Making Mentors PART 3: The Ultimate Ripple Effect
Mar 22, 2024
Mar 22, 2024
Mar 22, 2024
Mar 22, 2024
In honor of Women’s History Month, we're celebrating the women who lead with empathy, tenacity, and goodness. We're paying tribute to the mentors, colleagues, teachers, and friends who found time to listen and see something that often escaped us in the mirror. We are better, wiser, and stronger because of you.
This week we had the privilege of chatting with our friends, Claire, Dave, and Sam. Read along as they weigh in on business ownership, their greatest fears, and the role of female leadership along the way.
Claire Knudsen
Founder & Owner, Soleil Studio • She/Her
Later this year, I’ll be opening my business, my baby, Soleil Studio—a fitness and wellness center in Harbor East. At its core, Soleil is rooted in human connection, marrying my passion for greater health with community. And as I set out to open my studio, a big part of that connection aspect starts with me.
It’s important that my entire team feel supported and empowered. In my role as a leader, a big focus of mine is to create a team of other female leaders. To many, that may seem counterintuitive, because raising leaders often means that they’ll set out on their own. But in my eyes, that’s the goal. I only hope that I can instill the skill and confidence in my team that drives them to go out into the world and do the same. I truly believe that the best leaders are the ones who build new leaders. The ultimate ripple effect.
Being a mentor to younger women isn’t a responsibility that I take lightly. It’s an opportunity to be a resource, a trusted guide, a safe haven for vulnerable moments. It’s also an opportunity for me to be the person that I needed so badly early in my career.
Over the past few months, I’ve been mentoring a woman, a future employee. She reminds me of myself so much, sometimes I feel like I’m staring in the mirror at 25-year-old Claire. Having the opportunity to be on the other side of conversations that I was navigating ten years ago is surreal, it’s truly full circle. But in a way, it’s also indicative of my own growth. I feel like I’m rewriting my past, giving her what I needed. It’s gratifying. That’s the ripple effect though, right? And in ten years from now, I hope she’s having these same conversations with the next generation of female leaders.
David Corsones
President, MOI • He/Him
When the Coven team reached out to me to speak on this topic, it made me pause. Female mentors have undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping my trajectory, but I paused to reflect on each of those moments that have led me here.
Each encounter, each coaching session, has been a stepping stone toward my success. These mentors, with their wisdom and experience, have not only imparted invaluable knowledge but have also nurtured my personal and professional growth. But it's not just the mentors; it's the vast network of female colleagues and peers that have adorned my journey with their presence. Through shared experiences and countless conversations, we've forged bonds that are incredibly important to me. These relationships, built on trust and mutual respect, have stood the test of time, enriching both my work life and my soul.
In the fast-paced world of business, diverse perspectives are incredibly important—something I’ve experienced firsthand time and time again. The viewpoints and lenses through which we examine challenges can often determine the outcome of our decisions. It's here that the voices of these women shine brightest. Their insights have broadened my horizons, ensuring that every angle is considered before taking the next step. As I stand at this juncture of my career, I can't help but acknowledge the doors that have been opened, the opportunities that have presented themselves, all thanks to the guidance and support of these incredible women. Their mentorship has not only propelled me forward but has also illuminated paths I never thought possible.
Success, I’ve found, is not a solitary journey—but a tapestry woven with the threads of those who lift us higher. It’s the stories of mentorship and camaraderie that remind us of that. I will forever be grateful to the women who have had such a massive impact on my life: My mom, my sister, and my wife for starters, but also the mentors and colleagues along the way, Karen Stratton, Susan Lee, Rachel Johnson, Heather Esposito, and Missy Jackson.
Sam Sherfey
E-Commerce Content Strategy Manager, Stanley Black & Decker • He/Him
Have you ever worked with someone who scared the hell out of you? That was my first day in advertising.
I was early to the office, eager to get started, and equipped with a really stupid mustache that felt like a good idea at the ripe age of 23. My boss was on vacation and told me to “find Lauren and she’ll figure it out.” So, I found Lauren. *Cue me being terrified.*
Lauren was direct in a way I didn’t expect and wasn’t prepared for. She knew what she wanted and she knew how to get shit done, it was both startling and impressive. And on my first day, Lauren did figure it out. And over the next two years at that agency, she continued to figure it out time and time again. Most notably, she figured out how to keep me from quitting on an occasion or two—Jess Brown (you might have heard of her) may have had a hand in that as well.
