How Mayte Varela mentors from generosity, integrity and candor

Mayte Varela arrived into my life when I needed a mentor the most. She helped me prepared for for a big trascendental moment.

She did so not by telling me what to do, but by listening attentively, asking me a few questions, and helping me recognized I'd already gotten everything to get my point across.

When the awaited moment came, I said what I wanted to say, heard what I was hoping to hear, and enjoyed the conversation as much as I enjoy talking to a lifetime friend.

I was elated back then, and I'm elated right now, because, we are about to learn from Mayte's mentoring journey. Let's go!

Alberto C. Blanco (A.B.): What's one regular practice very unique to you that helps you stay true to yourself when you show up for others as an advisor?

Mayte Varela (M.V.): My deep connection to my mentoring practice and to myself lies in recalling my purpose and the reasons that started this journey.

Additionally, I employ a free judgmental side of thinking, along with active listening, showing respect for my mentee's circumstances, hopes, fears, and challenges.

I can then work with my mentees, sharing my knowledge and experience to help and catalyse their growth—being bold and strategic, but always with respect for their pace and expectations.

(A.B.): How did you arrive to such practice?

"My session with my mentor was an 'epiphany,' revealing what I wanted to do with my professional life."

(M.V.): Throughout my professional life, I have been an entrepreneur, and it has been a solitary and sometimes painful journey. However, during my time in Ireland, I had the opportunity to work with an amazing NGO. They offered me the chance to have a mentor and work on my future challenges in a new job market and under different circumstances, which I accepted. My mentoring session with my mentor was an “epiphany,” revealing what I wanted to do with my professional life.

Since that moment, I have been building my mentoring practice, and it has been an amazing and insightful journey.

(A.B.): What might Leadsticks readers do to overcome the pressure to fit in a certain leadership way—one that doesn't resonate with them, but is regarded as "the norm?"

"Effective leadership begins with reflection."

(M.V.): In my experience, effective leadership begins with reflection, our core values and strategies that align with our energy and perspective.

If "norm" leadership styles do not resonate with us, it's essential to reflect on them and determine the primary areas of focus and growth for both ourselves and our team members.

The closer leadership aligns with our values and integrity, the more harmonious the process becomes to obtain clarity with the company's strategies and objectives.

(A.B.): Is there anything else you'd like to say to our Leadsticks readers?

(M.V.): My extensive background as an entrepreneur across various sectors, yielding different outcomes (success and failure), has taught me to approach business in a way that closely aligns with my values, lifestyle, and personal circumstances.

Harmonising my work with my life has been essential.

Moreover, I believe in the significance of sharing my experience and knowledge with those who can benefit from them.

Mentoring is deeply intertwined with individual development, which subsequently contributes to the growth of our projects.

The principles of generosity and integrity, as well as the dedication to my clients' achieved personal and professional growth serve as the foundation of my life. These values are central to my mentoring practice, both in my professional projects and in my pro bono work.

(A.B.): You are very kind, Mayte. Thanks for sharing your wisdom with us!

(M.V.): Thanks to you, and I am here to help you with anything you need.

There you go dear reader. May this conversation bring you a fresh perspective for your leadership growth. 

To connect with Mayte:

• Check out How Mayte might help you achieve your goals.

To connect with me:

• Hit reply to share what you appreciated the most about Mayte's conversation.

All best, 

Alberto

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