Wise Words from Eight Epic Mentors as We Head Back to School

Tape them to your locker.

Make them your screensaver.

Pass them to a friend.

As girls head back to class with backpacks slung over shoulders and women stride into work with fall strategies in mind, the back-to-school season fills us with promise and potential. Even on days like today when our heads are bowed and our hearts are full, there is comfort to be found in the words of wise women, and inspiration to be stored and savored as leaves start to fall.

With that in mind, here are eight of my favorite quotes from The Epic Mentor Guide to keep in mind at the start of a new school year or fiscal quarter. May they spark fresh ideas, renew your resolve, and bolster burgeoning confidence as we walk together down fall hallways and into a new season:

1. When you open the door and know no one in the room:

“Network. It can be challenging being the youngest, the only woman, or the only minority in the room. Find new opportunities to expand your network and have someone who can support you in meetings. It is a lot easier to speak up when you have a hype person in the room!” – Sydney Hamilton, Sustainable Flight Demonstrator Fuselage Manager at Boeing

2. When you raise your hand to make a pitch:

“Do your homework! Preparation means everything. Make sure you know about the people you are pitching to, their businesses, their source of capital, their priorities, their background (professional history, academic credentials, location, etc.), then make sure your pitch is tailored to their needs!” – Jeannine Shao Collins, Chief Client Officer at Kargo; Former President of SEEHER and Co-Founder/CEO of Girl Starter

3.  When try-outs are tomorrow:

“For any young woman interested in working at ESPN or anywhere in the sports industry: yes, it is a man’s world but we have certainly found our place in it. Align yourself with a company that is open to the ideas, the values, and understands the importance of women. Continue to work hard, do not compromise yourself or your morals, and do not be intimidated by those in the room who may not look like you. It is your uniqueness and authenticity that will set you apart and that is your strength to conquer whatever you set out to do in the sports industry.” – Terrika Foster-Brasby, On-Air Talent: ESPN, CBS, NBC | WNBA Reporter

4. When you’re ready to start something new:

“Show up and be committed to doing your job well. Be prepared and do research outside of work if you need to. You don’t need to be the loudest voice in the room but be the strongest. Be reasonable, rational, and empathetic. But also, don’t take any sh*t. Own yourself, love what you do, and have a sense of humor! It’s infectious! It makes other people happy to work with you – and for you.” – Anne Burrell, Chef, Food Network Personality, and Author

5. When the mic is calling your name:

“Perform and write as much as you can, get the repetitions in, and you will watch yourself get better and better. Surround yourself with people who will inspire you and make you want to be funnier. Make things with friends!” – Sudi Green, Actor, Comedian and Former Writer at Saturday Night Live

6. When you need a bigger challenge:

“I believe life presents opportunities when the time is right, and you have to grab them. I felt that I had made a significant impact…that’s when I knew it was time to embrace a new challenge and have the ability to make an impact elsewhere. You know in your gut it’s time!” – Sharon Segev, Chief Administrative and Legal Officer at Shutterfly

7. When you want to move forward:

“Work Smart. Focus on what drives impact and results. Hint: It’s the people who drive results. Be you. While you may need improvements from time to time, your value will be highest when you give people your most authentic self.” – Charis Marquez, Vice President of Fashion at eBay

8. When you want to give back: 

“First and foremost, identify how you’d like to give back and what types of activities you enjoy doing. Once you’ve identified those two things, you can then begin volunteering with, interning with, and applying for entry-level positions with non-profits that align with your goals.” – Etoy Ridgnal, President, Community Advocacy Partners; Former Global Head of Strategy and Partnerships, The Will & Jada Smith Family Foundation

Whether it’s science or sports, finance or philanthropy, art, architecture, teaching or the trades, every industry can benefit from new thought. Shared wisdom. Alliances that amplify and champions who cheer as we take our next steps.

Fall is a time for collecting new information and sharing it like candy – with joy and appreciation. I’m grateful to these eight women along with the other 172 epic mentors who offered impactful advice in our book. Answering girls’ questions about the work world wasn’t just valuable at the time; slipped into backpacks and briefcases it continues to be a library of role model advice at the ready.

May we all benefit from the wisdom of others & pass it to each other in the halls.

Looking forward,

Illana

ÊXTRAS: Three recent back-to-school advice posts from epic mentors you won’t want to miss: Mita Mallick on career lessons from Coco Gauff; Zibby Owens on the importance of listening skills; and Nasdaq’s brand new campaign Question Today.