Lucky for me, Lauren saw something in that mustached kid. After our stint at that first agency, she called me one day out of the blue and asked if I’d like to be the first to join a new team she was building. That was one of the greatest compliments I’ve ever received. Obviously, I said yes. We’d go on to spend three more years working together, Lauren continuing to look out for me. She’d drag me and the rest of our team to safety during a re-org, go on an internal PR circuit to promote our team’s work, and somehow always find the time to check in on me.
I’d come to find out that Lauren, the one whom I was scared of on my first day on the job, would come to be one of the most compassionate leaders I’d ever work with. She’s a tenacious problem-solver, stopping at nothing to finish the job. She’s a protector and works harder than most people—charging through corporate red tape and passing over cross-functional roadblocks. She leads with grace, and she's had a tremendous impact on my career.
Thank you, Lauren Gallagher, for being one of my greatest mentors, and most importantly, for being a dear friend.
🗯️ Hear more from Sam by subscribing to his bi-weekly(ish) CPG & DTC newsletter, The Grocer.
——
Ahhhh, chills. Next week, we're wrapping up Women's History Month by weighing in ourselves. Stay tuned for the Coven team's take on a topic that is near and dear to our hearts.
In honor of Women’s History Month, we're celebrating the women who lead with empathy, tenacity, and goodness. We're paying tribute to the mentors, colleagues, teachers, and friends who found time to listen and see something that often escaped us in the mirror. We are better, wiser, and stronger because of you.
This week we had the privilege of chatting with our friends, Claire, Dave, and Sam. Read along as they weigh in on business ownership, their greatest fears, and the role of female leadership along the way.
Claire Knudsen
Founder & Owner, Soleil Studio • She/Her
Later this year, I’ll be opening my business, my baby, Soleil Studio—a fitness and wellness center in Harbor East. At its core, Soleil is rooted in human connection, marrying my passion for greater health with community. And as I set out to open my studio, a big part of that connection aspect starts with me.
It’s important that my entire team feel supported and empowered. In my role as a leader, a big focus of mine is to create a team of other female leaders. To many, that may seem counterintuitive, because raising leaders often means that they’ll set out on their own. But in my eyes, that’s the goal. I only hope that I can instill the skill and confidence in my team that drives them to go out into the world and do the same. I truly believe that the best leaders are the ones who build new leaders. The ultimate ripple effect.
Being a mentor to younger women isn’t a responsibility that I take lightly. It’s an opportunity to be a resource, a trusted guide, a safe haven for vulnerable moments. It’s also an opportunity for me to be the person that I needed so badly early in my career.
Over the past few months, I’ve been mentoring a woman, a future employee. She reminds me of myself so much, sometimes I feel like I’m staring in the mirror at 25-year-old Claire. Having the opportunity to be on the other side of conversations that I was navigating ten years ago is surreal, it’s truly full circle. But in a way, it’s also indicative of my own growth. I feel like I’m rewriting my past, giving her what I needed. It’s gratifying. That’s the ripple effect though, right? And in ten years from now, I hope she’s having these same conversations with the next generation of female leaders.
David Corsones
President, MOI • He/Him
When the Coven team reached out to me to speak on this topic, it made me pause. Female mentors have undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping my trajectory, but I paused to reflect on each of those moments that have led me here.
Each encounter, each coaching session, has been a stepping stone toward my success. These mentors, with their wisdom and experience, have not only imparted invaluable knowledge but have also nurtured my personal and professional growth. But it's not just the mentors; it's the vast network of female colleagues and peers that have adorned my journey with their presence. Through shared experiences and countless conversations, we've forged bonds that are incredibly important to me. These relationships, built on trust and mutual respect, have stood the test of time, enriching both my work life and my soul.
In the fast-paced world of business, diverse perspectives are incredibly important—something I’ve experienced firsthand time and time again. The viewpoints and lenses through which we examine challenges can often determine the outcome of our decisions. It's here that the voices of these women shine brightest. Their insights have broadened my horizons, ensuring that every angle is considered before taking the next step. As I stand at this juncture of my career, I can't help but acknowledge the doors that have been opened, the opportunities that have presented themselves, all thanks to the guidance and support of these incredible women. Their mentorship has not only propelled me forward but has also illuminated paths I never thought possible.
