Mosaic Mentorship: Laura Dellinger
Mosaic Mentorship is a *new* blog series we’re launching to bring together perspectives in leadership to guide new and aspiring leaders in your leadership journey. “Mosaic” speaks to the beauty of bringing together multifaceted insights into a cohesive whole – because none of us should do leadership alone. I hope this is a place where you can learn, be inspired, and feel encouraged as you lead your team and grow personally and professionally.
Laura Dellinger
Coach | Consultant | Catalyst
lauradellinger.com
linkedin.com/in/lauradellinger-coach-consultant-catalyst
This month, we're privileged to hear from Laura Dellinger, who I met virtually early in 2021. While attending a training certification, I was serendipitously placed in a Zoom breakout room with Laura to discuss a business challenge, and it was magic from that moment on. Over the last couple of years, I have worked closely with Laura to design my strategic business objectives and execute them to the best of my ability. It would be an understatement to say that she has supported the expansion of my consultancy and helped me grow as a person. I truly cherish our partnership and hope you take some of Laura's wise words to heart. Enjoy!
Q&A:
Laura, you’ve been such an incredible coach in my life. Can you tell my readers about your first mentor or coach?
My first true mentor was a professor who helped me recognize that my character is non-negotiable. If I’m not aligned with my character, the impact I have as a leader – and as a human – will be limited, at best. He is still part of my life and a voice in my head.
Any suggestions for the woman who's thinking about approaching someone to ask for their mentorship?
If you’re seeking a mentor, consider why you want one. With that in mind, look at the whole person. When you go all-in with a true mentor, you’re aligning yourself with them – make sure that alignment is rock solid.
We’ve talked a lot about trust. Give us a picture of how trust has played a role in your career and success?
I need to believe to achieve, and that requires TRUST. So, I start from a place of trust, and that helps me build strong relationships quickly, and sustain them. I’ve learned to trust myself first and foremost – which means listening to the voice in my head when it says “tread carefully.” I’m clear about expectations, stay curious, hold confidences, deliver on promises, create opportunity, let go, and coach over direct. When trust is broken, it’s a long way back.
As women, we tend to bring pressures from home to the workplace. What are some of your strategies for managing work and home life and being able to stay present at work?
My work has always been a labor of love, so I haven’t really thought of my life as having two parts. I’ve cultivated a strong community of support. I’m serious about vacations and time away. I color code my calendar so it shows me where my energy is going. That’s helpful for balance. Where I am mentally and emotionally is where I AM. So I suppose the mantra is: Be where you are.
Love that mantra. Can you tell us the kinds of self-talk you’ve had to overcome in your journey to getting where you are today?
My self-talk is pretty judgmental. It sounds like: “you don’t know,” followed rapidly by “everyone knows you don’t know.” I am not sure “overcoming” is something I’ve done. There is always more to learn, and always someone who will know more/different things than me.
What are your thoughts on the current state of DEI initiatives at so many companies? What's needed? What needs to change?
How we BE human together is directly related to what we can DO together.
Teams are ecosystems and we have to attend to them. Those that are diverse are stronger, and without biodiversity, ecosystems eventually die. I am encouraged by companies that are actively centering diversity, equity, and inclusion in their values; aligning their systems, policies, and rewards; and fostering environments where every employee feels (and is) valued, included, able to succeed and rewarded for it. I think too many leaders narrowly focus on workshops or ERGs as if that (alone) will instantly produce a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion – it won’t. No tactic will.
Laura, you’re leading the way in my life & career and I know in so many others. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and being vulnerable with us!
Lead the way,
PS – Have a question, but no mentor?
Send me your questions on LinkedIn and one of my mentors will be honored to address them in an upcoming post. 💜
