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Mentoring surrounds us, and it’s not scary
As part of ESIP's 2026 “Bridging Divides” theme, we’re exploring ways to make it easier (and less scary) to build mentoring relationships.
I used to think finding a mentor required a formal “ask” followed by a crisp, snappy agenda. I pictured myself approaching a leader in my field and humbly requesting their wisdom. Even describing this mental image makes my heart pound.
We all have messy-feeling questions about our lives. I’ve always felt I needed to develop clear questions before asking for career guidance. So, I’ve always been terrible at seeking mentors. I can’t imagine how many great insights I’ve missed as a result.
It wasn't until people started coming to me for input that the lightbulb finally went on. I realized that mentorship isn't a Ph.D. defense; it’s a conversation. It’s spontaneous, gradual, and beautifully imperfect. No practice runs needed.
Here’s the secret I wish I’d known: People actually love talking about their journeys. Asking for advice or ideas isn’t an imposition; it’s a compliment.
Mentorship, ESIP-Style
Within our ESIP community, I see mentoring every day. Trust, respect, and generosity are the foundation of mentorship. These values are ever-present in this community of open-hearted thinkers and tinkerers, from quick coffee chats about a technical issue to best-practices coaching about “how to ESIP.”
While we love the professional mentoring that happens in our collaboration areas, we also know that sometimes people need a more personalized connection. That’s why, as part of our 2026 “Bridging Divides” theme, we’re piloting ways to make it easier (and less scary) to build those relationships:
- #mentoring-connections: Join the new Slack channel to introduce yourself in a low-pressure environment. You can offer and request mentoring in the same post!
- Mentoring Connections Spreadsheet: A simple way to see who is offering support and who is looking for it.
- Summer Meeting Surprises: We’re planning creative, informal ways to spark connections in person.
A messy start is far better than no start
If you have 20 minutes this week, I highly recommend watching Artis Stevens’ TEDx talk on the “messiness” of mentorship. As the CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters, he knows better than anyone that the most impactful relationships don't start with a perfect plan—they start with a simple “hello.”
Let’s embrace the messy, curious, and flexible style of mentorship that makes ESIP special. You don't need a polished pitch; you just need to show up. We can’t wait to see you in July.
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