Out of the blue, a message appeared on my phone, ending a silence after nearly two years.
"Nick- this is Stella Lenzie out of the blue. In one of my business classes, we were discussing people who we admire personally and professionally, and I thought of you."
This unexpected reconnection with Stella, a bright young individual I had briefly mentored, served as a profound reminder of the lasting impact our interactions can have, long after they've occurred.
A Look Back
The last time we communicated was June of 2022, when she shared with me she had not picked my alma mater, the University of Miami, but instead had chosen TCU. So Stella's message transported me back to a pivotal time in my career when I had just been promoted to AVP Brand Marketing at DIRECTV. The promotion was the outcome of multiyear goal I had set for myself, an proactive action plan to achieve it, coupled with a multi-month compensation negotiation - all of which came with a complex bag of emotions, achievements, and challenges. It was during this period that Stella's father, a colleague who had become a mentor and a supportive figure, reached out to connect me with his daughter. Stella was considering her college options, and he thought our conversations might provide her with valuable insights.
Navigating Corporate Dynamics
Our discussions were limited in number and started with my candid perspective on the realities of corporate life and the nuanced dynamics of professional growth. I shared with Stella not just the highlights of my career, but also the challenges—how a promotion, while a significant achievement, also ushers in a period of heightened visibility, scrutiny, and sometimes, unwelcome rivalry. The corporate landscape, I explained, can be as rewarding as it is challenging, with success often viewed through a prism of competition, envy and sometimes disdain by peers and superiors alike. I also shared the reality that was my journey to that time and place. I hadn't planned it, I didn't dream it...I just did it. Living in the present. Taking opportunities as they came. Doing my best while operating with the earnest belief that I was no smarter than anyone else, nor harder working...I just happened to be in the right places and the right times and had a knack for problem solving - which is never not useful.
The Essence of Mentorship
Reflecting on these conversations, I realized the essence of what I had hoped to impart to Stella—a candid portrayal of the professional world, coupled with encouragement to navigate it with resilience and integrity. It was about passing on the lessons learned from my mentor, Stella's father, and my own experiences, to light the path for someone standing at the threshold of her own journey.
Fractal Impact Revisited
Stella's message underscored the concept of "Fractal Impact"—the idea that even seemingly minor interactions can set off a cascade of influence and inspiration. Our brief mentorship sessions, initially centered around academic and career advice, had transcended their immediate purpose, leaving a lasting impression that resonated with her years later.
A Renewed Perspective
This unexpected reconnection with Stella not only highlighted the enduring nature of mentorship but also brought into focus the intricate web of interactions that define our professional and personal lives. It's a compelling reminder that our actions, conversations, and the guidance we offer can ripple through time, influencing paths and perspectives in ways we might never fully appreciate.
Looking Forward
Stella's message was a reminder to embrace every interaction with intentionality and an awareness of its potential impact. It rekindled a spark inside and made me once again consider how I can continue to influence and inspire others, even in the smallest of ways, to contribute to a larger narrative of growth, learning, and mutual support.
As you navigate the complexities of your career and the myriad connections that shape them, I hope you hold onto the principle of #FractalImpact, mindful of the profound and often unforeseen influence we as humans wield. Let's strive to make each conversation, each piece of advice, a positive force, shaping a future where mentorship and support form the cornerstone of our professional communities.
Note from the author: A big thank you to Stella Lenzie for allowing me to share this story.