Mentorship in Motion: Building Reciprocal Relationships That Last

Mentorship in motion isn’t just a catchy phrase.  The concept of mentorship being in motion refers to the power created by a reciprocal, dynamic, and evolving relationship. Effective mentorship spans generations, career stages, and even industries, forming a web of support, insight, and growth for everyone involved.

Mentorship in Motion

At its core, mentorship is about connection. It’s about seeing and being seen, offering perspective while receiving fresh insight. Whether you’re a seasoned executive or just starting out, mentorship can be a catalyst for transformation—not just professionally, but personally.

One of the most overlooked aspects of mentorship is its fluidity. A mentor doesn’t have to be older, more senior, or even in the same field. Reverse mentorship—where younger professionals share their knowledge of emerging trends, technologies, or cultural shifts—is increasingly valuable. These relationships help leaders stay relevant, curious, and connected to the pulse of change.

Likewise, peer mentorship can be just as impactful. Having someone walk beside you, rather than ahead of you, creates space for vulnerability, shared learning, and mutual accountability. These relationships often evolve into deep friendships rooted in trust and growth.

Finding Mentorship that Lasts
Be Intentional

Start by identifying what you need. Are you seeking strategic guidance, emotional support, or help navigating a transition? Clarity will help you find the right fit—and communicate your needs effectively.

Look Beyond Titles

Mentors can come from unexpected places. A colleague in another department, a former client, or even someone you admire on LinkedIn might be the perfect person to reach out to. Don’t limit yourself to traditional hierarchies.

Ask Thoughtfully

When approaching a potential mentor, be specific. Share why you admire them, what you hope to learn, and how you envision the relationship. A thoughtful ask shows respect for their time and expertise.

Nurture the Relationship

Mentorship isn’t a transaction—it’s a relationship. Show up prepared, follow through on advice, and express gratitude. Check in regularly, even if it’s just a quick note or coffee catch-up.

Be a Mentor Yourself

No matter where you are in your journey, someone can benefit from your perspective. Share your story, offer encouragement, and be generous with your time. You don’t need all the answers—just a willingness to listen and support.

Embrace Evolution

Mentorships shift over time. Some deepen, others fade, and that’s okay. Stay open to new connections and let go of relationships that no longer serve either party.

Mentorship and Interdependence

In a world that often celebrates independence, mentorship reminds us of the power of interdependence. It’s not just about climbing the ladder—it’s about building bridges. When we invest in each other, we create a ripple effect of growth, belonging, and possibility.

Whether you’re seeking guidance or offering it, mentorship in motion is a practice worth cultivating. Because when we lift each other up, we all rise.  Reach out if you want to talk more about how mentorship can help – or how to find one.

Authenticity, Advocacy, and Ancestral Strength with Maychee Mua

In this powerful episode of  SuccessYourOwnWay, you’ll meet Maychee Mua, a 2025 Bush Fellow, systems change leader, and first-generation Hmong-Chinese American.  Maychee shares her transformative journey of identity, advocacy, and redefining success. Maychee is navigating cultural duality, discovering her own neurodivergence, pioneering autism policy in Minnesota, and raising neurodivergent children. Maychee’s story is one of resilience, authenticity, and community empowerment. She reflects on proud moments, the impact of mentorship, and the importance of ancestral strength.  She offers heartfelt advice for those seeking their voice and purpose. Her message encourages listeners to embrace nontraditional paths, take courageous risks, and lead with empathy and vision for future generations.

To learn more about the Maychee and the Bush Fellowship, visit: https://www.bushfoundation.org/fellows/maychee-mua/

Links to episode

About Maychee

Maychee Mua’s identity is woven through multiple roles—daughter, granddaughter, sibling, wife, and mother to neurodivergent children. Being neurodivergent herself (autistic and has ADHD), these roles have shaped her life experience, worldview, and leadership style.  Maychee is a first-generation Hmong Chinese American and the daughter of refugee parents.  She channels her ancestral legacy of resilience into systems change.

Maychee was one of the first people who worked with a team to implement Minnesota’s Medicaid autism program for children under 21 in 2015. She has built trust across diverse communities and dismantled systemic barriers with empathy, persistence and cultural insight. Additionally, she helped the State of Minnesota create its first cultural competency training for autism providers, created multilingual educational materials, and elevated the voices of autistic individuals and families.

As a 2025 Bush Fellowship Recipient, Maychee is deepening her leadership by reconnecting with her cultural roots, building a holistic healing framework, and designing culturally tailored resources that bridge Southeast Asian traditions with Western systems of care.

