Published 6th Aug 2024
Mentee Viviana Cruz
Senior Communication Specialist
Siemens Energy North America Hub
Why did you apply to be a mentee?
I have always stumbled upon things by coincidence, and at some point, I didn’t know I needed them. This was the case with my career path. I always knew I wanted to be a professional worthy of admiration for being the most skilled in my role because I had few female role models nearby. When I joined a large corporation, I understood what role models were and began to emulate them. That’s why I found women in communications along my path to follow and learn from, absorbing the best of what they offer as individuals and how they tackle personal and professional challenges.
This is how I discovered GWPR and the annual mentorship. I was intrigued by the idea of having a mentorship with women in the same business and career. I wanted to know how they faced their demons to get where they were. So, I applied, and now it is a part of my personal and professional growth because being in the shoes of those who have been there is inspiring and proves that it is indeed possible.
What are you looking to achieve from the programme?
As part of a global communications team, having had the opportunity to move between countries and cultures, my interest is focused on the nuances of intercultural leadership, including resilience and collaboration with global and remote teams. Additionally, I aim to create networking opportunities for professional projects and benchmarking in diversity and inclusion, as well as sustainability activities, as these are my current focus areas.
I also want to learn about different storytelling styles, socio-political issues, and crisis management in various regions. Furthermore, I seek to understand comfort zones at work and now the influence of AI in PR and communications, which challenges us to step out of those comfort zones. Finally, I am interested in how AI will shape the daily role of a future communicator. The various sessions with renowned experts and the additional encounters that these mentorships generate are invaluable. They provide further perspectives and even more motivation to build on personal leadership, management skills, and problem-solving abilities without overlooking kindness as a critical leadership skill, which I admire the most.
What’s been your standout moment as a mentee so far?
Various moments have been outstanding. With my mentor, I mainly learned about her management style and how she handled challenges while leading different teams with candour and respect. She was sensitive to their concerns, especially when they were in their comfort zones. A couple of days ago, I had the opportunity to meet in person with the President of the GWPR Mexico Chapter; we got together, and that was another advanced mentoring session, not just in public relations and communications tactics but also in entrepreneurship and management. I met my former global manager, and we shared an experience in the field during one of the masterclasses. Finally, whenever I asked for something on our WhatsApp group and via email, I received many replies, all ready to have a conversation and share knowledge. That was fantastic!
Why would you advise others to apply to be a mentee?
First, we must understand that we can’t do it alone. We need female role models who are open to sharing their knowledge. We can benefit from others’ paths. As communicators, whether in corporations or owned firms, we drive change, and having a mentor is refreshing. It allows us to meet and network with women who empower other women with tools, resources, and encouragement to excel in public relations or communications. As women in communications, whether in corporations or agencies, we lead the positioning of female leadership in all sectors because we promote inclusivity in companies. This demonstrates that supporting each other is key so that, as a collective, with the sorority, we continue to drive real change and pursue a bigger purpose. Adopting a mindset of sharing knowledge means their success becomes our success. That’s my advice: we are here for each other, and you can support another woman in the future.
How are you using what you have learned as a mentee in your career?
With this expanded network and experience, I am benchmarking projects and ideas in communications within corporations and agencies. Additionally, I am keeping up with what is happening in other regions, observing different communications trends and reports to address similar industry challenges in corporations, such as employee engagement, DEI communications, or sustainability. Also, my mentor is helping me navigate the concepts of operational and collaborative models in communication areas. Going the extra mile to understand team members’ perspectives and the leader in charge of changes within the communications area is a tremendous support and provides invaluable external third-party advice. That is priceless.
