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by Kadima Careers on Nov 14, 2024 10:04:05 AM
Can a single mentor relationship transform your entire career trajectory?
In this episode of the Steer Your Career podcast, Omar Halabieh, Director of Software Development at Amazon Middle East and Africa, shares his journey from software manager to director, emphasizing how strategic mentorship played a pivotal role in his advancement.
From securing his first mentor through an interview connection to leveraging these relationships for major career decisions, Omar provides practical advice on finding mentors, maintaining productive relationships, and standing out as a candidate in today's competitive job market. Discover why curiosity remains his top career advice and how investing in relationships before you need them can make all the difference.
Listen to the full episode to learn how to build your own powerful mentorship network.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
✅ Start with intention and specificity: Omar highlights the importance of being clear about what you want from mentorship. Instead of generic asks, approach potential mentors with specific areas you want to develop and why you chose them. Start with small time commitments to build chemistry before expanding the relationship.
✅ Respect fuels strong mentorship: The key to maintaining mentor relationships is respecting their time. Come prepared to meetings, drive the agenda as the mentee, provide updates on previous advice, and be honest about when you don't have topics to discuss. Creating this foundation of respect keeps mentors invested in your growth.
✅ Impact drives opportunity: When evaluating talent, Omar looks for people who maximize their opportunities to create impact, regardless of their role or company. He emphasizes that high performers demonstrate ownership and agency - not just doing their job well, but actively seeking ways to improve their organization and drive results.
Resources:
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