To learn more or connect with Maychee: www.linkedin.com/in/mmua 

Parenting in the Fast Lane

Parenting in the Fast Lane.  What does that mean and what does it have to do with coaching? Let me explain.  Parenting is a journey I have been on for over a decade – both enjoying and contemplating how to do it better.  One summer day, I was driving kids to their camps, and it got me thinking about the parallels between parenting and driving. Specifically driving on a busy highway—trying to keep up with traffic while still adhering to the speed limit. It’s a delicate balance between momentum and restraint, between external pressures and internal principles. Just like driving, parenting demands constant vigilance, quick decision-making, and the ability to adapt to changing conditions—all while staying true to your values.

Societal Pressures on Parenting

Have you been in the situation where you’ve been merging onto a freeway where everyone seems to be going 15 miles over the posted limit? If so, you may feel the pressure to accelerate, to match the pace, or else you become a hazard or get left behind. In parenting, this is similar to the societal race of milestones: early reading, competitive sports, advanced placement classes, curated social media profiles. The pressure to keep up with other families—whether it’s the neighbor’s child who speaks three languages or the Instagram-perfect birthday party—can be overwhelming. You don’t want your child to fall behind, but you also don’t want to lose control.

Interpreting Your Values in Context

The speed limit, in this metaphor, represents your core parenting values. It’s the boundary you set based on what you believe is safe, healthy, and right for your child. Maybe you value unstructured play over scheduled activities, or emotional intelligence over academic accolades. Sticking to the speed limit means honoring those values, even when the world around you seems to be speeding ahead. It’s resisting the urge to over-schedule, over-discipline, or over-achieve in the name of keeping up.

But here’s the catch: driving too slowly can be just as dangerous as speeding. In parenting, this translates to being too rigid, too disconnected from the realities your child faces. If you ignore the pace of the world entirely, your child might struggle to integrate socially or feel unprepared for life’s demands. So, you adjust—not by abandoning your values, but by interpreting them in context. You might allow more screen time during a tough school week or support a competitive pursuit if it aligns with your child’s passion.

The Importance of Flexibility

Parenting, like driving, is full of unpredictable moments: sudden stops, detours, road rage, and breakdowns. You learn to anticipate, to read the signs, to know when to accelerate and when to ease off. You teach your child to navigate their own road, not by racing ahead, but by understanding the rules, respecting others, and trusting their own judgment.

Steering with Intention

Ultimately, parenting in the fast lane reminds us that parenting isn’t about winning a race—it’s about arriving safely, together. It’s about being present in the journey, not just focused on the destination. You may not always match the speed of traffic, but if you stay aware, stay grounded, and stay connected to your child, you’ll find your rhythm. And in that rhythm, there’s grace, growth, and the quiet joy of knowing you’re steering with intention. Believe it or not, coaching can help you steer with intention – whether that steering is focused on your career, your family, or any decision or change you are navigating.  Reach out if you want to talk more about how coaching can help you see through the fog of life and steer with intention.

A Mindset Shift That Unlocks Growth

Are you in need of a mindset shift that unlocks growth? In the pursuit of personal and professional growth, one of the most subtle yet powerful shifts we can make is moving from rationalizing to scrutinizing. Rationalizing is the art of self-justification—explaining away decisions, behaviors, or outcomes to preserve comfort or avoid discomfort. Scrutinizing, on the other hand, is the practice of honest examination—inviting curiosity, accountability, and truth into the conversation. This shift isn’t about self-criticism; it’s about self-leadership.

Rationalizing vs Scrutinizing

Rationalizing often shows up in moments of tension or ambiguity. We might say, “I didn’t have time,” when the truth is we didn’t prioritize. Or, “They wouldn’t have listened anyway,” when we’re avoiding a difficult conversation. These stories protect us from vulnerability, but they also keep us stuck. They reinforce patterns that feel safe but limit our capacity to evolve.

Scrutinizing interrupts that cycle. It asks: What’s really going on here? It’s the mindset of a coach, a strategist, a learner. Instead of defending our choices, we examine them. We look at the data of our own behavior—not to judge, but to understand. Scrutinizing invites us to ask better questions: What assumptions am I making? What fear is driving this decision? What outcome am I avoiding?

This shift is especially powerful for leaders and entrepreneurs—those who operate in high-stakes, high-autonomy environments. When we rationalize, we outsource responsibility to circumstance. When we scrutinize, we reclaim agency. We become architects of our own growth.

Impact on Leadership

Consider a leader who rationalizes a team’s underperformance by blaming market conditions. That story may be partially true, but it also obscures opportunities for improvement. A scrutinizing mindset would explore internal dynamics, communication gaps, or strategic misalignment. It would turn the mirror inward—not to assign blame, but to uncover leverage.

Scrutinizing also deepens authenticity. When we stop rationalizing, we stop performing. We start showing up with more transparency, more humility, and more clarity. This builds trust—with ourselves and with others. It creates space for reinvention, because we’re no longer clinging to old narratives.

How to Adjust

The transition isn’t always comfortable. Scrutinizing requires courage. It means sitting with discomfort, naming what’s hard, and choosing growth over ego. But it’s also liberating. It frees us from the exhausting task of defending our limitations and opens the door to new possibilities.

