saburkett

I am asked on a regular basis why I am a mentor.  Many people have difficulty understanding what motivates people to give their time to others.  Those who mentor understand the reward of helping others.  Below are just a few of the reasons why I mentor.

As a leader, I enjoy helping people achieve their goals.  One of the greatest rewards in my life is to help someone learn something new, accomplish the impossible or see a situation from a different perspective.  This is why I enjoy teaching.  It is so fun watching someone who has little confidence in themselves build a website and put it out for the whole world to see.  That single accomplishment allows my students to overcome that fear that technology is too difficult to understand.

I believe when I give to others, I get so much back in return.  In many ways, this is how I build my network.  It is amazing how much easier it is to ask someone something when you know that you have given them answers in the past.  I treasure those I work with and keep their interest at heart.  The become wonderful referral sources, communication networks and support when you need to ask for guidance.  

As someone who enjoys learning, I find when I mentor, I am able to learn so much.  Maybe it is my desire to "be in the know" all of the time.  It is so interesting hearing the innovative approaches being used, new technologies being discovered and new ways to solve old problems.

vI guess my final reason for being an ITEN mentor is that I am so excited about the start-up companies in St. Louis, especially those with innovative technology ideas.  As someone who LOVES St. Louis and wants everyone to make St. Louis (city & county) one of the best places to live and work, we need these companies to be successful.  If I can be a part of making that happen, what a great contribution to this community.  

Sheila Burkett

Tuxedo Park Management, LLC
sheila@tuxedoparkmgmt.com

Tags: Mentor