In honor of National Mentoring Day, we celebrate the advisor relationships that foster connection and opportunity at Protiviti. Mentorship at Protiviti is not just a one-day event on October 27th but rather woven into the fabric of our organization. We view mentorship as a vital component for ensuring the success of team members at every level of the firm.
Mentorship can look different for everyone. For some, it might be a new hire discovering they have assigned advisors when they join the firm. For others, it could be turning to a manager for advice on advancing to the next stage in their career, or a new parent learning from a mentor how to balance returning to work with new responsibilities at home.
Empowered Through Mentorship:
We are proud to highlight the experiences of five Protiviti colleagues who have found support, belonging, and meaningful growth through mentorship. Read to discover their heartfelt stories and perspectives that showcase how their mentorship relationships truly enrich our Protiviti community!
When asked about the impact of mentorship, Tijah Henderson, a Recruiting Operations Specialist, shared that it has been fundamental in shaping who he is today. For Tijah, mentorship goes beyond professional guidance. It’s about being empowered to pursue growth opportunities and embrace new challenges, knowing you have a supportive culture to fall back on. Regular check-ins with his manager-turned-mentor have given Tijah not just a voice, but the confidence to use it. He values the wisdom he has picked up from colleagues who have overcome their own challenges, finding advice in their stories. This network of support has helped him feel prepared for whatever challenges lie ahead.
Joie Fifield, a Senior Consultant within our Technology Audit & Advisory segment, could not help but express immense gratitude when asked how she has felt empowered through leadership’s guidance. Sharing that her network of mentors since starting her career with Protiviti has helped her navigate tough decisions, encouraged her to take risks, and reminded her of her strengths when she needs it most. Joie’s experience with Protiviti has been unique, starting with the firm as an intern in IT Audit, then taking a full-time role with that team, pivoting to try a role in recruiting, before returning to her role in IT Audit. Through having a network of advisors Joie trusts, she knew she could be vulnerable in discussing her next move, and gain support that brought clarity and confidence throughout the process of making a decision that would greatly impact her career.
Everyday Connections, Lasting Growth
After some reflection on mentorship and where she’s found it, Rachel Levine, a Senior Recruiter, shares the joy and insights she’s received from not just formal mentorship programs, but everyday interactions. A significant source of joy for Rachel has been her involvement with Protiviti’s Employee Network Groups (ENGs). As both a mentor and mentee in ENGs, Rachel expressed the value of connecting with colleagues in various parts of the country outside her immediate team. One instance was Rachel’s mentorship of a new consultant who wanted to become more ingrained in her local office. Together, Rachel and her mentee brainstormed ways to build community, leading to her mentee’s increased engagement and eventual promotion.
Rachel also called out specific mentors who have shaped her journey, providing different perspectives and honest feedback giving her the opportunity to improve and grow in her career. She described her relationship with Shelley, her career advisor, who always gives honest, well-intentioned feedback, even when conversations are tough. Betsy, an informal mentor, has helped Rachel evolve in her career through encouraging her to approach data analysis from a new lens, and go beyond the numbers. Rachel went on to reflect and highlight more mentors who have been pivotal in her career development, expressing sincere gratitude for how much her colleagues care about her success.
Power of Mentorship: Support, Growth, and Connection
Brian Monahan, a Manager within Business Process Audit & Advisory, outlined two aspects that make Protiviti’s mentorship program particularly impactful. He specified the combination of structured support along with adaptability of the program, allowing it to resonate with individuals from different levels.
Brian described moments throughout his career that stuck with him in which mentors and mentees went the extra mile to recognize him for his great work. He detailed the candid and vulnerable conversations he has had with his mentor about imposter syndrome, something so many people struggle with. Brian shared that while they didn’t have any insight to a ‘cure’ for imposter syndrome, it was validating to know that his mentors struggle with it too, even with their long tenure and senior level. This created a sense of support and validation that Brian expressed isn’t always easy to find.
A full-circle moment for Brian since joining Protiviti in 2022 occurred when his two advisees surprised him with a gift to celebrate his promotion, along with a heartfelt card expressing their gratitude for his support. Brian was both shocked and touched to see the impact he had. This thoughtful gift not only honored Brian’s guidance but also emphasized the strong bond and mutual respect developed in that relationship.
In discussing mentorship with Sarah Jordan, an Early Career Recruiting Senior Manager, she shared the fulfillment she has found from having the opportunity to mentor others throughout their career path at Protiviti. Sarah detailed the rewarding feeling she gains watching someone grow into their voice, whether that’s a teammate stepping into a leadership role or a new hire finding their stride. Seeing a new hire have a ‘lightbulb moment,’ and discover how capable they are, something she recognized in them from the beginning.
When asked how Sarah approaches building trust and connection with her advisees, she specified it starts with showing up consistently. Through sharing her own journey, even the missteps, Sarah shows her vulnerability, allowing her mentee the space to do the same. Sarah emphasized that in her mentorship role she is there to be a guide and listen without judgement. From Sarah’s experience earlier in her career, she knows that when advisees know an advisor is invested in their success, and willing to be open and honest, that’s when the relationship reaches its true potential.
Celebrating the Impact of Mentorship:
This National Mentoring Day, we are reminded of the profound impact mentorship has on our Protiviti community. Knowing that mentorship relationships, which spark fresh ideas and uncover new perspectives, are just around the corner is truly something to celebrate. We extend our deepest gratitude to all mentors and mentees who contribute to our collaborative and enriching culture. Together, we continue to foster an environment where everyone can thrive, and we look forward to seeing how these relationships will shape our future.
