interVivos is proud to feature an inspiring group of volunteer mentors for its Winter 2024 Mentorship Program.
This program is dedicated to highlighting the voices and expertise of volunteer BIPOC mentors, offering protégés the chance to learn from mentors whose perspectives are often underrepresented. interVivos remains committed to creating spaces that uplift diverse leaders and foster meaningful connections.
We asked each of the mentors to share one piece of career advice that they live by. Check out what they had to say in their own words.
Ajibola (Jibs) Adigun “A career advice I live by is: Start. Fail Fast, Fail Forward. This means taking the leap, even when it’s daunting, and embracing failure as a learning tool rather than a setback. Each misstep is an opportunity to gather insights, adapt, and build resilience. Progress isn’t always perfect, but every attempt brings you closer to your goals. By failing forward, you stay agile and open to growth, ultimately shaping a career grounded in persistence and self-improvement.”
Andrés Moreno “Your career is a marathon, not a race, and comparing yourself to others will only distract you from your journey ahead.”
CK Dhaliwal“The opposite of work is play is not work; it is depression.” – Professor Simon Sutton-Smith.Perhaps I am insane, but I actually enjoy my work. I think everyone should to some degree. I find ways to bring fun into things, even when times get tough in the workplace or my environment. My background in improv and sketch comedy helped me understand the importance of laughter and joy, so make sure to find what gets you going.”
Erick Estrada “We can only progress things at the pace of trust.”
Iris Dias “Don’t say no to yourself.”
Jinting Zhao “If you're not getting invited to the table, build your own table.”
Kayla Atkey “Be discerning and assertive in pursuing your career goals.”
Kyra Brown “The best career advice often depends on personal goals, values, and circumstances, but here’s some timeless guidance that helped shape my career path:
Follow your passion—learn to listen to your heart and trust yourself.
Never stop learning—ask questions and seek to understand.
Network actively and build meaningful relationships.
Embrace failure as a learning tool.
Focus on building skills, not just titles.
Seek balance between work and life.
Be proactive and take initiative.
Be patient and stay committed.
Seek feedback and act on it.
Be authentic and true to yourself.
Learn to adapt and be resilient—don’t give up.
Honour your whole self—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.”
Steven Lin “Know your why. If you are able to understand what drives you and what motivates you in your daily life, it is easier to set firm boundaries that allow you to say no to things that don’t align with who you want to be. It also allows you to live more congruently with the work or community-building you might want to engage in. I was fortunate to know my why at an early age and have found ways and opportunities that aligned with it.”
Stephanie Chai “If it’s not a 10, leave it behind. This originally related to desserts at a work function, but I’ve found I apply the concept in many areas of my life. It helps me evaluate whether what’s in front of me is truly what I want.”
Are you interested in being a mentor for an upcoming program? Email connect@intervivos.ca to find out more.
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