Business Mentoring & Coaching

Differences Between Mentoring & Coaching

On the surface, mentoring and coaching can seem like the same thing and are often confused to mean the same thing. They are very different. While Mentorship seems like a simple concept; two people coming alongside one another for a specific purpose or goal, building a relationship is based on trust and growth.  

But when you dive deeper into the process of mentoring someone or being mentored, you quickly learn that effective mentorship has many intricacies woven throughout. Things like mutual learning and development, life-long experience and guidance, tools for growth in key areas of your life, and someone who is experienced in listening and able to help shift you in the right direction.  

Why Do I Need A Coach?

Working with a coach is often needed when a specific area of learning is desired. Coaching is more short term than mentoring and is very laser focused on a desired outcome.

Where Did My Passion for Equipping Women Begin? 

I actually realized about 15 years ago, that I was mentoring, coaching and developing women organically and professionally and didn’t even know it or put a label on it.  I have always been a natural encourager for women.  I love to invest in them, but much more than just being a Cheerleader, I need to put my Maximizer into action and equip women to be a better version of themselves.  I can see more and farther than they can.

What Areas of Life Can A Mentor or Coach Be A Benefit?

Typically, we aren’t stuck in all areas of life at the same time.  Thank goodness!  My focus is primarily on the Personal, Professional and Spiritual areas of life.  We start with some worksheets that help you focus and find some clarity of where you are as a benchmark.

What Are Some Long-Term Benefits of Mentoring?

Once you have set in place some systems and tools for growth in any area of life, you have a foundation to build upon.  You have a place to return to again and again.  The process of mentorship can be applied over and over.  It might not be a “one and done” experience but you never start at the same place.  You hopefully have progressed down your path much further together than you could have alone.

Why Should You Invest In Either One?

Have you heard the phrase “Change is hard, you go first?”  Yes, change is always hard, but oh so beneficial and rewarding to the soul.  Any victory no matter how small is worth celebrating and is always moving us closer to our next victory or goal.  

We are always “better together”.  Anytime you are willing to invest in yourself, you win.  Don’t think you are not worth it!

“A person can go further than they ever thought they could, when someone else thinks they can!” Zig Zigler

Read What Women Are Saying….

Sandy, you are such a blessing to me. God sent you into my life at a time when I truly needed it! Our conversations helped me to grow spiritually and emotionally. You were crucial in helping me discover who and I am and the gifts and talents the Lord has given me. My assignments always brought something out of me that I didn’t know was there. Your questions and spirit-led strategy guided me forward in my professional life. I truly am grateful for God partnering us together for his purpose and yours!

Myra JohnsonMentee

Sandy was my Mentor during my time in the Crowell School of Business MBA program.  Sandy was very inspiring and compassionate.  She always had me look at things in different ways to help me to answer my own questions.  She was truly a mentor that was insightful and helped me to see things from multiple perspectives. Sandy continued to monitor my progress, offering incredibly helpful advice on a regular basis, and served as a sounding board or strategist, depending on what I needed.  She is also a great sounding board for balance of career and family life.  Her door was always open, and she was always willing to meet and share ideas.  Most important to me after all of this is that we became friends.  She poured herself into me selfishly and I am so grateful now for her friendship.

Beth Mentee

There was an instant connection to Sandy, as we dove into the goals I had outlined for the 10-week program. Sandy gave her undivided attention during our Zoom calls. She offered wonderful insight, provided extremely helpful exercises, and gave overwhelming encouragement (which she continues to do). I am extremely humbled by the generous amount of time and energy she has invested in my growth.

Brenda PamperinMastermind

It has been such a joy and honor working with Sandy as my mentor this past year. I met Sandy while earning my Master of Management, Non-Profit Organization. With an undergraduate degree in teaching, I never expected I would be in a business program and journeying down a new career path. There were so many unknowns, but Sandy helped bring clarity to my vision and purpose with her extensive knowledge and years of experience helping women in business. She has given me the confidence I need moving forward and has always been there offering support in any way possible. Sandy kept me motivated throughout grad school, job searching, and Covid-19. I have been blessed through my mentorship with Sandy and greatly appreciate everything she has done to help me succeed!

KateMentee

I have been mentored by Sandy Olsson for 2 years now and she has proven to be a huge asset to my educational pursuits, career and life over all. She is truly a Godsend! Most notably, Sandy is a great listener, supportive advocate, wise counselor and woman of faith. I’m honored to share my experience with her thus far. I look forward to continuing our relationship.

Martha MurrayMentee