As a woman navigating the world of tech and subsequently leadership, you’re likely all too familiar with the unique challenges that come with the territory. Whether it’s battling imposter syndrome or finding your voice in rooms where you might be the only woman, the journey can sometimes feel overwhelming. One thing I’ve learned through my own experience is that you don’t have to go it alone. In fact, mentorship has been one of the most important elements in my own growth, and it continues to shape how I approach my career.

But here’s the thing: mentorship isn’t just about having one person by your side throughout your entire career. Your needs change as you grow, and the mentors who help you early on might not be the same ones who guide you when you’re at a senior leadership level. The beauty of mentorship lies in its fluidity, allowing you to seek out different people at different stages of your career to help tackle the challenges you’re facing in that moment.

John C. Maxwell said, “One of the greatest values of mentors is the ability to see ahead, what others cannot see, and to help them navigate a course to their destination.” When I couldn’t see what was ahead of me, amazing mentors helped me see unconditionally and selflessly. Twenty years ago, I was an international student here in the U.S. and did not know how to navigate even the next step. If it were not for three women who helped during my foundational years, I would never be where I am today – a successful Operations and Engineering Senior Manager in a large corporation.

My first mentor, an International Coordinator, who herself was an International student once, not only helped “Americanized” me but also helped me build my very first brand! Another mentor stepped up after 9/11 when there were no on-campus jobs. The Dean of Students, worked her magic in creating positions for students like me who are always short of funding so we could stay in the U.S. Finally, my host mother was the first employer to allow on-campus jobs for International Students. Her program for senior citizens catered to lifelong learning and gave me a job where I could make money and contribute to an inspirational program.

While attending the last Women in Technology (WIT) mentor-protégé alumni networking event, someone asked me, “Why are you a protégé? You are a business owner, a CEO”.  I replied: “being a protégé has nothing to do with your title or owning a company, I believe I still have a lot to learn out there." My point is that there is always room for growth.

This month’s blog post is a recap of our recent WIT.Connect from June 18th on resiliency and bouncing back from adversities. Our guest writer is an eleventh grader and future Girls in Technology (GIT) member from Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria, VA.

WIT.Connect: Resiliency & Bouncing Back!

This month’s blog posting is an excerpt from our friend Rebecca Shambaugh, recognized leadership expert and author. This is her timely blog entry from May 6, 2015 on the passing of SurveyMonkey CEO Dave Goldberg. Please see her bio after the blog post.

The Ultimate Mentor to Women: Dave Goldberg
by Becky Shambaugh