of the process." "Help me help you." "Feedback is love." "You can usually sense that in the conversation." "Believe those who believe in you." "It doesn't have to be formal." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to a Trailblazer 01:48 Navigating a Male-Dominated Field 05:01 Finding Mentors and Advocates 09:21 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome 12:31 The Role of Mentorship in Career Development 15:50 The Importance of Feedback 20:26 Transitioning from Peer to Leader 24:47 Building Authentic Relationships 30:09 The Power of Believing in Others

    35 min

  8. MAR 9

    Ep #23: Supervisors as Mentors - Good Idea or No?

    Contact Us: mentoringirl@gmail.com Keywords mentorship, supervisors, career growth, workplace dynamics, professional development Summary In this conversation, Angela Falcini and Bill Bonwit discuss the complexities of having a supervisor as a mentor. They explore the benefits and limitations of this relationship, emphasizing the importance of having multiple mentors to navigate career growth effectively. The discussion covers when it is appropriate for supervisors to act as mentors, the types of feedback they can provide, and the risks associated with sharing personal aspirations with them. The conversation concludes with advice on what topics to avoid discussing with supervisors to maintain a healthy professional relationship. Takeaways Supervisors can have mentoring skills but may limit the scope of mentorship.It's crucial to have multiple mentors for comprehensive guidance.Supervisors control evaluations, pay, and promotions, influencing their mentoring role.Discussing doubts or career aspirations with supervisors can be risky.Feedback from supervisors can be both performance-related and developmental.Navigating organizational politics is a key area where supervisors can mentor.External mentors can provide guidance on long-term career goals and identity.Avoid discussing half-formed career pivots with supervisors.It's important to frame conversations with supervisors as curious, not uncertain.Supervisors should not be the only source of mentorship. Sound bites "You might hold back on sharing any doubts you have." "It's important to have multiple mentors." "Don't bring up any comparison to your peers." Chapters 00:00 The Role of Supervisors as Mentors 08:55 Navigating Mentorship Beyond Supervisors 17:21 What Not to Discuss with Supervisors

    27 min
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4.5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Discover how transformative mentoring relationships are built from both sides of the table. Whether you're looking to guide others or accelerate your own growth, this podcast reveals the art and science behind meaningful mentorship. Each episode combines actionable strategies with compelling real-world stories, showing you how to navigate difficult conversations, set clear expectations, and create lasting professional relationships that benefit everyone involved. From first-time mentors learning to give effective feedback to ambitious mentees maximizing every interaction, we explore what separates good mentoring from great mentoring—and how both parties can thrive in the process.

Information

  • Creator
    Mentoring IRL
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Mentoring IRL
  • Show Website
    Mentoring IRL