Host: Christopher L. Camp, M.D., Creator & Guide | Mayo Clinic Human Optimization Project

Guest: Charanjit S. Rihal, M.D., MBA

William S. and Ann Atherton Professor of Cardiology - Department of Cardiovascular Medicine | Chair, Mayo Clinic People and Culture Committee, Member Board of Trustees - Mayo Clinic – Rochester, MN

We are all a product of our environment, and this includes the people we surround ourselves with. Anyone that has achieved a level of success knows that they didn’t do it completely alone. One of the key ingredients to success in all activities is having high quality mentorship. A good mentor is worth their weight in gold, but how do we FIND a good mentor? And equally important, how can we BE a good mentor to others? That’s what we’ll discuss with our expert guest, Dr. Chet Rihal.

The three big questions we will cover include:

What qualities make up a good mentor and why do we need one?
What are the most common mistakes we make when trying to find a mentor or be a mentor?
What steps can we take toidentify a good mentor, and serve as a mentor to others?

How to start a Mayo Clinic Human Optimization Project “Pod-Club”:
Step 1: Find 2-30 friends who want to get better
Step 2: Choose your episodes (can be focused on specific themes or random)
Step 3: Listen to/watch the episodes
Step 4: Meet with your group to work through the provided discussion questions for each episode, and feel free to add your own!
Step 5: Celebrate the fact that you are turning passive knowledge into action!

Discussion Questions for this Episode:

Dr. Rihal defines mentorship as a relationship that helps one achieve their optimal professional self. How does this definition differ from your initial understanding of mentorship?
How does the concept of mentorship differ from sponsorship, according to Dr. Rihal's explanation? How have you experienced mentorship and / or sponsorship in your career?
What are the primary benefits of having a mentor, as described by Dr. Rihal, beyond just technical or professional guidance?
Dr. Rihal suggests that mentors can help mentees see potential they might not recognize themselves. Can you recall a time when someone else saw potential in you that you hadn't recognized?
What are the key qualities Dr. Rihal identifies as essential for a good mentor, and which of these do you find most crucial?
Dr. Rihal emphasizes that mentees should avoid trying to become a carbon copy of their mentor. What steps can a mentee take to ensure they develop their own unique professional identity?
What are the most common mistakes mentors make, and how can mentees avoid falling into the trap of mistaking their mentor for an “oracle” with all the answers?
Dr. Rihal suggests that individuals can eventually become their own mentor by understanding their goals and drivers. What is one step you can take this week to better understand your own internal drivers?

Learn more about the Human Optimization Project at: https://ce.mayo.edu/optimize
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Instagram: @MayoHumanOpProj
YouTube: The Human Optimization Project - YouTube

Email: optimize@mayo.edu