Informal conversations support women in their growth
Designing the Meiava Elevate platform to help match women with advisors has taken a lot of research. We have conducted interviews and surveys of several women to understand their perceptions and needs around advisors to support them in their career growth and life journey.
Here are insights into what we have learned:
Informal conversations matter. Women (and men) that we spoke with appear to have a negative perception of corporate mentoring programs. While these programs have indeed been helpful, women prefer more informal conversations to formal mentoring programs. While some structure helps, women value the ability to reach out to others when they need advice or a sounding board.
Authenticity is key. Like most relationships, chemistry and compatibility is important. Authenticity, shared values, trust, and a level of vulnerability to be able to have open conversations is what women want in an advisor/mentee relationship. For women, mentoring is very much like a close friendship.
Confidence gap is holding women back. Our research revealed a sense of an imposter syndrome where women are holding back on stepping forward for leadership opportunities and being an advisor to others because they do not feel 100% ready.
Finding an advisor is a challenge. This is especially the case for women early in their careers whose professional network may be limited. Women cited the challenge of identifying other women (and men) that they can relate to, who have shared experiences, and whom they find inspiring.
Time is a barrier (or excuse). We tend to glorify being busy, but it is about prioritizing time for the people and things that matter. Lack of time was cited as a barrier to asking to be mentored or serving as an advisor.
Diversity of perspectives. Having both women and men as advisors is important for women. While we tend to gravitate to others with similar background, experiences and demographics, there is immense value in widening the aperture and having people of diverse backgrounds as part of your personal advisory board.
Pay it forward. Advisors are motivated to give back and enjoy the satisfaction from seeing others that they have helped in big and small ways to succeed.
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