Do you remember the first person that believed in you as much, or maybe even more, than you believed in yourself?  Did someone inspire you to become something bigger than you knew was possible for yourself?  Maybe it was a teacher in school, a professor in college, or just a peer who looked up to you.  I don’t mention family here, although family is and has always been a huge source of support for me.  What I’m focusing on here is someone who said something to you that was unexpected and unsolicited that caught you off guard and made you think, “Finally, the hard work is paying off!”  Maybe it was someone you observed that inspired you to work harder, or in the worst-case-scenario some jerk who discouraged you from moving forward in some way, which resulted in motivating you to reach your true potential.

I believe these people exist in all of our lives and mine is no exception.  If I had to recommend three specific individuals to search for, I would look for someone who inspires you, someone who helps move you forward, and someone who cheers you along the way.  I am fortunate to have each.

The individual who inspired me was professional, matter of fact, but friendly.  I learned from this person that working mothers wake at all hours of the night to feed their newborns, sometimes twins, and then rise early in the morning in hopes of having enough peace to get a shower.  Working moms drop their kids at daycare, catch the train to the city, walk to work, only to know their day has just begun.  These women are revolutionaries without even seeing them conduct a meeting!  And when they do, watch out… they’re no pushovers.  Yes, I knew one day I’d like to have someone look at me and think I kicked ass the way this woman did, and I will.

The next significant figure came into my life soon after and we should all be so lucky to have a person in our lives like her.  She is radiant, professional, brilliant, and genuine.  She exemplified everything I wanted to be and as we got to know each other better, she became my first mentor.  One thing I am most grateful to her for is confiding in me some critical information that changed what I saw as possible for myself in terms of earnings potential.  I encourage more women to share this information because it is the only way we will bridge the gap.  She also committed herself to helping me move forward with my career and she landed me the interview with the company I’m with now.  She continues to help me in business settings by introducing me to new business leaders and always says the nicest things about me to others.  She is my fan and I am hers.  She is my mentor, my friend, and my home away from home.

My next mentor is the person I will choose as Chairman of my Board of Directors one day.  He encourages me to keep dreaming big and always finds time in his hectic and demanding schedule to answer my questions and give sound advice.  He has opened doors for me and introduced me to some amazing individuals in the industry.  Above all, he has been a trusted friend through good and bad times.  In the end, this is what matters most from anyone you let into your life, especially someone you look to guide you through difficult decisions and changes.  He is the kind of person whose positive energy is infectious.   We are each other’s biggest believers.

So search your memories and look back and remember the experiences that have had a lasting impression on you.  They have shaped who you are and it is never too late to show gratitude.  I encourage you to send a note to these individuals and let them know the difference they have made in your career and in your life.  Let’s face it; these days a lot of our careers can consume our lives!  Next, and just as important: be a mentor.  Take the time to get to know a new hire at your company; you can make a huge impact on their career.  One thing I truly believe is what you give to others, you get back tenfold.