■ Enterprising Women in Commerce
■ Enterprising Women in Commerce
Terrie O ’ Connor , President of Terrie O ’ Connor Realtors
doing that , too . He ’ s proud that he ’ s written so many notes over the last year that we need to reorder our welcome note cards ,” she chuckles .
Key Components of Successful Mentoring
While there are nuances to every company ’ s mentoring process , common threads exist that inspire success . Commitment to the effort is important , but open communication is most important . A positive culture is also necessary . Formality , as it turns out , is optional .
“ I always try to reinforce our culture and values ,” notes Terrie O ’ Connor , President of Terrie O ’ Connor Realtors . Her closely-held real estate company utilizes a blend of formal and informal mentoring .
“ Sales associates have a formal mentoring program available to them , however , most choose not to participate ,” she notes . Instead , O ’ Connor explains that the sales associates rely upon a manager employed at each office who acts as their hands-on mentor . Office managers field questions and help sales associates work through ongoing dealmaking issues . “ The office manager acts as a sort of deal doctor ,” she says .
“ A strong mentoring program is built on clear expectations , structured opportunities for engagement , and a culture that values both formal and informal mentorship ,” adds Kim Vierheilig , President of the National Buildings Operating Group at STV , Inc .
Her multinational architectural and engineering firm has embedded mentorship into its professional development initiatives , including an early career professionals ’ program and leadership training efforts . “ These initiatives provide both formalized mentorship opportunities and more organic ways for employees to seek guidance , ensuring a well-rounded approach to professional growth ,” she explains .
“ A well-designed mentoring program should guide someone to be able to understand every
Kim Vierheilig , President of the National Buildings Operating Group at STV
aspect of all the jobs that go on ,” adds Meyer , who created a company process manual to help everyone understand how the company operates . “ We have a playbook , and it ’ s constantly being worked on ,” she explains . “ Every meeting we might add a new task or something , but that playbook coincides with the onboarding that each team member goes through .”
“ Mentoring requires commitment , trust , time , and open communication ,” adds Solewski . “ Your business needs to have experienced professionals willing to share their guidance . It requires active listeners with the ability to share time , be available , and ultimately set up the next generation with their contacts and experiences . There has to be a willingness on both sides ,” she says .
“ Mentors must have availability , be transparent and authentic ,” agrees Michele Zolezi , General Manager with Pure Soil , a leading New Jersey soil recycling company .
Best Practices for Good Communication While everyone agrees about the need for good communication , strategies vary .
“ Mentoring relationships thrive on consistency , but they don ’ t need to be rigid ,” explains Vierheilig . “ Sometimes , the best check-ins are casual conversations that happen organically rather than through scheduled meetings . Transparency is also key . Mentees should feel comfortable being open about their challenges , and mentors should be willing to share successes and setbacks ,” she says .
To help foster a positive culture , her firm created a Women ’ s Network with regular discussions on relevant topics like imposter syndrome and work-life balance . These open discussions are helping employees at all levels feel supported and heard , according to Vierheilig .
“ Communication is a two-way street , isn ’ t it ?” adds Meyer . “ We make a point of having regular
Michele Zolezi , General Manager with Pure Soil
team meetings as well as structured debriefs ,” she explains . The company also runs RMS University , an ongoing training program that teaches best practices and underscores the need for clear communication in everyday activities .
Qualities of a Good Mentor
Successful mentors tend to be experienced people with great attitudes and a willingness to share wisdom .
“ You must have good business acumen , especially in a technical industry ,” adds Michele Zolezi . “ It takes a strong individual , a strong leader . Someone able to answer difficult questions and have difficult conversations . They take on tasks that many individuals might not be comfortable doing . Above all , mentors are good leaders who are authentic and have
Continued
Creating networking opportunities centered around relevant topics can help foster a positive and supportive workplace culture .
Photo : Getty Images / iStockphoto / Koto
March 2025 COMMERCE 7