SC2021 - The Power of finding the right mentor - Anindita Dey, Amazon

Transcript

1. Who am I? • Anindita Dey ( Ani ) • I am currently leading multiple engineering teams within amazon. • I love to build things of real value for consumers • I admire entrepreneurs and actively support women in engineering. • I draw inspiration from not just technology innovations, but also the humanities and the principles of social networking.
2. Power of finding the right mentor Anindita Dey Software Development Manager @ Amazon https://www.linkedin.com/in/deyanindita/
3. Each one of us needs someone we can look up to and lean on for support. • No one becomes great on their own. • Steve Jobs mentored Mark Zuckerberg • Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was mentored by Dr. Benjamin Mays, the president of Morehouse College. • Harry Potter had Dumbledore ☺
4. You’re never too successful to need a mentor. • Research conducted earlier this year by CNBC and Survey Monkey revealed some profound differences between employees who had mentors and those who did not. • 8,000 individuals surveyed in the Workplace Happiness Survey, • 9 in 10 workers, 91%, who have a mentor are satisfied with their job, • (57%) who are “very satisfied.” , • For those without a mentor, those numbers drop considerably.
5. “Okay, Ani, I’m all in! But how in the world do I actually find a mentor? “
7. Make sure you’re ready to be mentored. "Powerful people are constantly on the lookout for talented young people; they cannot find enough of them,” "To develop a reputation as someone who is teachable, curious, motivated, talented, and above all, well-balanced and reliable, is the single best way to attract a mentor. “ - Ryan Holiday
8. Focus on growth. • You’re teachable. • You are hungry for growth
9. Determine your goals. • Write out your career goals. • Make sure they are SMART. • Biggest obstacles to achieving them.
10. Make a clear plan. • How often would you like to meet with someone? • Do you have the margin in your schedule to commit to this relationship?
11. Write the “job description” of your ideal mentor. • Write out the type of mentor that can help you seize your biggest opportunities and/or navigate your challenges • Make sure to also include the “why”
13. Choose the right person to mentor you. Paint a picture of where you’d like to be in 10 years.
14. Identify the important qualities of a mentor. • Mentors are accomplished • Mentors are understanding • Mentors are caring and a good listener Make a list of people you know.
16. Put yourself out there and just ask. • If possible, get to know each other first. • Make the ask! Don’t be afraid of reaching out or being rejected. • Never, ever, let fear rule anything in your life.
17. Unique take on rejection “I actually love rejection because I look at it like harvesting pearls. Sometimes I have to open 99 oysters to find a pearl in the 100th. Which means every ‘no’ I get brings me closer to a ‘yes.’”
18. Start your search • “Hey, I really enjoyed your article. I had a question about something you wrote. Can I email you?” • Remember is that when people do reject your outreach, it’s almost never about you. • Do not beat yourself up .
19. Be direct in your communication. • The areas of your life where you want to grow • Your goals for how often and how long you’d like to meet • The specific questions or problems you’re facing • The reasons why you admire this person and think they’d be a good fit.
20. Don’t forget to show gratitude to the person who agrees to take you under their wing.
22. Be a good mentee. Realize the best mentorships turn into friendships over time.
23. Listen and learn. • Come prepared • Ask good questions—then listen • Be hungry for growth • Ask for feedback
24. Look for someone who you can mentor.
25. Make Connections That Count I wish you the best as you search for a mentor.