Mentorship isn’t just about giving advice—it’s about fostering growth, sharing strengths, and helping others navigate challenges with purpose. In a recent Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WiT) webinar, Dr. Christine B. Whelan, a Purpose Professor at Emory University, delivered a thought-provoking session on purposeful mentoring—why it matters, what it entails, and how to do it better.
The Three Pillars of Effective Mentorship
Mentorship thrives on three key roles, each playing a vital part in a mentee’s growth:
The Problem-Solver – Someone who helps tackle immediate challenges.
The Supporter – A steady presence offering encouragement and reassurance.
The Guide – A mentor who provides long-term strategies and direction.
Effective mentorship incorporates all three, ensuring that mentees not only receive answers but also develop the confidence and skills to grow independently.
Why Mentorship Matters
Studies show that mentorship leads to higher career success, increased confidence, and greater personal fulfillment—not just for mentees but also for mentors. It’s a two-way street where both parties learn and benefit.
More than just professional advancement, mentorship helps individuals navigate life transitions. Whether someone is starting a new career, switching industries, or stepping into a leadership role, having guidance along the way makes a significant difference.
Shifting from “Finding Purpose” to “Living Purposefully”
A common challenge in mentorship is the pressure to define an overarching life purpose. Instead, the focus should be on taking small, purpose-driven actions daily. Rather than waiting for clarity, individuals can use their skills and strengths in alignment with their values to make an impact right now.
This approach—treating purpose as a verb rather than a noun—removes the overwhelming feeling that purpose must be one big, fixed idea. Instead, it becomes an ongoing practice of growth, learning, and contribution.
How to Be a Purposeful Mentor
For mentorship to be truly impactful, it needs to be intentional and structured. Here are some ways to foster an effective mentorship relationship:
1. Identify Strengths and Values
Before offering guidance, mentors should take stock of their own strengths and values. Reflecting on personal skills and experiences makes it easier to provide meaningful support. Questions to consider:
• What am I really good at?
• What do I care about most?
• How can I use my experience to help others?
2. Establish Clear Goals
Both mentor and mentee should define what they hope to achieve through their relationship. This includes:
• Career development
• Skill-building
• Expanding professional networks
• Building confidence
A structured approach helps keep the relationship focused and productive.
3. Make Time for Mentorship
One of the biggest challenges in mentorship is finding the time. The key is prioritization. Even a single hour a month can be incredibly impactful. Setting recurring check-ins and treating mentorship as a non-negotiable commitment ensures consistency.
4. Encourage Action & Growth
Rather than just providing advice, great mentors empower mentees to take action. Encouraging them to apply lessons, take on new challenges, and step outside their comfort zones leads to meaningful progress.
How to Be a Great Mentee
Mentees also play an active role in the relationship. To get the most out of mentorship:
Be proactive – Initiate conversations and ask questions.
Come prepared – Have specific topics or challenges in mind before meetings.
Apply feedback – Follow through on action steps.
Express gratitude – A simple thank you goes a long way.
Bridging the Purpose Gap in the Workplace
One of the most surprising insights from the webinar was the “Purpose Gap” in the workforce:
90% of CEOs feel they have a strong sense of purpose at work.
Only 10% of frontline employees say the same.
This gap highlights the importance of mentorship in helping employees connect their daily tasks to a larger purpose. When individuals see how their work contributes to a greater mission, engagement and satisfaction increase.
Taking the Next Step
Mentorship is a powerful way to give back, grow, and make a lasting impact. Whether you’re an experienced professional or just starting your career, there’s always something valuable to share.
Looking to get involved? Join the Ruth Handler Mentorship Program at Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WiT).
This blog is inspired by the WiT Webinar “Purposeful Mentoring: What Matters Most, Why It Matters, and How to Make It Happen” with Dr. Christine B. Whelan. Watch it on WiT’s Video Library.
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