Mentor: “an experienced and trusted advisor”
So says Webster's Dictionary. I say that and much more!
If we are lucky most of us have had a mentor at some point in our lives even if we didn’t call them that. Our parent, teacher, member of the clergy, friend or colleague.
I want to tell you about a mentor who came into my life recently and quite unexpectedly.
As I have shared with you quite often, in this column, I was displaced from a 23-year radio job and found myself floundering. As anyone who has been downsized can attest, it does a number to your self-esteem.
A few months after it had occurred BarrieToday reached out with a suggestion that I write a weekly blog.
I’ve been doing that now for about a year and a half.
It has kept me engaged with the community, given me motivation, given me something to be proud of and often a reason to get up in the morning.
Behind the scenes I had a cheerleader every step of the way.
Her name is Sue Sgambati who has just announced she is leaving BarrieToday for a new opportunity. Selfishly, I can’t tell you how unhappy this makes me (there was wailing!).
I must tell you that I have literally met this woman only twice. Our relationship was built solely on emails and phone calls.
There is a lot I want to tell you about Sue. Others are way more knowledgeable about her life and career but I write to you today about a woman who reached out when she didn’t have to.
I think we bonded, first, over the fact we were both former radio/tv personalities knowing what a tough and yet addictive line of work that is. The “online” newspaper business was new to both of us. Let me just say while the basics of journalism are the same writing for print versus broadcast is very different and takes some practice.
She told me she’s had to reinvent herself countless times. She kept telling me if she could do this, so could I.
From my first Everything King she would send me notes of encouragement. She told me I had a gift. She told me writing was my calling. She lifted me when I could not see any future for myself.
Sadly, not all women will help other woman. A lot of times we say we are part of the “sisterhood” but when push comes to shove and especially in a tight job market we don’t always step up to help another. Sue had no such insecurity. She was confident in herself and therefore willing to help me without reservation. I’m quite sure I am not the only person Sue has assisted in their career building. I can feel others nodding in agreement saying “yup, that’s Sue!”.
When Sue called the other day to give me the news of her departure, she didn't call to tell me anything about her plans. No, she was calling to tell me to keep on going. She offered compliments and support and suggestions for my future. She wanted me to be okay. I thought that was very impressive and so telling of what a genuine person she is.
Sue is a tough cookie who hasn’t let the media industry or life make her hard (crusty on the edges but soft in the centre). She was a media star in Toronto and made amazing contributions here in Barrie, as well.
I know I am going to be lost without her. She was a lifesaver!
You don’t always get the opportunity to tell someone how much their knowledge, experience, kindness and words have impacted you.
But, see, in this case — it just so happens I have a blog. So, Sue this one’s for you!