Success, I’ve found, is not a solitary journey—but a tapestry woven with the threads of those who lift us higher. It’s the stories of mentorship and camaraderie that remind us of that. I will forever be grateful to the women who have had such a massive impact on my life: My mom, my sister, and my wife for starters, but also the mentors and colleagues along the way, Karen Stratton, Susan Lee, Rachel Johnson, Heather Esposito, and Missy Jackson.
Sam Sherfey
E-Commerce Content Strategy Manager, Stanley Black & Decker • He/Him
Have you ever worked with someone who scared the hell out of you? That was my first day in advertising.
I was early to the office, eager to get started, and equipped with a really stupid mustache that felt like a good idea at the ripe age of 23. My boss was on vacation and told me to “find Lauren and she’ll figure it out.” So, I found Lauren. *Cue me being terrified.*
Lauren was direct in a way I didn’t expect and wasn’t prepared for. She knew what she wanted and she knew how to get shit done, it was both startling and impressive. And on my first day, Lauren did figure it out. And over the next two years at that agency, she continued to figure it out time and time again. Most notably, she figured out how to keep me from quitting on an occasion or two—Jess Brown (you might have heard of her) may have had a hand in that as well.
Lucky for me, Lauren saw something in that mustached kid. After our stint at that first agency, she called me one day out of the blue and asked if I’d like to be the first to join a new team she was building. That was one of the greatest compliments I’ve ever received. Obviously, I said yes. We’d go on to spend three more years working together, Lauren continuing to look out for me. She’d drag me and the rest of our team to safety during a re-org, go on an internal PR circuit to promote our team’s work, and somehow always find the time to check in on me.
I’d come to find out that Lauren, the one whom I was scared of on my first day on the job, would come to be one of the most compassionate leaders I’d ever work with. She’s a tenacious problem-solver, stopping at nothing to finish the job. She’s a protector and works harder than most people—charging through corporate red tape and passing over cross-functional roadblocks. She leads with grace, and she's had a tremendous impact on my career.
Thank you, Lauren Gallagher, for being one of my greatest mentors, and most importantly, for being a dear friend.
🗯️ Hear more from Sam by subscribing to his bi-weekly(ish) CPG & DTC newsletter, The Grocer.
——
Ahhhh, chills. Next week, we're wrapping up Women's History Month by weighing in ourselves. Stay tuned for the Coven team's take on a topic that is near and dear to our hearts.
In honor of Women’s History Month, we're celebrating the women who lead with empathy, tenacity, and goodness. We're paying tribute to the mentors, colleagues, teachers, and friends who found time to listen and see something that often escaped us in the mirror. We are better, wiser, and stronger because of you.
This week we had the privilege of chatting with our friends, Claire, Dave, and Sam. Read along as they weigh in on business ownership, their greatest fears, and the role of female leadership along the way.
Claire Knudsen
Founder & Owner, Soleil Studio • She/Her
Later this year, I’ll be opening my business, my baby, Soleil Studio—a fitness and wellness center in Harbor East. At its core, Soleil is rooted in human connection, marrying my passion for greater health with community. And as I set out to open my studio, a big part of that connection aspect starts with me.
It’s important that my entire team feel supported and empowered. In my role as a leader, a big focus of mine is to create a team of other female leaders. To many, that may seem counterintuitive, because raising leaders often means that they’ll set out on their own. But in my eyes, that’s the goal. I only hope that I can instill the skill and confidence in my team that drives them to go out into the world and do the same. I truly believe that the best leaders are the ones who build new leaders. The ultimate ripple effect.
Being a mentor to younger women isn’t a responsibility that I take lightly. It’s an opportunity to be a resource, a trusted guide, a safe haven for vulnerable moments. It’s also an opportunity for me to be the person that I needed so badly early in my career.
Over the past few months, I’ve been mentoring a woman, a future employee. She reminds me of myself so much, sometimes I feel like I’m staring in the mirror at 25-year-old Claire. Having the opportunity to be on the other side of conversations that I was navigating ten years ago is surreal, it’s truly full circle. But in a way, it’s also indicative of my own growth. I feel like I’m rewriting my past, giving her what I needed. It’s gratifying. That’s the ripple effect though, right? And in ten years from now, I hope she’s having these same conversations with the next generation of female leaders.
David Corsones
President, MOI • He/Him
When the Coven team reached out to me to speak on this topic, it made me pause. Female mentors have undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping my trajectory, but I paused to reflect on each of those moments that have led me here.