To begin this shift, start small. Notice your internal dialogue. When you catch yourself rationalizing, pause. Ask: What am I avoiding? What’s the truth beneath this story? Then, get curious. Replace judgment with inquiry. Over time, this practice rewires your mindset—from one that protects to one that evolves.

How Coaching Helps

In coaching, this shift is often the turning point. It’s where transformation begins—not with a new strategy, but with a new lens. When we move from rationalizing to scrutinizing, we stop managing appearances and start leading from truth. And that’s where real growth lives. Reach out if you want to chat more about how this mindset shift can unlock your growth.

The Power of Process: Yifat’s Story of Transformation

In this episode of Success Your Own Way, Yifat Rogers shares her journey from growing up in Israel to becoming a food scientist, corporate leader, and now a consultant. A study abroad experience at NC State sparked her passion for food engineering, leading to a Master’s degree and PhD. Though she once aimed to be a professor, she pivoted to a 12-year career at General Mills before launching her own consulting business.

Yifat reflects on the pivotal decisions to study abroad and prioritize her health, which led to a 70-pound weight loss and renewed vitality. Her scientific background enabled her to make informed choices regarding nutrition, prioritizing long-term health metrics over short-term fixes.

She credits mentors for shaping her path and encourages others to challenge career “shoulds,” reflect on what truly matters, and trust the process. Her story is a powerful reminder that success is personal, nonlinear, and worth pursuing with intention.

The Power of Process: Yifat’s Story of Transformation

About Yifat

Yifat Rogers is a seasoned consultant with 20+ years in Food Science, Engineering, and Project Management. Her shift from corporate life to solopreneurship redefined success, prioritizing fulfillment alongside achievement. She founded Yaniv Consulting, leveraging her “Eureka Framework”—a fusion of mindset, expertise, and process—to drive transformative breakthroughs. Known for her curiosity, authenticity, and deep commitment to clients’ success, she fosters trust, motivation, and growth. Her expertise in strategic coaching and human development makes her a trusted partner in navigating career and personal growth. Through Yaniv Consulting, she empowers individuals to define success on their own terms, creating impact with purpose and balance.

Reach out if you want to talk more about how to achieve your definition of success!

Getting Out of Your Own Way

Getting out of your own way on your path to success can be challenging.  Change is thrilling, but let’s be honest—it’s messy too. Whether you’re aiming to reinvent your career, lead a transformation, or simply break an unproductive habit, the biggest obstacle often isn’t external. It’s you. Or rather, the internal dialogue, assumptions, and behaviors that quietly sabotage progress. Getting out of your own way isn’t about hustle—it’s about clarity, commitment, and courage.

Here’s how to shift gears and drive change more effectively:

🔍 Recognize Your Resistance

Before you can shift, you have to spot the friction. Are you procrastinating? Overanalyzing? Seeking perfection? These aren’t character flaws—they’re often protective strategies your brain uses to avoid discomfort. Name them. When you label resistance (e.g., “I’m delaying because I fear rejection”), you disarm its power.

🧩 Refocus on Your Why

Change without meaning feels like a chore. Reconnect with your purpose—what impact will this change make? How will it shape the life, team, or organization you envision? Anchor into a meaningful “why” that’s so compelling it trumps the discomfort of the unknown. Let it be the compass that guides every decision.

🚪 Simplify Your Strategy

A bloated plan can paralyze action. Instead, choose one action that nudges you forward—make the call, write the email, say yes. When you do this consistently, momentum builds, and the path becomes clearer. Complexity is often a sophisticated form of avoidance. Instead, ask: “What’s the simplest next move I can make today?”

🗣️ Challenge Your Narrative

We’re natural storytellers—and sometimes, that story is “I’m not ready,” “I need more time,” or “What if I fail?” If your mental monologue reinforces doubt more than possibility, reframe it. Shift from “What if this goes wrong?” to “What if this works?” The story you tell yourself influences the outcomes you chase.

👥 Engage Trusted Voices

You don’t have to do this solo. Invite feedback from mentors, coaches, or trusted peers. Sometimes, an outside perspective can spot a blind spot or re-energize your confidence. The right conversation at the right time can dissolve hesitation and fuel courage.

🌱 Embrace Discomfort as Growth

Growth rarely feels graceful in the moment—it’s awkward, emotional, and often uncertain. But that discomfort is fertile ground. Instead of resisting it, learn to sit with it. Ask yourself, “What is this discomfort trying to teach me?” That’s often where breakthroughs are born.

🚀 Get Out of Your Own Way

Getting out of your own way isn’t a one-time act—it’s a continuous practice of awareness, intention, and humility. Real change starts when you stop trying to be perfect and start showing up—even if imperfectly. That’s where possibility lives.  Reach out if you want to talk more about strategies you can use to break through and make the change you are seeking.