[Rășcanu Report] Lesson 5: Find a Mentor. Be a Mentor. Thank a Mentor.


The Rășcanu Weekly Report

Lesson 5: Find a Mentor. Be a Mentor. Thank a Mentor.
By
Alex Rășcanu

Good morning,

This week’s lesson is drawn from my experiences with mentorship and the profound impact it can have in our lives.

Mentorship is a bridge between potential and achievement, guided by wisdom and fueled by connection.

Mentors aren’t just advisors; they’re catalysts for growth and transformation. Their guidance helps us navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and realize our fullest potential.

Five Mentors Who Shaped My Journey:

  1. Professor Sandford Borins
    As a research assistant for Professor Borins at the University of Toronto, I learned invaluable lessons in critical thinking, creativity, and integrity. Over the years, his mentorship has continued to inspire me, serving as a reminder of the importance of staying both focused and curious.
  2. Trina Boos
    After she spoke at an event I organized, Trina graciously met me over brunch to offer thoughtful career advice. Through her remarkable ability to listen, she connected me with a great employment opportunity that wasn’t publicly posted but was perfectly suited to my skills and aspirations.
  3. Ana Vidovic
    Ana hired and mentored me during my time in provincial government public policy development and program management. Her guidance deepened my understanding of creating impactful policies and programs that drive positive change in communities.
  4. Mary Beshai
    Mary mentored me on effective stakeholder engagement and the intricacies of new program development. Her expertise and encouragement helped me build stronger relationships and craft innovative solutions tailored to diverse needs.
  5. Alex Goldstein
    Alex is a friend, mentor, and constant source of inspiration. His focus, hard work, and ability to deliver results across a broad range of projects demonstrate the power of vision and perseverance in achieving success.

Mentorship is more than guidance—it’s about genuine care, deep listening, and a shared commitment to growth.

Suggested Action Steps:

  1. Reflect on Mentorship: Ask yourself, who has played a mentoring role in your life? What lessons have they imparted, and how have those lessons shaped you?
  2. Be a Mentor: Identify someone in your life who could benefit from your guidance. Take a step toward helping the person uncover his/her potential.
  3. Express Gratitude: Reach out to a mentor who has made a difference in your life and share how the person's support has impacted you.

Remember: Mentorship isn’t just a one-time act—it’s a lifelong relationship built on trust, growth, and mutual respect. By embracing mentorship, we not only grow ourselves but also create opportunities for others to thrive.

Here’s to fostering meaningful connections and making a lasting impact!

All the best,
Alex Rășcanu

P.S. How has mentorship impacted your life? I’d love to hear your story—reply to this email to share your thoughts.

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