Mentorship has always been a steady force in my career, and it becomes even more important during moments of change. After a companywide layoff, I started calling this period a “sabbatical,” a pause I didn’t plan for but am learning to use with intention. I like to think of mentors as my personal board of directors. Just as organizations rely on a board for guidance, strategic direction, and perspective, we all benefit from a circle of people who help us navigate the moments that shape our careers and our lives. When you’re feeling uncertain or discouraged, they’re the ones who help you regain clarity and momentum.

Having a personal board of directors is about surrounding yourself with people who see you clearly, challenge you, and support you consistently. They are advisors, collaborators, motivators, and sometimes the steady voice you need at times. And if there’s ever a moment when that matters, it’s during a “sabbatical.” In this season, tapping into my mentors has been grounding. When you’re navigating uncertainty, you can feel lost, unanchored, or unsure of what comes next. Your board helps you reconnect to your strengths, your possibilities, and your direction. A strong board is diverse in perspective, strengths, and lived experience. Each person brings something different to the table.

A few days after my last day at my organization, one of my mentors and I jumped on the phone. She didn’t start with small talk. She simply asked, “How can I help?” At that moment, I was still in a fog, but she spoke life into me, reminding me of my value, my track record, and the fact that a transition doesn’t erase your talent. It was exactly the grounding I needed in that moment.

Here are a few ways your personal board can support you during a transition:

• Reality‑Check

When you’re laid off, it’s easy to internalize things. Mentors offer context, perspective, and the confidence you may temporarily lose.

• Exploring What’s Next

They help you strategize and see options you might have overlooked.

• Expanding Your Network

  Your mentors can open doors you didn’t know existed, especially when you’re exploring new opportunities or industries.

• Accountability

Whether it’s updating your resume or applying for jobs, mentors help you stay on track.

• Emotional Support

Sometimes you just need someone who listens without judgment and reminds you that you’re not alone.

• Challenging Your Comfort Zone

Mentors will nudge you toward opportunities you might overlook or feel unqualified for.

Mentors who serve as your personal board of directors are essential at every stage of a career, from entry level to the C‑suite. If you’re in a similar season, this is the moment to build or reconnect with your board. Reach out and share where you are and ask for perspective. People want to help more than we often assume, and it’s ok to ask for support.

If you already have mentors in your corner, take a moment to thank them. Their guidance is often the quiet force that helps you step into your next chapter stronger and more grounded. To my own mentors who continue to pour into me, thank you for being both a pillar and a north star. As I continue to grow professionally, I’m always looking to expand my personal board of directors with diverse voices and perspectives (hint hint). I welcome mentorship just as much as I look forward to mentoring others.