We have just wrapped up the 6 month Mentoring For Growth program for WESK.I had the honour of designing and facilitating the program.
Sometimes something just hits you between the gut and the heart and you know that something big just happened. Well something big happened.
18 audacious, bright, committed, open hearted women business owners gathered once a month committed to growing their business and helping others to do the same.
And grow they did.
From the first meeting the boardroom at Path Cowork buzzed with the air of possibility.
Each monthly 2 hour session included some pre work, a guided framework for discussion and then break-out sessions that got to the heart of what each business owner needed help with now. Participants were both mentor and mentee, drawing on the collective wisdom and support of the group.
We were inspired by guest speakers who are out there now making their way and growing their own businesses. We heard about their challenges, triumphs, missed opportunities, and their ‘what is next’ dreams. How could we not love up that kind of inspiration! We soaked up their advice, their energy and their encouragement.
Some big goals were set back in January and in June we toasted our achievements: e-commerce sites were launched, expansions happened, strategic plans put in place, operations fine-tuned, taxes were paid, clarity, alignment and focus happened. Confidence happened. And baby Leo was born!
And we are just as excited about the challenges ahead because we know there are 18 strong women who have our back and are cheering us on as we figure it out.
For the last session we asked each participant to share one piece of advice and a book that inspired them. This will be passed along to the next Mentoring for Growth session that begins in September. Weaving the spirit, hopes and dreams of this session into the next. Quite a beautiful way to demonstrate that supporting each other in business is a movement not just a program.
Mentoring works. Plain and simple.
I was very humbled by this fabulous opportunity. I have always believed in the philosophy that it takes a village to raise a child and I certainly believe that it takes a village to raise a business.
I am so thankful for this village and I hope you find your own village that supports you as you build your business. A special shout out to Mona Bates the WESK manager who makes things happen! Her commitment to the ideals of this program, her calm and steady “we’ve got this” attitude is what put those 18 women business owners in the room every month. Her leadership bravely built this community and that is indeed something to be thankful for.
