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(Above Image: Tyler Hatton attends WSA retreat 2022. Image courteys of Tyler Hatton)
“Why do we do what we do—in life, in our careers, in our relationships—if we don’t share our experiences so someone else can learn from our struggles to lessen theirs? Or share our successes to accelerate their rewards?” wonders Erika Moody, FIIDA when asked about the importance of mentorship. “If you believe that is possible, which I do, then not only do you mentor, but you always stay curious and listen to others who have wisdom to share,” she adds. The President of Helix Architecture + Design knows firsthand that mentorship can be a transformative experience that can profoundly shape one's professional journey—not only at the beginning but throughout. “For our profession, mentorship will empower the next generation of designers to tackle tomorrow's design opportunities. It’s a non-negotiable. We have to mentor and always be willing to be mentored."
“There is something that can be learned from anyone,” says Moody, who believes in the power of listening and self-awareness in applying advice effectively. The foundation of a successful mentor-mentee relationship, according to her, is mutual respect, which fosters trust over time. “Throughout my career I have been given incredible mentors, some for the duration of a project (a really grumpy but brilliant owner’s rep comes to mind,) some for technical training, some for inspirational guidance, encouraging me to stretch from the comfort of who I am to seeing who I could be,” she says. “Many have remained with me throughout my entire career, including one I contact whenever I have exciting news and he gets as excited for me as he would for his own children," she adds. "My best mentors are counted as my closest friends. I truly am a collection of all of these people and so much stronger, bolder, and better for their abundant guidance.”