Each encounter, each coaching session, has been a stepping stone toward my success. These mentors, with their wisdom and experience, have not only imparted invaluable knowledge but have also nurtured my personal and professional growth. But it's not just the mentors; it's the vast network of female colleagues and peers that have adorned my journey with their presence. Through shared experiences and countless conversations, we've forged bonds that are incredibly important to me. These relationships, built on trust and mutual respect, have stood the test of time, enriching both my work life and my soul.
In the fast-paced world of business, diverse perspectives are incredibly important—something I’ve experienced firsthand time and time again. The viewpoints and lenses through which we examine challenges can often determine the outcome of our decisions. It's here that the voices of these women shine brightest. Their insights have broadened my horizons, ensuring that every angle is considered before taking the next step. As I stand at this juncture of my career, I can't help but acknowledge the doors that have been opened, the opportunities that have presented themselves, all thanks to the guidance and support of these incredible women. Their mentorship has not only propelled me forward but has also illuminated paths I never thought possible.
Success, I’ve found, is not a solitary journey—but a tapestry woven with the threads of those who lift us higher. It’s the stories of mentorship and camaraderie that remind us of that. I will forever be grateful to the women who have had such a massive impact on my life: My mom, my sister, and my wife for starters, but also the mentors and colleagues along the way, Karen Stratton, Susan Lee, Rachel Johnson, Heather Esposito, and Missy Jackson.
Sam Sherfey
E-Commerce Content Strategy Manager, Stanley Black & Decker • He/Him
Have you ever worked with someone who scared the hell out of you? That was my first day in advertising.
I was early to the office, eager to get started, and equipped with a really stupid mustache that felt like a good idea at the ripe age of 23. My boss was on vacation and told me to “find Lauren and she’ll figure it out.” So, I found Lauren. *Cue me being terrified.*
Lauren was direct in a way I didn’t expect and wasn’t prepared for. She knew what she wanted and she knew how to get shit done, it was both startling and impressive. And on my first day, Lauren did figure it out. And over the next two years at that agency, she continued to figure it out time and time again. Most notably, she figured out how to keep me from quitting on an occasion or two—Jess Brown (you might have heard of her) may have had a hand in that as well.
Lucky for me, Lauren saw something in that mustached kid. After our stint at that first agency, she called me one day out of the blue and asked if I’d like to be the first to join a new team she was building. That was one of the greatest compliments I’ve ever received. Obviously, I said yes. We’d go on to spend three more years working together, Lauren continuing to look out for me. She’d drag me and the rest of our team to safety during a re-org, go on an internal PR circuit to promote our team’s work, and somehow always find the time to check in on me.
I’d come to find out that Lauren, the one whom I was scared of on my first day on the job, would come to be one of the most compassionate leaders I’d ever work with. She’s a tenacious problem-solver, stopping at nothing to finish the job. She’s a protector and works harder than most people—charging through corporate red tape and passing over cross-functional roadblocks. She leads with grace, and she's had a tremendous impact on my career.
Thank you, Lauren Gallagher, for being one of my greatest mentors, and most importantly, for being a dear friend.
🗯️ Hear more from Sam by subscribing to his bi-weekly(ish) CPG & DTC newsletter, The Grocer.
——
Ahhhh, chills. Next week, we're wrapping up Women's History Month by weighing in ourselves. Stay tuned for the Coven team's take on a topic that is near and dear to our hearts.
In honor of Women’s History Month, we're celebrating the women who lead with empathy, tenacity, and goodness. We're paying tribute to the mentors, colleagues, teachers, and friends who found time to listen and see something that often escaped us in the mirror. We are better, wiser, and stronger because of you.
This week we had the privilege of chatting with our friends, Claire, Dave, and Sam. Read along as they weigh in on business ownership, their greatest fears, and the role of female leadership along the way.
Claire Knudsen
Founder & Owner, Soleil Studio • She/Her
Later this year, I’ll be opening my business, my baby, Soleil Studio—a fitness and wellness center in Harbor East. At its core, Soleil is rooted in human connection, marrying my passion for greater health with community. And as I set out to open my studio, a big part of that connection aspect starts with me.
It’s important that my entire team feel supported and empowered. In my role as a leader, a big focus of mine is to create a team of other female leaders. To many, that may seem counterintuitive, because raising leaders often means that they’ll set out on their own. But in my eyes, that’s the goal. I only hope that I can instill the skill and confidence in my team that drives them to go out into the world and do the same. I truly believe that the best leaders are the ones who build new leaders. The ultimate ripple effect.
