testimonials

Melissa Doolin-Koehne (Mentor)

"This was my chance to pay it forward and continue to mentor others...I believe GLEAM Network, by mentoring this next generation of leaders, is such a great way to do this."

Sunny Ashman (Mentor + Mentee)

"I learned so much from my mentor and she even helped me secure a VP, executive level role with Global Franchise Group."

Stevie Julien (Mentee)

"Through learning circles and connecting with my mentor through GLEAM Network I was able to gain insight and knowledge into the industry that I may not have gained through my single organization."

Sunny Ashman on Being a Mentor

"The GLEAM mentoring program is beneficial on so many levels. Personally, agreeing to
be a mentor was a great experience. I was able to give up on my "imposter syndrome"
thinking I "wasn't ready" and really make a difference in the life of my mentee. He was
able to achieve his "1 Big Thing" in just 8 weeks AND we were able to follow the same
networking practices and get new jobs at the same time."

Christie Cruz on Being a Mentee

"Mentorship and coaching from someone other then your boss is vital to career growth. Just like growing a muscle, you have to allow yourself to be put in situations that may feel uncomfortable, but only through the discomfort can we grow into our potential. We must then apply that feedback to our day to day behaviors. This coaching allows me to find ways to become the most valuable player for whatever project or role I am taking on."

Teresa Keogh

I grew up very organically in the restaurant industry. I started rolling burritos in college for a concept
that had 2 locations at that point. I stuck around after graduating when I couldn't get an IT job with
my degree. I diligently worked my way up to Area Manager through loyalty, hard work, thousands of
hours, and a commendable "yes sir, how high" mentality. I grew professionally alongside peers I had
worked with for years and years, building the concept to about 40 locations together. I was asked to
move on and quickly joined another concept who only had 7 locations at the time. Same story – I did
whatever was thrown my way with little question or resistance. I was a GSD'er. Because my leaders
were able to rely on me, they pushed me further and further, awarding title after title and raise 
after raise. Things were going great and I'm proud of what I accomplished. But I realized I had 
very little professional development under my belt and if I didn't do something about it then, my success would be hindered.
It became very clear that I needed a mentor. And while I consider all my past leaders mentors in so many valuable ways, the one I needed was different.
I was encouraged to join GLEAM with the intention of being matched with a mentor based on my needs
and opportunities. The result was something I never could have imagined. I was super anxious for
our first call, and honestly just wanted to get it over with. Within minutes of hopping on the Google
Meet, I knew this was something special. Our time was up way too quickly and I left the conference
room smiling ear to ear. I couldn't wait for our next call. The program suggested meeting every other
week, we decided to meet every week whenever possible. I was able to present current struggles I
was working through, my mentor gave suggestions and strategies, and I proudly reported back the
following week with progress I had made and presented new opportunities for personal growth. 
The conversation was genuine, and I knew my mentor sincerely wanted me to succeed. Our weekly
connections continued long after the program had ended. And while our weekly calls have since
ceased, I know I can call upon my mentor in times of need and she'll always be ready to lend an ear.
And I do and she is.
I realize I may have been super lucky during my first mentee venture… Or maybe someone was
looking out for me… And maybe not every mentor / mentee relationship is as successful right off the
bat. But how do you know if you don't try? And how will you ever find the perfect mentor if you don't start looking? And what better place to start but GLEAM?