5 Strategies for Impactful Mentorship

1. Embracing Diverse Mentorship

• Strategy: Seek mentors from varied backgrounds to gain diverse insights.
• Action: Actively look for mentorship opportunities outside your immediate circle, such as different industries or life stages.

2. Embracing Empathy

• Strategy: Cultivate empathy to better connect with and understand your team or mentees.

• Action: Schedule regular check-ins focused on personal, not just professional, well-being.

3. Embracing Vulnerability 

• Strategy: Embody humility and vulnerability as a mentor.
• Action: Share your own challenges and learning experiences with mentees to create a relatable and supportive environment.

4. Navigating Pressure and Expectations:

• Strategy: Teach mentees to balance the pressure of external expectations with maintaining personal well-being.
• Action: Share personal experiences of handling stress and encourage mentees to seek guidance or time off when necessary to maintain a healthy balance.

5. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

• Strategy: Build confidence by acknowledging your journey and achievements.
• Action: Create a list of your accomplishments and use it as a reminder of your capabilities when facing self-doubt.

Show Notes

[00:00] Introduction with John Montalbano

[01:00] The Journey to CEO of RBC Global Asset Management

[02:00] Lessons in Corporate Governance and Financial Strategy

[07:25] The Role and Impact of Mentorship in Career Development

[09:57] Leading with Empathy and Strategic Insight

[15:49] Insights on Navigating the Corporate World

[22:40] Applying Lessons from Finance Across Industries

[32:08] Advice for Aspiring Finance Professionals and Leaders

[35:52] Concluding Thoughts and Reflections

People Mentioned

Mike DuMoulin: John Montalbano’s soccer coach, who was a significant mentor during his early life.

Dick Bradshaw: CEO of Phillips Hager North and a mentor to John Montalbano.

Milton Wong (Milt Wong): A mentor to John Montalbano during his university years, known as a business leader and philanthropist in Vancouver.

Heather Munroe Blum: Current chair of the Canada Pension Plan, mentioned as a mentor to John Montalbano.