Menttium Matters

This episode with Toya Werkheiser features an open and authentic conversation culled from her broad leadership experience at Cigna. Toya shares a number of personal stories that highlight the powerful impact of ‘normalizing conversations’ - stripping away what has previously been considered taboo subjects. Toya provides her 5-step approach to initiating courageous conversations around the topic of race, and offers her perspective on when it’s appropriate to drive a conversation around a topic. Her examples of speaking for others, and conscious decisions to be vulnerable, are inspiring! 

In this episode, Toya Werkheiser discusses the role intentionality has played in her life and career (hint, she planned ahead for her empty nest phase). Toya sees the current blurring of the boundary between work and life as an opportunity to recognize the reality that we have always brought our whole selves into work. Whether we are dealing with challenges that are personal or are happening in the world, when we intentionally choose to be open with others it allows us to make real connections, and see from other vantage points – and that subsequent diversity of thought benefits both individuals and organizations. She also reframes the “great resignation” as an opportunity for a great reshuffle, providing new perspectives and new career pathways. 

In this episode, Krish Ramakrishnan, VP of Client Engagement at FICO, highlights his process for creating a work environment where people think for themselves, freely share ideas and opinions, and collaborate and innovate.  He shares a story about an interaction early in his career that had a profound influence on his leadership style.  He also offers suggestions for effectively addressing conflict when it arises.  He talks about the positive impact of mentoring and reveals his habits for success, advice to young professionals and his favorite quote. 

In part 2 of our episode on resilience, Dr. Roz Tsai, an expert in the talent development space, discusses how to think about career maps in a world of hybrid work and disruption. She identifies several ways to prioritize career growth to align with one’s values and priorities. Roz outlines the expectations for leaders as they take on more senior roles, and she recommends several great books for dealing with career setbacks. Roz also shares her habits for success, her advice to young professionals, and her favorite quote.

In Part 1 of this 2-part episode, Dr. Roz Tsai will talk about resilience, which is an essential ingredient for thriving during turbulent times. Roz will define resilience and highlight specific practices to shift our mindset and strengthen our resilience. Using the “3G’s” (gratitude, grit, grace), Roz walks us through how we can cultivate daily habits to improve our wellbeing. Based on her research in the talent management space, Roz outlines the 3 most important things that leaders can do to foster resilience in their team. 

This week we have our conversation with Zoa Norman.  Drawing on her role as the Director of Client Success at ADP, Zoa walks us through her strategies for bringing out the best in individuals and teams.  She illustrates that understanding what motivates individuals is a powerful way to create positive change and boost team performance.  Zoa also will demonstrate the art of managing up through concise communication, observing reactions, and asking for feedback.  You will also hear about the habits that have helped Zoa be successful and her advice for up-and-coming leaders. 

In this episode, Pam Hollander discusses what she has learned from her experiences as a marketing executive focused on creating and communicating ‘Brands’. As both a former Menttium mentee and 9-time Menttium Mentor, Pam offers a dual perspective as she highlights just how transformative a clearly communicated self-definition can be – as well as noting that it is always an aspect of the mentoring experience. Pam shares her own stories of managing some of the common challenges facing so many of us today (downsizing, being a working mom, career decisions). And she shares the tips and tools that helped her navigate through the changes; and allowed her to capture the learning into a broader definition of who she is today.

This week’s episode features a conversation with Peter Vorbrich, former CFO for CarVal Investors, and current mentor to both Menttium mentees and a variety of early-stage entrepreneurial companies. Pete draws upon his 25 years of global experience, including the 5 years he lived in Japan, as he shares his insights around the importance of being intentional in both how and what we communicate. His stories demonstrate how successful communication is essential to building a culture of trust - as well as highlighting the fact that when people understand the 'why', the ‘how’ becomes easier. Pete also discusses how an intentional focus on seeking opportunities to ‘learn at the point of difference’ has not only enhanced his career but also his mentor experience. This podcast provides a thoughtful and empathetic perspective on communication and connection.

In this episode Elsie Chapa and Artie Lynnworth demonstrate the enduring power of the mentor and mentee connection!  Elsie and Artie tell a wonderful story about what it was like to meet for the first time in person 17 years after their mentoring partnership.  Elsie highlights some of the issues she has faced being in a male-dominated industry, that requires constant innovation and change management.  Artie and Elsie have an in-depth discussion about how to take more control of your career planning and become more influential in your workplace.  They both offer excellent advice for authentically promoting yourself in the workplace, and they share the most important things they have learned in their career. 

This week our conversation with Kimberly Strong looks at the power of stepping back to take a more strategic view - of our career, life, and mentoring.  Her stories illustrate so well the reality that where we decide to stand determines what we see. Drawing upon her 20+ years of experience in Human Resources as a C-Suite and Executive leader (in organizations such as Target Corporation), Kim shares a number of specific examples where she was able to proactively create connections by meeting others where they were, as well as doing a little pre-meeting research. Kim’s positivity is contagious!