How to Find A Mentor + Career Tips to Help You Thrive with Lauren Wesley Wilson
Digest
Les, the host of Balanced Black Girl Podcast, welcomes Lauren Wesley Wilson, founder of Colorcom and author of "What Do You Need?" to discuss career advice and navigating workplace dynamics. Lauren shares her personal experience of being fired from her first job and the valuable lessons she learned about workplace politics and the importance of going beyond just doing your job. She emphasizes the need to build relationships with colleagues outside of work and the importance of having a diverse group of mentors. Lauren also provides practical advice on how to approach potential mentors, suggesting starting with a 15-minute phone call and having a specific objective in mind. The conversation then shifts to Lauren's journey as a communications professional and the origin story of Colorcom, a platform that empowers women of color in the communications industry. Lauren explains how she started Colorcom by hosting a lunch for women in the industry and asking the question "What do you need?" This question became the foundation of Colorcom's mission to build community and provide support for women of color in the field. The episode concludes with advice for Gen Z professionals, emphasizing the importance of learning as much as possible, being proactive, and building a portfolio of meaningful experiences. Lauren also discusses the role of side hustles and how to navigate them while maintaining a strong work ethic and prioritizing your full-time job.
Outlines
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Introduction
This Chapter introduces the Balanced Black Girl Podcast and its host, Les. The podcast focuses on balancing various aspects of life, including wellness, relationships, finances, and careers. Les mentions receiving many questions about career advice and navigating career pivots and climbs. She acknowledges that she is not a career advice expert and introduces her guest, Lauren Wesley Wilson, founder of Colorcom and author of "What Do You Need?".
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Lauren Wesley Wilson's Journey and "What Do You Need?"
This Chapter delves into Lauren Wesley Wilson's career journey and the inspiration behind her book "What Do You Need?" Lauren shares her experience of being fired from her first job and the valuable lessons she learned about workplace politics and the importance of going beyond just doing your job. She emphasizes the need to build relationships with colleagues outside of work and the importance of having a diverse group of mentors.
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The Origin Story of Colorcom
This Chapter explores the origin story of Colorcom, a platform that empowers women of color in the communications industry. Lauren explains how she started Colorcom by hosting a lunch for women in the industry and asking the question "What do you need?" This question became the foundation of Colorcom's mission to build community and provide support for women of color in the field.
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Identifying Your Needs and Activating Your Network
This Chapter focuses on the importance of identifying your needs and activating your network. Lauren emphasizes the need to be clear about your goals and how those goals translate into specific needs. She also provides practical advice on how to approach potential mentors, suggesting starting with a 15-minute phone call and having a specific objective in mind. Lauren also discusses the importance of being involved in organizations, volunteering, and attending conferences to expand your network.
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Advice for Gen Z Professionals
This Chapter offers advice for Gen Z professionals, emphasizing the importance of learning as much as possible, being proactive, and building a portfolio of meaningful experiences. Lauren also discusses the role of side hustles and how to navigate them while maintaining a strong work ethic and prioritizing your full-time job.
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Closing Remarks and Call to Action
This Chapter concludes the episode with closing remarks and a call to action. Les thanks Lauren for her insights and encourages listeners to purchase her book "What Do You Need?" She also reminds listeners to leave reviews for both the podcast and the book.
Keywords
Colorcom
Colorcom is a platform founded by Lauren Wesley Wilson that empowers women of color in the communications industry. It provides resources, networking opportunities, and mentorship to help women of color advance their careers in the field. Colorcom's mission is to create a more inclusive and equitable communications industry by supporting the professional growth of women of color.
What Do You Need?
"What Do You Need?" is a book written by Lauren Wesley Wilson that provides practical advice for navigating career paths, building relationships, and achieving success in the workplace. The book emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, identifying your needs, and activating your network to achieve your goals. It also offers insights into workplace dynamics, mentorship, and the importance of going beyond just doing your job.
Mentorship
Mentorship is a relationship where a more experienced person (the mentor) provides guidance, support, and advice to a less experienced person (the mentee). Mentorship can be formal or informal and can focus on various aspects of life, including career development, personal growth, and professional networking. Mentors can provide valuable insights, connections, and support to help mentees achieve their goals.
Networking
Networking is the process of building and maintaining relationships with people in your field or industry. It involves attending events, connecting with people online, and engaging in conversations that can lead to new opportunities, collaborations, and support. Effective networking involves building genuine relationships, offering value to others, and staying connected with your network over time.
Workplace Politics
Workplace politics refers to the informal power dynamics and social interactions that occur within an organization. It can involve navigating relationships, managing conflicts, and understanding the unwritten rules of the workplace. Understanding workplace politics can be essential for career advancement, as it can help you build relationships, gain influence, and navigate challenging situations.
Gen Z
Gen Z refers to the generation born between the mid-1990s and the early 2010s. This generation is known for its digital fluency, entrepreneurial spirit, and focus on social justice. Gen Z professionals are entering the workforce with unique perspectives and expectations, and understanding their values and priorities can be essential for employers and organizations.
Side Hustle
A side hustle is a secondary job or activity that someone undertakes in addition to their primary employment. Side hustles can provide additional income, allow individuals to pursue their passions, and develop new skills. They can also be a way to gain experience in a new field or test out a business idea before making a full-time commitment.
