DATA LUTHIER

I realise I never did a “My week at SQL Bits” post, but there is good reason for that, I wanted to tell a specific story that has recently developed into something worth writing about.

I recently got promoted into a senior position at work and a big part of that role is mentoring. While I was attending SQL Bits, I attended a talk hosted by Rie Merritt and Buck Woody on mentoring, sponsorship and allyship with a clear goal in mind: to pick up some tips on how to be a good mentor. The idea of mentorship and teaching has always drawn me in, I embrace every opportunity I get to pass on knowledge and teach. I sat, pen and notebook in hand, eager to make notes on how to guide others more effectively and ensure the ideas I had about being a good mentor were correct. Little did I know, this session would flip my perspective entirely. Instead of learning how to be a mentor, I came away realising how much I needed a mentor myself.

The Talk: Insight, Reflection and Revelation

The session itself was fantastic and not only explained the definition and importance of mentorship but also sponsorship and allyship, using your position to ensure those with less of a voice get endorsed, heard, and don’t get left behind in the waves made by others. I don’t have the words here to accurately put across how eye-opening the session was, but it will soon be available, and I will update this post with a link to the video. I implore you to go and watch it.

As the speakers both shared stories of transformative mentorship relationships, I found myself reflecting on my own journey and position. The realisation hit me hard: while I had been focusing on my current position and perhaps an over-confidence in my ability to help others, I had overlooked the fact that I too, would benefit immensely from guidance.

Listening to the anecdotes and advice, I recognised gaps in my own development, there were areas where I felt uncertain and challenges I struggled to overcome. The idea of having someone to offer wisdom, encouragement, and a different viewpoint seemed not just beneficial but essential. It became clear that mentorship is a two-way street, and even potential mentors need guidance and support.

Embracing the Role of a Mentee

With this in mind, I left the talk with a dual mission: to seek out a mentor for myself and to continue developing my mentorship skills to be able to pay it forward when the time comes. The process of finding a mentor can be daunting, but I was at a conference with some of the greatest and most experienced minds in the business, so I decided there and then to go and seek some advice. It’s important to choose a mentor who can challenge you, provide honest feedback, and support your growth. I had someone in mind and approached them and thankfully, they agreed to take me under their wing and offer some guidance, the only caveat was that I had to agree to do the same should anyone ever ask me to help them. Perfect! That is exactly what this community is about, equality, fairness, pushing for success both of ourselves and our peers and passing on knowledge.

The Journey Ahead

Since SQL Bits I have met with my mentor on a weekly basis, I have delivered a user group session remotely and we are actively working on in-person presentation skills ready for my next conference. More than that I am absorbing the techniques, methodology and mindset of the mentorship itself, which is making me more confident that I am one day going to be able to make good on my promise and “pay it forward”.

I am excited about the journey ahead, both as a mentee and as a mentor. Seeking a mentor is not a sign of weakness but a step towards greater self-awareness and development.

I encourage anyone who aspires to be a mentor to also consider the benefits of being mentored. After all, the best mentors are those who continually seek to learn and grow themselves.