The Invisible Mentor Career Corner
December 3rd, 2009 | 
Author: 
Skills often transfer well across industries, and the advice that is dispensed for specific positions and industries also transfer very well. In this post I pull together advice from three interviewees. How do the responses compare, and how can you apply their responses?
Tell me a little bit about yourself?
Dennie Theodore
Professional strategic planner, facilitator, writer and business manager, contributing to business and artistic projects across Canada and internationally. A long and successful history in many communities and known as a caring mentor, negotiator, leader and unappreciated parent.
Don Martelli
I am a 14 year-veteran of the communications business. I started out as a reporter for the Boston Globe and worked for six years in the education space in PR and marketing roles. I’ve worked for three top PR agencies, working on technology, corporate, healthcare and consumer accounts. Currently, I’m a VP and Director of Digital Communications with MS&L Boston (www.mslworldwide.com). You can find out more about me at http://www.donmartelli.com.
Shannon Van Roekel
I am married, with five children, two of which are getting married within the next 6 months. Lately I’ve been waking up in the middle of the night “angsting” over table centerpieces, floral arrangements and crash diets.
What are the steps you took to succeed in your field?
Dennie Theodore
Realized it wasn’t enough to dream but the practical bits needed planning. And that nothing succeeds if you don’t have passion – looked to put that back into my daily life.
Don Martelli
Good education. Staying grounded in my beliefs and vision for my future. Working with smart people that I can learn from. Helping others learn what I know.
Shannon Van Roekel
When I felt the burden on my heart to pursue writing, I did all I could to learn to write well, believing that this was what God was asking of me.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out?
Dennie Theodore
Have as many cups of coffee/tea as you have time for in a week with people who are willing to sit with you. Don’t make it transactional – simply meet them to enjoy them and see where it leads. By doing so you’re building a personal community that will care with you and for you as you start to put your plans in action or require support to see them through.
Don Martelli
Read, read, read, read and read some more. Make connections in the business.
Shannon Von Roekel
Read about writing; find other writers to talk to; go to a writer’s conference!
What are five life lessons that you have learned so far?
Dennie Theodore
- Speak up
- Ask questions
- Speak out
- Forgive
- Listen
Don Martelli
- Be yourself
- Be honest
- Help people
- Take care of your family
- Own up to mistakes
Shannon Van Roekel
- Ask God for help, the sooner the better.
- Forgiveness is always easier than resentment—and healthier.
- I can forgive myself all I want, but unless God has forgiven me, I get no peace.
- Nobody is free from insecurity or dysfunctions. Some are just better at hiding it.
- Life doesn’t last forever so speak the truth.
What process do you use to generate ideas?
Dennie Theodore
I read read read. And then I talk about it with friends till I figure out what I’m thinking. Then I write write write.
Don Martelli
Playing catch. Walking or listening to music. My creativity is fostered when I’m not thinking about something specific.
Shannon Van Roekel
I ask God to give me His ideas, which are better than mine all the time. Then I wait. Eventually something begins that I can only describe as brain percolation. It’s this craziness of ideas and connections that bubble up and spill over into story.
How might you use some of the interview responses? Let’s keep the conversation flowing, please comment.
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Posted in Career/Career Advice | 
Tags: career advice, Dennie Theodore, Don Martelli, Shannon Van Roekel
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Avil,
Much appreciated. Great round-up. Very honored to be grouped in with your other interviewees. Great stuff.
Hi Don,
I try to present the interviews in various ways to enhance the reader experience so they get much more. Thanks! Avil
What a great way to present this, Avil!
I really like how each one of us have learned that people and keeping relationships healthy with the people in our lives and businesses is vital!!
Hi Shannon,
They say that the way you view the world depends on where you are standing. I present the information in different ways so that readers can get another perspective. When they feel comfortable they can go through the archives and combine information in ways that I couldn’t even imagine. I hope that if some readers do that they will let us know so that we can all learn. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us. Avil
Avil, you’re a terrific inspiration and a reminder that good conversation and change is always possible!
Thank you Dennie! Isn’t it amazing and interesting the way you can present information just by combining things? Avil
Dennie Theodore certainly seems to have an impressive background in communication. The same could be said about Don Martelli. As for Shannon Van Roekel, I don’t see any impressive background in writing, but she does seem to present a passion for writing.
All three seem to present a good understanding of the need for planning, passion, and belief in their desire to succeed.
As for the advise to those just starting out I think Dennie presents the best solution. Communication on ther social level is very important in helping to build your business contacts.
I believe Don Martelli presents the most impressive life lessons learned so far.
If you were to ask me what my five lessons were I would say:
1. Be honest in your presentations. Develop a strong and close social network.
2. Include a good background in your profile so that others can understanding you better.
3. Write with passion.
4. Write as many articles or blogs as you can that ask for nothing but offer much.
5. Help others to succeed in their endeavors whenever you can.
Hopefully my comments will inspire others to comment as well and I was going to ask you for a friend request but lo and behold WE are already friends. So my next action will be to pull up your discussions you have posted and see what other great advise is offered. Best Wishes, Carl Mortimer
Carl,
Thank you for your very insightful and detailed response. I am sure that my readers will appreciate your efforts. It would be interesting to note what five lessons others have learned so far! Avil
Carl…thanks for the comment. I’m a no frills kind of guy and try to keep things very simple in my life. I don’t worry about situations that I can’t control and am always looking to learn new things. It’s a simple approach to life (both business and personal), but it seems to work. I agree with you wholeheartedly that helping others and being passionate about what you do goes a long way in this world.
Great conversation Avil. Thanks again for the opportunity.