Bring Out the Talent: A Learning and Development Podcast
Tune into The Training Associates (TTA) “Bring Out the Talent” podcast to hear from learning and development talent and partners on their innovative approaches and industry insights. In each episode, TTA’s CEO, Maria Melfa, and Talent Manager, Jocelyn Allen will chat with subject matter experts and bring you casual, yet insightful conversations. Maria and Jocelyn use their unique blend of industry experience and humor to interview the L&D industry’s most influential people, latest topics, and powerful stories. Each episode has important takeaways that will help to create a culture of continuous learning within your organization. Tune in as we Bring Out The Talent!
Bring Out the Talent: A Learning and Development Podcast
Mentorship Matters: Closing the Gap in Professional Development
Mentorship has become a top priority for most L&D programs, with studies highlighting its benefits for career growth, self-confidence, and mental health. Despite its clear advantages, a mere 37% of professionals currently engage with a mentor, indicating a vast potential for development. In this episode of ‘Bring Out the Talent’ we’re joined by Stacy Golden, an expert in mentorship and organizational development. Together we explore the significant impact of mentorship in the workplace. Our conversation will also highlight how mentorship programs are not just beneficial for individuals but are crucial for organizational health, aiding talent retention and nurturing leadership — essential components for long-term corporate vitality.
So, tune in and discover how mentorship is shaping the future of work!
Maria Melfa:
Bring out the talent. Welcome to Bring Out the Talent, a podcast featuring learning and development experts discussing innovative approaches and industry insights. Tune in to hear our talent help develop yours. Now here are your hosts, TTA's CEO and President Maria Melfa and Talent Manager Jocelyn Allen.
Jocelyn Allen:
I knew our guest today would be a dancer. I could just tell.
Stacey Golden:
I was just going to say, you know. You made that impression.
Jocelyn Allen:
You know it's going to be a good show when you get it started with the intro and people are in rhythm with each other. So even David, once again, stepping in it, contributing to the party. Love it. Yes, I'm very excited. It's going to be a good one today. I'm very excited too. So did you know, Jo, Jocelyn, a recent LinkedIn Learning report ranked mentorship as the number one focus area for L&D programs in 2023?
Maria Melfa:
I didn't know that, but I mean, I'm glad to hear it. It's important.
Jocelyn Allen:
Countless studies have highlighted the positive effects of mentoring from job success, boosting confidence to improving mental health and so much more. Despite this, though, only about 37% of professionals actually have a mentor, leaving a significant gap to be filled. In this episode, we're joined by our special guest, Stacey Golden, a seasoned expert in mentorship and organizational development as we dive into the transformational power of workplace mentorship...
(Continues with Jocelyn and Stacey alternating)
Stacey Golden:
Thank you, Maria. Thank you for having me. Appreciate it. And I love the stats. You gave the stats up front because it is so important how mentorship, even though some people don't even think about it…
Jocelyn Allen:
We thank you for being here. And I think TTA does not do such a great job on mentorships...
Stacey Golden:
Well, buddy systems to me…
Jocelyn Allen:
So can you explain what you consider a workplace mentor and what their responsibilities typically involve?
Stacey Golden:
Absolutely. Yeah. So a workplace mentor is someone who...
Jocelyn Allen:
So how would you say…
Stacey Golden:
That's a great question. And so from a coaching perspective...
Jocelyn Allen:
I see that. And even just the way that you were describing it...
Stacey Golden:
Sure, I think so, absolutely. Because I know for myself...
Jocelyn Allen:
What about any misconceptions or challenges around mentorship?...
Stacey Golden:
Okay, so I'll address the challenges or struggles first...
Jocelyn Allen:
Do you typically see that the person that wants a mentor is the one that initiates finding that relationship?
Stacey Golden:
So I've seen a couple of different ways. And if you don't mind, Maria, I'd like to just share my own personal example...
Maria Melfa:
That's a great story. So what did you see in this gentleman that made you want him to be your mentor?
Stacey Golden:
So I saw that there was a lot of things that he accomplished...
Maria Melfa:
Well, good for you to want to put yourself in that situation...
Stacey Golden:
Oh, yeah. I can remember there were many times where I thought...
Maria Melfa:
It lasted for so long.
Stacey Golden:
Yes, and still to this day, actually...
Maria Melfa:
Amazing. I love that story. I appreciate you sharing. How would you say...
Stacey Golden:
Yeah. And I'll use my personal experience just to kind of set the stage...
Jocelyn Allen:
Excellent information. And I like what you're saying...
Stacey Golden:
In my case, it's been forever. It seems like. So I don't think...
Jocelyn Allen:
Stacey, what do you feel the challenges are mentoring in a remote environment?
Stacey Golden:
That's an excellent question, simply because we've got a lot of that now post-COVID...
Jocelyn Allen:
That's a really good point, because it is, I mean, it's commitment in general...
Stacey Golden:
Yeah, I love that. And I want to add, if you don't mind...
Jocelyn Allen:
I like that example. It's because you're right...
Stacey Golden:
Absolutely, because it could be as simple as just giving feedback...
David (TTA Producer):
So what do you guys hear? Scuttlebutt.
Stacey Golden:
What's the scuttlebutt?
Jocelyn Allen:
What's the scuttlebutt?
Stacey Golden:
Favorite. So good. Yeah, learn a great deal from those water cooler discussions...
Jocelyn Allen:
Okay, so as we are wrapping up and we have executives on the phone saying...
Stacey Golden:
Well, I would say yes. Simply because it opens up opportunities for underrepresented employees...
Jocelyn Allen:
Absolutely. I think oftentimes, too, they want to know...
Stacey Golden:
Yeah, absolutely. I think you'll see a totally different dynamics...
Jocelyn Allen:
Excellent. Really good stuff, Stacey. Thank you so much for sharing it...
Stacey Golden:
Thank you. I appreciate it, you guys...
Jocelyn Allen:
Always. For more information on Stacey and bringing a mentor program into your organization, visit us at thetrainingassociates.com. We'll see you later.
TTA 10 Segment
Jocelyn Allen:
It's the TTA 10. Ten final questions for our guest...
Stacey Golden:
So if I mess up, can we like edit and can it start all over again?
Jocelyn Allen:
No, that's not allowed in this part. Dang. Okay.
David (TTA Producer):
We do have 90 seconds on the TTA 10 clock, Jocelyn. Starting now.
Jocelyn Allen:
Alright Stacey, where did you go on your last vacation?...
(Stacey answers all 10 light-hearted questions)
David (TTA Producer):
The verdict is as follows… With the time of 58 seconds, Stacey is well under the threshold.
Stacey Golden:
I'm doing the happy dance now.
David (TTA Producer):
We do have a special treat for you here. We take you now to the TTA news desk...
David (TTA Producer):
…Stacey Golden, a leader in the industry of mentoring, leadership and coaching, has survived the gauntlet... Mentors are crunchy. Sweet. And hold on a sec. I'm being told those are Mentos. TTA News Desk regrets this error.
Jocelyn Allen:
Really great for you, Stacey. I take a lot of personal offense to it. Good job, David. Another creative ending.
Stacey Golden:
This has been awesome.
Jocelyn Allen:
Thank you so much. You were a fantastic guest, Stacey...
Stacey Golden:
Thank you. I appreciate it, you guys. You know, if there's anything else I can do, let me know. That was a lot of fun.