Mentor #1: The Influential Guide

I refer to my first mentor as 'Pete.' He grew up in the affluent Upper East Side of New York and carried an air of sophistication. Pete's kindness and guidance were invaluable to me.

His first piece of advice was about my striking lavender down coat, which I wore frequently in Manhattan. He gently suggested that it didn't align with the image of a high-end consultant. Instead, he encouraged me to choose a more subdued, tailored navy coat that conveyed professionalism. I took his advice without offense; I was grateful for his insight into the new world I was navigating.

Today, many might find such guidance off-putting, yet I appreciated Pete's desire for both my success and that of the firm.

Pete's second lesson came years later when I was a senior consultant managing a junior team member. He advised me, "Remember, responsibility increases while credit diminishes." This taught me the importance of embracing accountability and ensuring that credit is given to those who contribute, regardless of their position. These words have stayed with me, and I have shared them with my children, who now echo this wisdom.

Mentor #2: The Human Connection

My journey continued at Hewlett Packard during its peak years, a time when the "HP Way" was a guiding principle of our professional ethos. It was during this time that I met my second mentor, whom I’ll call "Julie."

Julie instilled in me the importance of personal connections in business. She emphasized starting each day by greeting everyone by name. This simple act not only humanized our workplace but also fostered a sense of belonging within the team. People were motivated to perform at their best for someone who recognized their individuality. Julie's teachings can be distilled into the idea that "People are important, and business is personal."

Mentor #3: The Heart of a Mother

My final mentor was my mother—a pragmatic woman who managed the complexities of raising six children alongside running our grocery store. She always made time to support us, often offering words of encouragement during our struggles.

One of her most memorable pieces of advice was, "Go to bed; the world will look different in the morning." This simple reminder of the importance of rest and perspective resonates even today, highlighting the need for mental and physical well-being when facing challenges.

Additionally, my mother instilled in me a strong belief in my abilities. She would say, "Jillie, you’ll figure it out. You always do. I believe in you." This encouragement became a cornerstone of my self-confidence, reminding me that I can overcome obstacles.

As I reflect on the impactful mentors I've encountered, I realize the importance of recognizing those who have shaped our journeys. It’s a perfect opportunity to honor these remarkable individuals and consider how we can pay their lessons forward.