Being a mentor to younger women isn’t a responsibility that I take lightly. It’s an opportunity to be a resource, a trusted guide, a safe haven for vulnerable moments. It’s also an opportunity for me to be the person that I needed so badly early in my career.
Over the past few months, I’ve been mentoring a woman, a future employee. She reminds me of myself so much, sometimes I feel like I’m staring in the mirror at 25-year-old Claire. Having the opportunity to be on the other side of conversations that I was navigating ten years ago is surreal, it’s truly full circle. But in a way, it’s also indicative of my own growth. I feel like I’m rewriting my past, giving her what I needed. It’s gratifying. That’s the ripple effect though, right? And in ten years from now, I hope she’s having these same conversations with the next generation of female leaders.
David Corsones
President, MOI • He/Him
When the Coven team reached out to me to speak on this topic, it made me pause. Female mentors have undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping my trajectory, but I paused to reflect on each of those moments that have led me here.
Each encounter, each coaching session, has been a stepping stone toward my success. These mentors, with their wisdom and experience, have not only imparted invaluable knowledge but have also nurtured my personal and professional growth. But it's not just the mentors; it's the vast network of female colleagues and peers that have adorned my journey with their presence. Through shared experiences and countless conversations, we've forged bonds that are incredibly important to me. These relationships, built on trust and mutual respect, have stood the test of time, enriching both my work life and my soul.
In the fast-paced world of business, diverse perspectives are incredibly important—something I’ve experienced firsthand time and time again. The viewpoints and lenses through which we examine challenges can often determine the outcome of our decisions. It's here that the voices of these women shine brightest. Their insights have broadened my horizons, ensuring that every angle is considered before taking the next step. As I stand at this juncture of my career, I can't help but acknowledge the doors that have been opened, the opportunities that have presented themselves, all thanks to the guidance and support of these incredible women. Their mentorship has not only propelled me forward but has also illuminated paths I never thought possible.
Success, I’ve found, is not a solitary journey—but a tapestry woven with the threads of those who lift us higher. It’s the stories of mentorship and camaraderie that remind us of that. I will forever be grateful to the women who have had such a massive impact on my life: My mom, my sister, and my wife for starters, but also the mentors and colleagues along the way, Karen Stratton, Susan Lee, Rachel Johnson, Heather Esposito, and Missy Jackson.
Sam Sherfey
E-Commerce Content Strategy Manager, Stanley Black & Decker • He/Him
Have you ever worked with someone who scared the hell out of you? That was my first day in advertising.
I was early to the office, eager to get started, and equipped with a really stupid mustache that felt like a good idea at the ripe age of 23. My boss was on vacation and told me to “find Lauren and she’ll figure it out.” So, I found Lauren. *Cue me being terrified.*
Lauren was direct in a way I didn’t expect and wasn’t prepared for. She knew what she wanted and she knew how to get shit done, it was both startling and impressive. And on my first day, Lauren did figure it out. And over the next two years at that agency, she continued to figure it out time and time again. Most notably, she figured out how to keep me from quitting on an occasion or two—Jess Brown (you might have heard of her) may have had a hand in that as well.
Lucky for me, Lauren saw something in that mustached kid. After our stint at that first agency, she called me one day out of the blue and asked if I’d like to be the first to join a new team she was building. That was one of the greatest compliments I’ve ever received. Obviously, I said yes. We’d go on to spend three more years working together, Lauren continuing to look out for me. She’d drag me and the rest of our team to safety during a re-org, go on an internal PR circuit to promote our team’s work, and somehow always find the time to check in on me.
I’d come to find out that Lauren, the one whom I was scared of on my first day on the job, would come to be one of the most compassionate leaders I’d ever work with. She’s a tenacious problem-solver, stopping at nothing to finish the job. She’s a protector and works harder than most people—charging through corporate red tape and passing over cross-functional roadblocks. She leads with grace, and she's had a tremendous impact on my career.
Thank you, Lauren Gallagher, for being one of my greatest mentors, and most importantly, for being a dear friend.
🗯️ Hear more from Sam by subscribing to his bi-weekly(ish) CPG & DTC newsletter, The Grocer.
——
Ahhhh, chills. Next week, we're wrapping up Women's History Month by weighing in ourselves. Stay tuned for the Coven team's take on a topic that is near and dear to our hearts.
Ready for more? Keep bantering.
