Connecting Is Not Enough - The Networking Radio Show

This episode of Connected Leadership Bytes examines the concept of lateral mentoring, a powerful yet often overlooked form of support. Deborah Heiser, PhD, founder of The Mentor Project, introduces the idea that mentoring doesn't always have to be hierarchical. It can be a dynamic exchange of knowledge and experience between peers, even those in different departments or industries. Deborah emphasises the importance of embracing vulnerability and asking for help, even from unexpected sources. She shares real-life examples of how individuals have leveraged lateral mentoring to achieve breakthroughs and launch their careers. Andy and Deborah highlight the benefits of both formal and informal mentoring relationships and how they can complement each other. She also sheds light on the critical role of reverse mentoring, where younger generations mentor older individuals on emerging trends and technologies. Deborah underscores the need for organisations to embrace cross-company and cross-sector mentoring, fostering