CSR Americas Celebrates National Mentoring Month

In January 2023, CSR Americas presented a workshop, “Infusing Mentoring into Life and Work,” designed to strengthen the role that employees can play in helping others – young people, colleagues, community members, and more – succeed.

CSR first hosted this session as part of its CSR Leadership Incubator series in Fall 2022. Brenda Jimenez, CEO of Mentor NY, led an interactive program designed for New York employees involved in mentorship and volunteer programs to sharpen their skills.

Jimenez asked participants, a combination of seasoned mentors and curious novices, to consider the qualities of a good mentor. She challenged them to examine existing frameworks. “The first thing we do wrong as mentors - we show up and think we are going to teach something. You’re not. You’re going to learn something,” Jimenez explained. “Our education system puts young people in learning mode, not teaching mode, but great mentors give an opportunity for young people to practice their teaching and leadership skills.”

Throughout the session, Jimenez dispelled myths around mentorship, while offering tips and suggestions on how to be an authentic and supportive mentor. Attendees were able to put some of these skills into action during interactive exercises, followed by evaluation and Q&A.

See video highlights from the program.

Keisha Forbes, who works in the Investment Banking Operations division and has been a mentor for nine years, welcomed the opportunity to refresh her mentorship approach and develop additional skills.

“I enjoyed the information [Jimenez] shared, some of which I was already aware of, and there are some new things I would take into my current mentorship. The listening part is crucial. It’s important to be present, listen more, and really be flexible so I can be an advocate for my mentee,” Forbes said. “As we just learned, if you force your beliefs on your mentee, you won’t build an authentic relationship. It’s more about listening and supporting and advocacy. I’ve even applied that in my day-to-day responsibilities with other colleagues.”

While most of the workshop attendees are currently serving as mentors, Jimenez also shared the vital need for more mentors in the community, particularly in the wake of COVID-19 and the devastating effects it has had for many struggling youth.

“In New York, there are at least half a million kids who deserve a mentor in their life. After this pandemic, young people need more support networks. Two years of social distancing and isolation takes its toll. We need to get back to being relational, and mentors come from a unique place to see young people,” Jimenez said. “That’s the gift you would give a young person. The mentoring movement needs you. We need more mentors.”

“Deutsche Bank is very good at encouraging employees to be mentors and to take part in the communities in which we do business,” Forbes said. “If you have the capacity to be a mentor, I think you should do it.”