Balconies – understanding when to dream and when to look at the current step
A Moment Worth Pausing For: Reflections on Growth, Mentorship, and Trust
LinkedIn and any platform seeking value capture can feel a bit noisy sometimes—full of reposts and surface-level updates—so I wanted to share something more personal and meaningful from my week.
A Balcony Moment: Witnessing Growth Come Full Circle
I recently had one of those unexpected “on the balcony” moments—the kind that catches you off guard and lingers in your thoughts long after. It’s had me reflecting deeply. Without diving too far into the details, one of the roles I’ve carried throughout my career is mentoring and coaching emerging leaders—both within my organization and among our partners.
Years ago, I was part of a team driving transformative change within an educational business unit. I wasn’t the only one planting seeds, but I had the privilege of helping nurture them—guiding people through uncertainty, growth, and the messy middle of change. One of those seeds, in particular, recently reminded me just how powerful that journey can be.
1. Growth Takes Time — and a Willingness to Stretch
Working within Higher Education’s business units during times of transformation, I often find myself stepping into the role of mentor. These moments aren’t scripted—they emerge in the middle of change, uncertainty, and opportunity. The path is rarely smooth. There are honest conversations, uncomfortable stretches, and plenty of learning—for both of us. But when trust takes root, something powerful happens. That trust becomes the launchpad for real growth—growth that’s not just professional, but deeply human.
2. Mentorship Isn’t Always Linear & Growth Isn’t Always a Straight Line
At first, this person didn’t fully lean into the mentoring process. There were hesitations, pauses, and moments of resistance. But they never completely shut the door. They stayed just open enough to wrestle with feedback, reflect honestly, and push their own boundaries. And that’s where the real transformation began—not in perfection, but in the willingness to keep showing up and stretching.
3. Transformation Is Powerful to Witness
Recently, I had the chance to observe this individual in a professional setting—and what I saw was extraordinary. They showed up with confidence, clarity, and a presence that was unmistakably their own. It was a full-circle moment that genuinely moved me. I asked for their permission to share what I saw and offered heartfelt compliments. It felt important to acknowledge how far they’d come.
4. Human Moments Matter
In a world that often celebrates loud wins and fast results, this experience reminded me of the quiet power of human growth. The kind that happens over time, through trust, reflection, and resilience. These are the moments that matter most—the ones that remind us why we lead, why we mentor, and why we keep showing up.
