The author had two mentors who significantly impacted their career development. Their first mentor, Jeanette McFarlane, a former VP, taught them how to connect people through experiences and apply skills and passion to their work. Their second mentor, Kelly McManus, a Senior Director at their current company, is also deeply passionate about her work and team, and the author has learned a great deal from her as well. Both mentors shaped who the author is professionally and as a person.

1. Do you have a mentor? Who and why?
In my earlier years working with former VP at XMC, Jeanette
McFarlane, I was incredibly impacted by her dedicated energy,
direction, and real passion for connecting people through great
experiences. Jeanette always asked the right questions and had the
right insights. She offered a sense of confidence and security,
while still pushing me to always answer the tough questions and
succeed in the right ways. As a young professional at that point,
Jeanette was my teacher. She taught me how to apply the same
skill, passion and creativity that she demonstrated to pull off best-
in-class programs and executions together. It was a true privilege
for me to have worked with Jeanette and learned from her. She
shaped a big part of not only the professional, but the person I am
today, and I still rely on deep-rooted ‘Super J’ wisdom that
resonated with me. As I’ve grown and advanced in my career –
I’m now especially lucky to have another mentor in Kelly
McManus, Senior Director, Community Relations and Events at
the University of Waterloo. Kelly cares deeply about her work, and
her team. This dynamic has been something I’m fortunate
and proud to have benefited from. I’ve learned a great deal from
Kelly’s passion for our community and enthusiasm for our work,
and continue to be driven to learn and grow as part of her team. I
hope to share with others the things I have learned from my
mentors.