Career Advice
Career advice refers to guidance and support provided to individuals on navigating their career paths. It can include tips on job searching, career planning, professional development, and workplace skills. Career advice can be obtained from mentors, career counselors, online resources, and professional organizations.
Lauren Wesley Wilson
Lauren Wesley Wilson is a communications professional, author, and founder of Colorcom. She is known for her expertise in workplace dynamics, mentorship, and networking. She is the author of the book "What Do You Need?" which provides practical advice for navigating career paths and achieving success in the workplace.
Balanced Black Girl Podcast
Balanced Black Girl Podcast is a podcast hosted by Les that focuses on balancing various aspects of life, including wellness, relationships, finances, and careers. The podcast features interviews with experts and professionals who provide insights and advice on navigating these areas of life. The podcast aims to empower black women and provide a platform for sharing their experiences and perspectives.
Q&A
What are some key takeaways from Lauren Wesley Wilson's experience of being fired from her first job?
Lauren learned that doing good work and going home isn't enough for career advancement. She realized the importance of building relationships with colleagues outside of work and understanding workplace politics. This experience also highlighted the need for mentorship and guidance from those who can provide insights into navigating these dynamics.
How can you approach a potential mentor effectively?
Instead of directly asking someone to be your mentor, start by requesting a 15-minute phone call. Have a specific objective in mind for the call, such as seeking advice on a challenge you're facing or gaining insights into a particular career path. Be prepared to offer value to the mentor by showing your interest in their work and demonstrating your willingness to learn.
What is the significance of the question "What do you need?" in the context of Colorcom?
This question became the foundation of Colorcom's mission to build community and provide support for women of color in the communications industry. By focusing on the needs of the attendees and members, Colorcom has been able to create a platform that provides resources, networking opportunities, and mentorship to help women of color advance their careers.
What advice does Lauren Wesley Wilson have for Gen Z professionals?
Lauren encourages Gen Z professionals to focus on learning as much as possible, being proactive, and building a portfolio of meaningful experiences. She advises against asking for too much too soon and emphasizes the importance of demonstrating your commitment to your career growth before seeking perks or flexibility.
How can you effectively navigate having a side hustle while maintaining a strong work ethic at your full-time job?
Be clear about your goals for your side hustle. If it's for extra income, prioritize your full-time job and dedicate weekend hours to your side hustle. If you're aiming to turn it into a full-time gig, be mindful of potential conflicts of interest and ensure your side hustle doesn't negatively impact your performance at work. Communicate with your manager about your side hustle and be transparent about your time commitments.
What are some ways to activate your network and make the most of your connections?
Activating your network involves staying involved in organizations, volunteering, attending conferences, and actively engaging with your connections. Check in with your contacts regularly, learn about their projects, and seek opportunities to collaborate or support their work. Be proactive in building relationships and offering value to others.
What are some common mistakes that early career professionals make?
Early career professionals often make the mistake of not investing enough in their own development. They may focus solely on completing their tasks and not seek opportunities to learn, grow, and build relationships. They may also be hesitant to ask for help or guidance, which can hinder their progress.
How can you stand out as an early career professional?
Stand out by demonstrating your commitment to your career growth. Do good work, make an effort to build relationships, and be respectful and thoughtful in your interactions with colleagues. Be proactive in seeking opportunities to learn and contribute to the team. Remember that everything is a test in the workplace, and people are observing your behavior and performance.
What are some key considerations when navigating side hustles?
Be mindful of potential conflicts of interest, especially if your side hustle is in the same industry as your full-time job. Ensure your side hustle doesn't negatively impact your performance at work. Communicate with your manager about your side hustle and be transparent about your time commitments. Prioritize your full-time job and dedicate weekend hours to your side hustle if it's for extra income.
What is the importance of having a portfolio of meaningful experiences?
A portfolio of meaningful experiences demonstrates your capabilities, skills, and commitment to your career growth. It showcases your ability to contribute to projects, deliver results, and execute tasks effectively. This portfolio can be valuable for career advancement, as it provides evidence of your skills and experience.
Show Notes
#238: Contrary to popular belief, doing 'good work' alone may not be enough to progress in your career. For many of us, strategic moves are essential to propel our careers to the next level!
So in today’s episode, I’m sitting down with founder and CEO of ColorComm and author of the bestselling book “What Do You Need?” Lauren Wesley Wilson for tips on how to advance your career through building a strong network, delivering exceptional work, and making a lasting impact in your workplace.
We also talk about…
- How Lauren overcame job loss early in her career to become a founder and CEO
- Practical tips on identifying and approaching potential mentors in your industry
- How to thrive in today’s job market
- How to manage your time between your corporate job and side hustle
- Navigating longevity and growth in your career
Resources:
- Follow Lauren on Instagram @laurenwesleywilson
- Check out Lauren’s book What Do You Need?: How Women of Color Can Take Ownership of Their Careers to Accelerate Their Path to Success
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- Watch on YouTube @BalancedBlackGirl
- Follow on IG: @balancedles @balancedblackgirlpodcast
- Follow on TikTok @balancedles
- Visit our website at balancedblackgirl.com
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