James Burgin and Natasha Reynolds have participated in the Australian Businesswomen’s Network’s MentorNet Program. For more information on MentorNet, please click here.
The Mentor: James Burgin, Brandwithin
Company: Brandwithin Why did you become a Mentor? I love the process of supporting people to grow their business – to bring an idea from thought to action. It seemed logical to use the power of a network to do this more formally. What were you hoping to get from the experience? As an Australian who has been based in Phoenix, USA for 7 years this is a way for me to keep in touch with business in Australia, and also to share insights I have gained from living overseas and experiencing the larger context of international business. Connection and conversation can now be common place as a driver of business, no matter where you are. The MentorNet program has supported me to focus on my skills and to be able to “teach what I need to learn”! What is the biggest challenge of being a Mentor? Being based in another country, the mentoring process has challenged me to be present in the moment with the mentorees – regardless of where we are located. Different time zones and cultural nuances bring about the fun of discovery that business is always about sharing knowledge, adding value, and giving people what they want. So the lessons are essentially the same for us all. Time management is always interesting – with the rise of an A.D.D. culture, setting priorities to focus on the most essential tasks that will make the biggest difference is a constant juggle. I hope in a small way that I can support both myself and others to figure this one out! What is the most powerful thing you have learned? I have enjoyed the process of sharing about social media and new marketing activities. This has given me a sense of clarity about what I know and allowed me to develop my skills and business activities in these areas. What would you say to anyone considering being a Mentor in the MentorNet program? Mentoring is fun and a very rewarding process – with so many precessional benefits. Mentor others and you will expand your world. Any additional comments? Each of the women in the “pod” that I mentor are inspiring and powerful in their work, business and life. They each bring a unique vision and creative expression. The energy in the group is very supportive, with a lot of useful cross-pollination of ideas, plus sharing of practical solutions for business challenges that we all deal with. Tell us about your business. Brandwithin is a creative development business that is breaking new ground in knowledge marketing. We bring a rare combination of strategic and creative skills to this field. We have built a team that balances analysis and art, system and disruption, pragmatism and dream. We are entrepreneurs at heart, with a love for adventure. Our company vision is not just for the future of Brandwithin. It is for the future of knowledge marketing as a major contribution to business growth and personal fulfillment.
The Mentoree: Natasha Reynolds, Australia101
Company: Australia 101 Why did you become a mentoree? I felt it was time to have someone outside my business, someone that I could trust, have a look at my goals and methods and offer an alternative view. What were you hoping to get from the experience? To achieve some important milestones that I have been having a challenge completing. What is the biggest challenge of being a mentoree? Accepting constructive criticism about elements of my business that I am passionate about. What is the most powerful thing you’ve learned? That working on the detailed financial aspects of my business can be very rewarding. What would you say to anyone considering being a Mentoree in the MentorNet program? If you are committed to investing the time to work ON (rather than IN) your business it is extremely worthwhile. The results are proportionate to your participation and involvement in the program. Any additional comments? I chose the MentorNet program for a couple of reasons. Firstly, I liked the idea of working closely with a group of diverse business women. Secondly, the delivery method (webinars, teleconferences and online interaction) really appealed to me. I made a sea-change a few years ago and with the MentorNet program I was able to network with women from all over Australia from my beautiful Sunshine Coast office.
