The Dignity of Work Career Path Services

In today’s episode, Lisa and Cami discussed mentoring, the difference between formal and informal mentors and how to go about selecting a Mentor and building your Circle of Influence. Below are the notes to help you get started:
1. Someone you respect & someone who respects you 2. Someone who will push you 3. Someone who will have critical conversations without hesitation 4. Someone who is invested in your success 5. Someone who is your champion A formal Mentorship has a bit more formality in the way that, they can sometimes be someone you don’t know and may not be ‘friends’ with but you are seeking specifically for mentorship. These can be paid or unpaid roles through an individual or sometimes a company. A formal mentorship will likely have: Clear Objectives: Formal mentorship programs often have predefined goals and objectives that align with the needs of the mentee, such as career advancement, skill development, or academic success.
Structured Process: There is a defined process for matching mentors and mentees based on compatibility, expertise, and goals. The program may include formal training sessions or orientation for both mentors and mentees to ensure they understand their roles and responsibilities.
Regular Meetings: Mentors and mentees typically meet on a regular basis, either in person or virtually, to discuss progress, set goals, and address challenges. These meetings may follow a predetermined schedule or be arranged ad hoc based on the needs of the participants.
Goal Setting and Monitoring: Mentors and mentees work together to set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals. Progress toward these goals is monitored and evaluated regularly to ensure accountability and track success. Feedback and Evaluation: Feedback is an essential component of formal mentorship programs. Mentors provide constructive feedback to help mentees identify areas for improvement and celebrate successes. Likewise, mentees may also provide feedback to mentors about their support and guidance. Support Resources: Formal mentorship programs often provide additional resources and support to participants, such as workshops, seminars, or access to networking events. These resources complement the mentorship relationship and enhance the overall learning experience. Duration and Closure: Formal mentorship programs may have a specified duration, after which the mentorship relationship is formally concluded. However, some programs allow for the continuation of the relationship beyond the initial timeframe if both parties agree.

Welcome to "Advocating for Your Future Self: A Career Development Series," a podcast designed to empower professionals at any stage of their career to take control of their professional growth and make a lasting impact on their future. Hosted by Lisa, Cami, and Doug, this series will explore five crucial areas: Mentoring, Coaching, Sponsorship, Raising your hand, and Networking.
Drawing from the concept of the "Circle of Influence" by Stephen Covey, we will explore how these five elements can help you take control of your career and make a positive impact on your professional journey. Each topic will be covered in a two-part episode format, featuring insights from our hosts and special guest experts.
Lisa will kick off the series by sharing her personal story of early career challenges and the lack of guidance she faced, highlighting the importance of these topics for professional development. Through candid discussions and actionable advice, we aim to equip you with the tools and strategies needed to build meaningful relationships, seek outgrowth opportunities, and ultimately, thrive in your career.
Whether you're just starting out or are a seasoned professional looking to make a change, "Advocating for Your Future Self" will provide valuable insights and practical tips to help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of the professional world. Join us as we explore the power of mentoring, the value of coaching, the importance of sponsorship, the benefits of raising your hand, and the art of networking.
Together, we'll learn how to expand our own Circle of Influence, advocate for our future selves, and make a lasting impact on our careers and the lives of those around us. Don't miss this opportunity to invest in your professional growth and unlock your full potential.

This episode of the Partners in Progress series features part two of a two-part conversation with Eva Marquette, owner of FreshVue, a strategic design and organizational development company based in Spokane, Washington. Cami Eakins, CEO of Career Path Services, and Eva discuss the immense value of executive coaching for leaders. Cami shares her personal experience working with Eva and how it has helped her grow as a leader, navigate challenges, and drive her organization's winning strategy. Eva emphasizes the importance of establishing trust, maintaining confidentiality, and understanding the client's business deeply to provide effective coaching. Cami and Eva also highlight the significance of strategic partnerships in addressing complex societal issues and driving positive change.

This episode of the Partners in Progress series features part one of a two-part conversation with Eva Marquette, owner of FreshVue, a strategic design and organizational development company based in Spokane, Washington. Eva joins Cami Eakins, CEO of Career Path Services, to discuss their transformative partnership. They explore how FreshVue helped Career Path Services develop their strategic framework called "Our Winning Strategy," enabling the organization to navigate challenges, foster meaningful partnerships, and work towards its mission of breaking the spirit of poverty through the dignity of work. Eva shares insights into FreshVue's unique approach to building trust, promoting vulnerability, and facilitating long-term organizational change. To learn more visit: FreshVue - Spokane Business Consultants (afreshvue.com)

This episode of the Partners in Progress series features a conversation with John Dorrenbacher from Career Path Services as he discusses the organization's REDI CT team, which focuses on bringing race, equity, diversity and inclusion to the forefront of their work. John shares his passion for advocacy, his vision for expanding the REDI CT team's presence and impact throughout the organization, and practical advice for other organizations looking to start their own equity and inclusion initiatives. He also emphasizes the importance of starting small, changing language and behaviors incrementally, and approaching these complex issues with grace, compassion and a willingness to learn. Discover the crucial role that employees play as partners for change in this important work. 

This episode of the Partners in Progress series explores the ingredients of an enduring, purposeful partnership between workforce development leaders Dawn Karber and Cami Eakins. Tracing their 20+ year alliance, Cami and Dawn reveal the trust, empathy, and shared passion that allowed them to successfully navigate tricky organizational dynamics and drive systems-level change. From coordinating services to managing crises, they model how to put people first while tackling complex performance requirements.

Now pursuing innovative projects like SkillsFWD, Dawn exemplifies how genuine relationships outlast any single initiative. Their inspirational dialogue highlights professional generosity and wisdom gained from weathering major transitions shoulder-to-shoulder. Tune in for an uplifting model of partnership that emphasizes empathy, trust-building, and putting people at the center so collaborators can keep progressing together.