Amplify Change: The Benefits of Having a Mentor

“Do you know where you’re going to? Do you like the things that life is showing you? Where are you going to? Do you know?” The famous lyrics to Diana Ross’s song Theme from Mahogany highlight questions that many of us may ask ourselves at various times in our lives – heavy questions that can feel just a bit lighter with the support and guidance of a mentor.

This month, we’re excited to welcome to the THRIVVE stage Iris Drayton-Spann, managing director of Stanton Chase executive search and leadership consultancy firm. In this interactive session, Iris will share how mentoring has played a role in her thriving career and how she has seen mentors amplify change in the careers and lives of her colleagues and clients.

While most people are familiar with the term and know that a mentor can provide knowledge, guidance, and support, few Black women have experienced the true life-changing power of mentoring in the workplace. In addition to sharing her experiences, Iris will provide an expert breakdown of what a mentor is, how to find one, how to be one, and how to structure a mentoring relationship.

Iris will address frequently asked questions, such as:

- When do I need a mentor?

- What’s the difference between a mentor, a coach, and a sponsor?

- Can I be a mentor to someone if I need a mentor myself?

- Representation matters. Do I need a Black woman mentor?

Are you ready to amplify change? Join us to learn how mentoring can enhance your communication and leadership skills, align and focus your goals, and help you thrive!

Who are we?

Iris Drayton-Spann serves as a Managing Director at Stanton Chase in Washington, D.C. and has years of experience from for-profit to nonprofit organizations specializing in for-profit and nonprofit organization executive placements, commercial and public media executive placements and human resource executive placements. She also engages in board placements, diversity, equity, and inclusion consulting, and executive coaching for clients.

Prior to joining Stanton Chase, Iris was Vice President of Human Resources and Chief Diversity Officer at WETA TV, one of the largest-producing stations of new content for public television in the United States.

Iris has a Master of Arts from George Washington University and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Howard University. Iris holds certifications from the Society of Human Resource Management, the Human Resources Certification Institute, and the Society for Diversity as a Certified Diversity Executive. She is a member of the National Association of Multi-ethnicity in Communications (NAMIC)

Asila Calhoun is a certified coach whose coaching business, Calhoun Coaching & Consulting, focuses on partnering with new leaders through executives from a variety of professional backgrounds who are ready for change. Asila facilitates this change during one-on-one and group coaching sessions with her clients and through her consulting services of delivering leadership training, team facilitation, and diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging coaching, consulting and training.

Asila has a direct yet supportive style that facilitates self-discovery and growth in her clients. Asila is recognized as a coach and facilitator who deeply listens to what her clients say - and do not say, inquiring about what she’s sensing while offering a different perspective.

Asila earned her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from UC Berkeley, and she holds PHR and SHRM-CP HR certifications. She is an Associate Certified Coach (ACC), and a Certified Inclusion Coach (CIC). Asila is also a certified meditation teacher.

Joelle LaGuerre is a certified HR professional - a consultant and coach with a passion for positive psychology. A trainer and facilitator by trade, she is a dynamic presenter with an evident enthusiasm for both individual and organizational growth.

Through her company PRO-YOU, Joelle works with coaching clients to focus on self-awareness and exploration as the foundation for meaningful career and leadership development. An equally passionate consultant, she seeks to help organizations develop strategies that promote optimal individual and team performance.

Joelle earned her Bachelor’s degree in organizational psychology from Oakwood University as well as a graduate certificate in leadership development from George Washington University. She is a certified professional in talent development (CPTD) and she is a Associate Certified Coach (ACC).