Create a Mentor Culture : How to Mentor with Heart and Start a Ripple Effect

Imagine a world where everyone has a mentor, where everyone has an experienced guide throughout each stage of life and throughout their careers. A world with mentors for all would be a better world, where everyone is lifted up to their full potential. Imagine the possibilities if every child, every teen, every student, every adult and every employee had the opportunity to learn and grow from someone else. That is the world envisioned in these pages, and what we should all be working toward.

Mentoring has existed for centuries, yet it’s only gained more traction and understanding in the last five years. Is it spreading due to social media and the online world—or are people ready to embrace more meaningful connections? How can mentoring enrich our lives and careers? How can I find a mentor outside my company? How can I be an inspiring mentor?

These are some of the questions Create a Mentor Culture addresses, while also offering practical insights and advice on how to bring mentor programs to life in your organization or community.

This book also includes insights on how to be an effective mentor or mentee, and explains how mentorship differs from other relationships such as coaching, sponsorship or managing.

Helen Patterson teaches us how being a mentor with heart will start a ripple effect in our companies, communities and even in the world.

Helen Patterson is the founder of Life Works Well, helping organizations build healthy, high-performance and heart-centered cultures where people thrive and businesses grow.With over 20 years of experience across HR leadership, employment law, learning and development, and more, Helen blends strategic people expertise with a deeply human approach. She has partnered and worked with leading Canadian brands including CIBC, ADP Canada, Canadian Media Producers, MI Concept and Design, Foot Locker, Champs, and The Northern Group, and now supports purpose-driven small and growing businesses across sectors. Helen was a professor of HR and former lead editor and author of two Thomson Reuters HR publications - Employment Policies that Work and Best Practice Terminations. Mentorship is at the core of Helen's mission. A prior Chair of Mentorship for HRPA Toronto West and a Top 5 Mentor of the Year (Futurpreneur), and Female Mentor of the Year (Black Mentorship Inc.) she believes mentorship is built through the everyday moments that create belonging, confidence, and future leaders.Outside of her work, Helen can be found travelling, walking, enjoying sunrise and sunset views, spending time with her family and friends, or creating community through heart-centred conversations.