This week’s episode of Creating Your Encore Career features guest Ellin Sidell. Ellin spent 35 years in Corporate America working for brands such as Nestle, Microsoft, and Costco. Recently, she decided to move to entrepreneurship, using the skills she learned as a leader and mentor to help others do the same.

As an entrepreneur, Ellin is learning that having a personal brand is essential to running her business. Her clients need to know where she can add value to their lives, and she understands that concept applies to both the corporate world and the entrepreneurial one.

Your personal brand matters.

• You are a meaning maker. You make the meaning in your own life. Your personal brand is an extension of the meaning.

• Your brand tells people where you will make a difference for them.

Leveraged mentorship is beneficial for all parties.

• Leadership is influence.

• Leaders are positive influence makers.

• Mentoring can lead to recognizing your transferable skills.

Peer learning creates a rich learning environment.

• You can share ideas with others and consider their feedback.

• Comparing your successes, failures, and struggles lets you see that you’re not alone. 

Ellin’s unique ability to foster mentorship and create great leadership opportunities offers an interesting insight into individuals who instinctively seek out mentors and what we can learn from them.