Mentorship: never a one-way street

I just had the most energizing first meeting with my incredible mentee, Maria Atarian as part of the Forward Together CA 6-month Mentor-Mentee Match program. From the moment we started talking, it was clear we are both in for a transformative experience.

We shared our career journeys, our goals for the mentorship, and so much more. Our conversation flowed effortlessly into topics like energy management, neuroscience, seizing opportunities, and the power of aligned action to create meaningful change. We bonded over our favorite thought leaders and the strategies we use to maximize our learning through NET (No Extra Time), whether it's podcasts, audiobooks, or self-help videos on YouTube.

The synergy was palpable, and we both left the conversation energized and inspired. One of the most beautiful realizations? Mentorship is never a one-way street. The growth goes both ways, and we’re both genuinely excited about how much we’ll learn from each other over the next six months. When you grow, you unlock the ability to give back and offer something valuable to others. There’s no greater feeling than sharing what you’ve learned and empowering others on their journeys. It’s important to remember not get stuck in your own growth – because the real magic happens when you pay it forward.

Sharing the lessons you’ve gained from your lived experience not only has the power to make a massive difference in the lives of others – but it has a remarkable way of expanding your own capabilities. Suddenly, challenges feel more manageable and creativity and energy flows more freely. That’s because life inherently supports actions that uplift and enhance the well-being of others. When we contribute, we become part of something far greater than ourselves and in doing so, we discover the very best within us.

A huge thank you to the Forward Together CA Mentorship team and the incredible leadership of Daniela Faienza and Aditi Arneja from Canadian Tire Corporation for creating this opportunity. I’m deeply grateful to be part of such an inspiring community.