The Power of Mentoring - Q&A with Mike, Samantha and MyKal

This is a story that started between a mentor (Mike) and a mentee (Samantha) and then grew into a new mentor/mentee relationship (MyKal). That’s the power of mentoring – one day you are the mentee and then you become the mentor with the knowledge and desire to give back to someone else!

Meet Mike (Mentor)

“I feel like mentoring relationships have really suffered since the Covid days. I used to always have a half dozen or more of these mentoring relationships at any given time and I only have 2–3 these days. To me, this is highly valued time to help build people up, encourage them, and support them by talking through problems. Bottom line, it’s really like an opportunity to help build the future leadership of the company so think of it as a force multiplier, especially in this case as Samantha eventually turned into a mentor for another colleague after we spent time together.

Honestly, I didn't set out to become a mentor, I just started volunteering for people coming out of our leadership programs and then eventually people started seeking me out, and I truly don’t know “why me?” For me, it had everything to do with just listening to understand and providing really transparent feedback. Most of all, it is just helping to build up people’s confidence because they’re the ones with all the tools to be successful. I just partner with them to hopefully figure out a path forward.”

Meet Samantha (Mentee)

Q: How did the mentor–mentee relationship begin?

A. I met my mentor, Mike, early in my tenure at Commerce in 2023. He was one of the facilitators in a workshop my team attended. I remember listening to his approach to living with intention and how he implements the Commerce culture every day. When he spoke about collaboration and leadership principles and how he applies them to his life and work, I remember thinking, “THIS is the kind of leader I want to be one day.” As a new team member at the time, my former supervisor encouraged me to leverage the mentorship program. She asked me if there was anyone that I’d met outside of our department that stood out to be someone I would want to learn from, and the first person I thought of was Mike.

Q: What were your expectations at the start, and how did they change over time?

A. Before working with Mike, I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect as I’d never had a formal mentor before. I was eager for a thought partner that could share wisdom and actionable insights to help me plan and navigate my career trajectory, but I remember being worried about being a burden or wasting his time. Working with Mike quickly put my mind at ease, as he was a seasoned mentor passionate about helping others evolve and challenge themselves.

Q: What surprised you most about working together?

A. What surprised me most about mentorship was how little time it takes for it to have a big impact. If you’re intentional about mentorship and act on what you’ve learned, just a handful of meetings can turn into measurable growth.

Q. What made this mentorship successful?

A. I think approaching it with transparency is the first part that made this relationships so successful. Early on, I was intentional about aligning on what the mentorship relationship meant to both of us, what we were hoping to get out of it, and the more practical planning/time aspects. Secondly, approaching it with vulnerability also drove success. To me, the value of mentorship is having the safe space to ask questions about career development that you may be afraid to bring up in other settings. Lastly, being intentional about applying what you learn from your mentor is vital. Meeting and having the conversations isn’t enough – you must reflect on the insights and then take action in between those coffee meetings to realize true growth.

Q: What advice would you give someone who’s unsure whether mentoring is worth the time?

A: I would first suggest letting go of the idea that it has to be a big commitment. Mentoring can start with one good conversation over coffee. Mentors don’t need all the answers, just perspective and lessons learned. Mentees don’t need perfect clarity or a checklist of what they need to learn – starting with curiosity and openness to learn and grow is enough. Starting with one informal conversation may help to surface the value on both sides.

Q: What doors (small or big) has this mentorship helped open?

A: I truly don’t think I’d have the role that I do today without the guidance of my mentors, especially Mike. Prior to working with him, I doubt I would’ve even considered applying for the job I have now! Mentorship at Commerce has made me who I am today – a more confident, self-assured individual - and helped me take the next leap in my career in the most literal sense.

Q: What would you say to someone who feels they don’t have enough experience to mentor?

A: Everyone has some “lessons learned” to share that can help how others approach their career development.

Q. In one sentence, why should someone consider being a mentor or getting a mentor?

A. Mentorships are about learning from each other, so no matter if you are the mentee or mentor - if you want to challenge yourself, gain new perspective, and evolve as a professional, then mentorship is for you.

Meet MyKal (Samantha’s Mentee!)

Q. How did the mentor–mentee relationship begin?

A. Our mentorship began in a development program, where we naturally gravitated toward one another during breakout sessions. Those early conversations revealed a shared commitment to growth and continuous learning, forming the foundation of a meaningful mentoring relationship.

Q: What were your expectations at the start, and how did they change over time?

A. Initially, I hoped to gain perspective from someone passionate about career growth and leadership. Those expectations were not only met but exceeded. Over time, Samantha’s guidance directly contributed to my professional advancement — including my recent promotion — making a lasting impact on my career trajectory.

Q: What surprised you most about working together?

A: What surprised me most was how seamless our collaboration felt from the beginning. Through a team project in the program, we quickly developed strong communication, mutual trust, and an intuitive understanding of each other’s working styles—as if we had been working together for years.

Q: What made this mentorship successful?

A: Samantha’s authenticity and willingness to share her journey made this mentorship extraordinary. During a lunch conversation, hearing her story and the challenges she overcame made it clear that she was someone whose insight, leadership, and values aligned with who I strive to become professionally.

Q: What felt intimidating at first?

A: Initially, our different departments concerned me—I came from retail, while Samantha did not. However, her ability to apply broad leadership experience across functions quickly erased that concern, proving that strong mentorship transcends roles and departments.

Q: Can you share a meaningful moment that really stands out to you?

A: A defining moment occurred before I applied for my current role. After experiencing previous rejections, my confidence was low, and self-doubt nearly stopped me from applying. Samantha helped me reframe my thinking, challenged my limiting beliefs, and equipped me with interview preparation resources. Most importantly, she saw potential in me before I saw it myself—giving me the confidence to pursue and ultimately secure the role.

Q: What doors has this mentorship helped open?

A: This mentorship played a critical role in my decision to apply for—and succeed in—my current role. Samantha’s encouragement, preparation support, and belief in me empowered me to approach the opportunity with confidence and purpose.

Q: What advice would you give someone who’s unsure whether mentoring is worth the time?

A: Mentorship is invaluable for anyone who feels stuck, uncertain, or eager for a broader perspective. Finding someone whose career path aligns with your aspirations can provide clarity, direction, and the encouragement needed to take meaningful next steps.

Q: How can mentees make the most of the relationship?

A: Growth requires intentionality. Come prepared, apply the guidance you receive, and approach each conversation with a genuine desire to improve.

Q: What does being an active mentee mean to you?

• Listening with intention
• Preparing thoughtful questions
• Bringing real challenges to the conversation
• Being open to feedback and constructive criticism

Q: In one sentence, why should someone consider being a mentor or getting a mentor?

A: Because sharing wisdom—or being open to receiving it—creates growth on both sides: iron sharpens iron.

Final thought

Mentoring has led both Samantha and Mykal to new roles – roles that they say they would not have had the confidence to even apply for without the support of their mentor! Imagine the possibilities that lie ahead if you take the opportunity to seek out a mentor. We can’t wait to see you grow!