I have been so fortunate in my life and career to have had the benefit of some tremendous mentors over the years.  Although I consider myself a lifelong student, there does come a point when you have amassed a lot of knowledge, information, contacts, and experience that can be shared with others as well. It has been such an honor to be asked to mentor others along my journey as an entrepreneur, business owner, daughter, wife, and Board member. 
 
As one of the CWL mentors these past several years I have met some of the most amazing women. Each year I question whether I have really been helpful to these sophisticated, mature, passionate MBAs because I feel I get so much energy and perspective from them and can only hope I have left as favorable an impression. Like all the mentors, my schedule ranges from chaotic to insanely busy to how can I squeeze in just one more meeting on any given day.  Everyone is so busy and time starved so why make the time?  Well for me that’s easy, I do it because I think it matters. I am a better leader, CEO, and person because of the wisdom my mentors have passed on to me, and I hope to be part of that continuum so that those who follow are even better equipped for the complexities of the world.  None of us will live long enough as is so anything we can each do to contribute to the knowledge and karma bank so that others do not waste time making the same mistakes we did will make the world a better place. 

What’s the saying…if you have something that really needs to get done, then give it to a busy person!  Well I’ll add that each and every one of us has a gift, something we can share with others. So the next time you have an opportunity to be a mentor, no matter how little time you have in your schedule, I suggest you say YES! and I’ll bet you get more from that experience than you can ever imagine.  What a gift indeed to meet wonderful people, share your best advice, hopes and dreams so that we advance the conversation to new and higher levels with every interaction.  

To my mentors and mentees past and future, thanks for your strength, support, and friendship that have made my life so full!

Submitted by: Paige Arnof-Fenn, founder and CEO of Mavens and Moguls, a strategic marketing firm