CEMA Newsletter: August 2024

The Transformational Impact of Mentorship in Experiential Marketing: Insights from CEMA Summit

By Angie Smith and Heather Schneider

A Meeting of Minds: The Origin of Our Topic  

Heather:  

Just a few months ago, as I was planning for Summit ‘24, I found myself reflecting on how much inspiration and support Angie has provided me in just two years – a connection that all started with a vulnerable moment at CEMA Summit last year. After one of her speaking sessions, I felt compelled to approach her. I had been following Angie for some time, always admiring her unabashed professionalism and authenticity. There was something about her presence that day that struck a chord with me. I had a gut feeling that someone like Angie was exactly the kind of person I wanted as a mentor.  

So, without a second thought, I walked up to her and directly asked if she would consider being my mentor. I will admit, I first paid a compliment about her wardrobe. We all need an icebreaker, right?  

As a CEMA member and now a new board member, I not only see the immense value that the organization offers, but I also experience it firsthand. I realized that this was the story I wanted to share at Summit – one that was deeply personal, but also a testament to the power of mentorship within our industry. And as I thought more about it, I knew this wasn’t just my story to tell; it was ours. That’s how the idea for this co-lead session came to be.  

Leading the Session: Vulnerability and Authenticity 

Angie:  

Heather kicked off the session with a candid admission of her nerves, but she quickly turned that into an expression of excitement about sharing something deeply meaningful to her. In that moment, I knew we had set the tone for a session rooted in vulnerability and authenticity.  
 
As the session unfolded, there was a moment when I had to look away from Heather and remind myself to stay composed. It’s one thing to discuss the value of mentorship in a private setting, but hearing Heather openly express the personal significance of our relationship in front of a live audience almost became overwhelming in the best possible way.  
 
The Q&A session was a testament to how engaged the audience was. The conversation flowed effortlessly, with participants eager to share their own mentorship experiences. One of my mentees even took the opportunity to speak how mentorship had empowered him to ask his manager for a job title and salary that aligned with his ambitions – a step he admitted he might not have taken without the support and honesty from his mentors.  

Looking Ahead: The Future of Mentorship 

Angie and Heather:  

The key takeaway from our session was that learning and growth are not solitary endeavors. Mentorship is a journey, one that requires vulnerability, honesty, and a willingness to listen. You can ask someone to be your mentor, but that’s just the beginning. The onus is on you to come prepared with your goals and expectations.  

As we move forward, we’re excited about continuing this conversation. There’s so much more to explore, particularly the nuances of mentorship within a personal board of directors. Mentorship, like any relationship, evolves. Sometimes, you outgrow your mentor, or your needs change, and that’s okay. It’s crucial to be realistic about whether a mentor is still the right person for you. Our session at the CEMA Summit was just the beginning of a much larger conversation about how we can continue to support each other in our professional journeys.  

For those who attended our session, we thank you for your engagement and your stories. For those who missed it, we hope this article gives you a glimpse of the transformative power of mentorship in our industry. Please follow THIS LINK for additional information and how you can begin.  
 
– Sincerely,  
Angie Smith and Heather Schneider