Kim, thank you for being the first person interviewed for "Mentor's Mind." I wanted to interview you, because you were so vital to my progression and felt that other people should hear what you have to say.
 

Seth: What are some of qualities that you think makes a great mentor?
 

Kim: First a mentor has to want to be one and ultimately has to have a passion about it. It does take a little time if you are doing it well; doing the outside work, research and putting in the time to help your mentee. Plus meeting and any advice, it can take a great deal of time. Another thing that makes someone good at it is that they have to have some wisdom to share... and is willing to share. Not in a narcissistic arrogant, way and dismiss the mentee's own input.  Listening to your mentee, to have them lead the discussion and direct the work that you do.
 

Seth: How have you been influenced by a mentor?
 

Kim: Funny thing is that early in my career I didn't believe in mentors. I knew what I wanted in my career and did traditionally, the things to make it work. It was not until I joined ACHE mentoring program and worked with Christine Candio that I realized how valuable a mentor can be. I had starting working with her at a really difficult time in my career, a position that I thought was the end all and be all of jobs ended up being a disaster from day one. I had just taken an Executive Director position I was reporting to the board of directors, in charge of the overall direction of the organization; I thought I had reached career nirvana! During the hiring process I knew that the health center had a different perspective of what wanted, but they didn't hire what they thought they wanted. I wanted to make it work. She {Christine Candio} helped me work through this difficult time when I was really down on my abilities; to move forward. She was extremely helpful in maintaining the confidence I had going into this position, and gave me the knowledge to make better choices. I definitely made some mistakes and bad decisions that could have been mitigated if I had someone to go to. The mistakes I made early on were a huge hit to my confidence. I didn't get it back then, but get it now and....I try to be the mentor that I want.

Seth: Where would someone seek out a mentor? Will it just happen or does it work best in a formal program?

Kim: It can happen either way. You can use a formal program like ACHE or can happen organically and find one in your day to day. Mentors can be someone that sees the things that you can't, and will open doors for opportunities when possible. For anybody, I would tell them to be open to receiving the advice someone gives. This also works the other way, a mentor being open to the possibilities in someone like an early careerist. As in any personal relationship, no one is going to be all things to you. There was a time when you had someone who mentored you throughout your career and was with you every step of the way; this is just not realistic now. Being open to people at different points in your career, who maybe able to answer and be of assistance for a specific need are of great importance; Instead of the all purpose mentor. I think a formal program, like the Early Careerist Network is very valuable and helpful because it gives you a structured program to access the individuals I was speaking about. ACHE has a diverse bank of to draw from, that will enable you to choose those people who can be the most helpful for what you need. The mentorship program that has come about through our local ACHE of Massachusetts chapter is a great tool to help people at all levels in navigating a career in Healthcare. I would urge anybody to take advantage of this great resource!

Seth: Kim, thank you for taking the time to share some of your knowledge and the lessons learned throughout your career.

Kim: Glad I could be of assistance and I hope people will find what I have to say useful.