Mentor Myth: How to Take Control of Your Own Success

Mentors are over-utilized, under-trained and, as studies show, under-deliver. From an employer's perspective, assigning a mentor is often a band-aid to a larger problem. From an employee's perspective, a lack of formal mentorship is seen as a serious, career-inhibiting problem, the equivalent of sailing a boat without a rudder. In The Mentor Myth, Debby Carreau represents this dichotomy, explaining that while a mentor's counsel can be invaluable, it is not the silver bullet human resources professionals often purport it to be. The opinions of a mentor are one data point, one piece in the much more complex game of navigating a career. In fact, the increasing overreliance on mentorship can actually be a hindrance to a successful career. Instead of continually looking outward for career guidance, aspiring professionals must realize that they possess all the tools necessary to take control of their own careers by using their own strengths, capabilities, and visions of success. Through her years of experience consulting, speaking, and writing about career development, Debby has created a comprehensive, easy-to-implement guide for taking ownership of your professional success. Debby begins by helping the reader create a professional roadmap, including how to build a personal brand, project the right amount of confidence, and manage time. She addresses mentors in the context of networks and sponsors, advising the reader how to incorporate outward influences rather than be defined by them.

Recognized in 2013 and 2014 as one of Canada s Most Powerful Women, Debby Carreau is a proven leader, helping businesses deliver superior results by making better decisions about human capital. As CEO and Founder of Inspired HR, she uses her experience as a senior leader in Operations and Human Resource Management to advise businesses on optimizing the workplace experience and becoming an employer of choice. She helps businesses implement strategies to get the most out of their most valuable resource: people. Through her firm, Debby provides Human Resources support for over 200,000 employees across North America, cutting across a variety of industries such as construction, real estate development, hospitality, health and wellness, IT services, marketing and communications, insurance, large not-for-profits, and many others.
Debby is often asked to speak and write about workplace issues and developing talent for organizations, and is frequently interviewed regarding career development, women in the workplace, and creating the best work environments. Debby s recent coverage includes Harvard Business Review, the Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg Businessweek, CNBC, MSNBC, and BBC. She consults CEOs globally about the importance of human capital for business results and is a master moderator and platform partner for Sheryl Sandberg s Lean In Foundation. She holds an MBA and a professional designation in Human Resources.＂