Parity Presents: Mentoring and Networking

In September’s episode of Parity Presents, host Mo Salah, was joined by Elizabeth Gazda, CEO of Embr Labs to talk about mentoring and networking.

Liz’s Insights

Here’s some of Liz’s insights on mentoring and networking:

• Long-term mentoring relationships: Liz highlighted the value of long-term relationships with mentors who have seen her career journey over the years, providing consistent and valuable guidance. We love that she’s still in touch with her professor from 30-years ago.
• Self-mentoring: Liz believes in developing the ability to mentor yourself by trusting your instincts, emphasizing the importance of women learning to listen to their inner voice and gut feelings.
• Mentoring others gives back: Mentoring is a two-way street; Liz feels that she gains just as much by mentoring others as it allows her to reflect on her own challenges and solutions.
• Female mentors offer unique perspective: While mentorship can come from any gender, female mentors may provide more relevant advice on navigating specific workplace challenges women face.
• Informal networking is key: Liz prefers informal networking over formal events, as it feels more natural and often leads to the most significant connections in unexpected ways, such as conversations in coffee shops or airports.
• Translating ideas for diverse audiences: Liz spoke about how she had to become adept at translating her ideas, especially when pitching to male investors about menopause and women’s health.
• Asking for help: Liz believes that asking for help is not a weakness, but a strength, and often leads to great opportunities as people are usually willing to assist.

Thank you to Elizabeth Gazda for being a brilliant guest for our first Parity Presents 🎤, you can watch the whole episode below.

Parity tips

✅ tips for finding a mentor

Before you get to work finding a mentor, ask yourself: what are you struggling with? If you are already have the skills to get the job done, but find you have a block on achieving the things you want, perhaps it is a coach you need instead. A mentor is an advisory role so if you have a skill gap or need technical or specific expertise advice, a mentor is for you! To find a mentor you should:

• Consider what you want to get from a mentoring relationship and set goals
• Look for someone who has already achieved similar goals
• Leverage your network at work and online
• Consider multiple mentors for different goals
• Recognise that although not all mentors are paid, some may charge for the time they spend with you

☑️ tips for being a mentor

Mentors play an incredibility important role in developing and nurturing talent. As a mentor you should:

• Set expectations from the start for time, investment, communication, and outcomes
• Help with goal setting
• Hold your mentee accountable for their own growth
• Offer support, guidance and appropriate feedback
• Actively listen and show an interest in what they tell you
• Show respect & confidentiality

Parity is a gender equity community on a mission to champion women in Tech. If you are interested in getting involved as a guest on Parity Presents, or joining as a member of the community, get in touch.