Pulse June 2015 | Page 33

“Mentorship programs are vital to the growth and sustainability of the spa industry.” month program with bimonthly face-to-face or video conference calls. The responsibility for setting the meeting agenda is set by each mentee based on key competency skills that they want to focus for their personal career growth. These skills are outlined in “ISPA’s Body of Knowledge for Spa Management Professionals.” The mentorship program is not about receiving free consulting advice, or being directed to pursue one course of action versus another. It is the job of the mentors to be active participants and caring listeners, to help mentees develop their critical thinking skills and to see a third way to approach a challenge in place of a simple polarity. Back then when you were starting out in the industry, how did you build connections with potential mentors? There were no formal mentorship programs in the spa and wellness industry to take advantage of back when I was starting out in this industry. There weren’t many anywhere in the corporate community. However, many of us made lifelong friends and the occasional acquaintance of a mentor through the small and intimate community of ISPA (then known as the International Spa & Fitness Association). We helped each other grow and stayed in touch. We met interesting speakers and industry leaders at our Conferences, and many of us benefited from these types of relationships. Laurence Roptus Spa & Health Club Manager Fallsview Casino Resort Niagra Falls • Ontario • Canada As one of the mentees, what key takeaways have you learned from your Global Pilot Mentorship Program mentor? There are three valuable takeaways I’ve gained: inspiration, mutual benefits and networking. My mentor, The Grand Del Mar Director of Spa & Recreation Jim Croghan, has expertly navigated his career path and has a wealth of knowledge and experience. Jim inspires me to be my best self and to do my best work. The Global Pilot Mentorship Program also provides a mutually beneficial relationship for both mentors and mentees because both are able to challenge their preconceptions, offer a different perspective, and perhaps ev