Michelle Y. Talbert, Esq. - Lawyer Mentorship Strategist™️

Two simple things to remember: 1. Every now and again think back to when you prayed for this. 2. Somewhere out there someone is praying to be where you are now.

Talkadot is a game changer. Great advice!

Do you remember the last time that you leaned forward while someone was presenting/speaking? In addition to reading widely these tips can help with your own storytelling: 1. When you read…read out loud & record yourself. Deliver the text (fiction or non) with voice inflections, humor, drama, movement 2. Think back to some of your fave talks and write a list of things you liked—cadence, movement on stage, interactivity, blue sky free write what you liked (bonus do same for anything you didn’t) 3. Go for a walk/ride/run-become an expert observer then share a takeaway with a friend in story form 4. Practice! (in my Allen Iverson voice) 5. Have fun! If you can have fun you’ll put your listeners at ease & they will too

In over 20 years of active mentorship, along with teaching how to be both an effective mentor AND an effective mentee, I can't stress enough that BOTH the mentor and the mentee own the relationship. And in many instances, I lean toward the mentee having even more responsibility and "ownership" than the mentor. The following tips are most effective before the relationship begins but can be implemented at any time: 1. The mentee needs to be clear about her purpose and desired result 2. She needs to have a specific goal and milestones 3. She needs to be sure that the mentor is the right fit/skills for achievement 4. She needs to be COACHABLE and willing to be thoughtful and implement/discuss but not combat her mentor

If you're like most of us who are women and/or members of the Global Majority you don't have imposter syndrome! You've been treated like an imposter! The difference is that no matter how confident or credentialed you may be, you're human. And if you exist in the environments that don't value you/your contributions, then the moniker is not a YOU problem. It's a 'them' problem, that unfortunately impacts you. You can acknowledge the "success" of BEing YOU. In all your glory and value. Find your Squad. Love them hard and let them love you back! For we know that's how you'll be able to survive another day of being treated like an imposter! You've got this! You belong! You've got Squad! & #weallwin 🧡

In over 30 years of professional development study and practice the most fruitful ways to netowrk in your industry are: 1. Be interested Show your interest not just in your industry but in what thought leaders are saying. Study who you agree and disagree with. Reach out & connect with them virtually and in person. 2. Be interesting Write, speak, share your thoughts. Be a contrarian if appropriate. Increase your visibility and share your thought leadership. Mentor those coming up behind you, as well.