Mentor Memos

It can be easy to think that mentorship is inherently a top-down, hierarchical structure. That is, the word often brings to mind an image of a mentor who is much more senior and experienced, who, in turn, coaches a junior mentee. Today, though, that top-down model is seeming more like the exception to the rule as more women launch their own businesses or build careers that transcend industries. In this final episode of Mentor Memos, co-developed in partnership with TRESemmé, we explore what a modern peer mentorship looks like between two brand builders: Babba Rivera and Sophia Li. Babba is founder of a brand marketing agency, By.Babba, and currently runs the US arm of HER Global Network, an organization whose mission is to bring women together to learn from and support one another. Sophia is a journalist and director who previously spent 4 years at Vogue.com as the Entertainment Media Editor where she worked on creating and launching Vogue’s social and digital voice. Tune in to hear how the pair met, how they grew into the best of friends, and how they’ve helped each other work through difficult times. Plus, the two discuss how they help each other network and what questions everyone should ask themselves before seeking a mentor.

Not all mentor and mentee relationships start with a corporate introduction—or even within the same industry. In fact, sometimes they start with a simple DM. At least, that was the case for Ally Maki and Sonja Rasula, whose connection began thanks to expressing a little bit of mutual admiration on social media. In this episode of Mentor Memos, the new podcast from the Girlboss Radio Network, produced in partnership with TRESemmé, we hear from actress and entrepreneur Ally Maki, and her mentor, Sonja Rasula, founder & CEO of The Unique Market, a curated pop-up event for local artisans. Tune in to hear what inspired Ally to launch Asian American Girls Club, an apparel company aimed at connecting Asian American women with each other—and, how Sonja has been there to help her every step of the way. The two discuss what it takes to form community, how to reach out to a founder who is short on time, and how we can all overcome our fears.

For a long time, the beauty industry has largely catered to women as consumers. But, more often than not, the people calling the shots are...men. In this episode of Mentor Memos, we hear from two women who’ve carved out careers in the beauty industry as hairstylists to some of the biggest names in entertainment. Justine Marjan is a renowned celebrity hairstylist and a Global Stylist for TRESemmé. Having worked with high-profile clients like Kim Kardashian and Chrissy Teigen, she often fields requests from aspiring hairstylists who want her mentorship. Tune in to hear what ultimately got Justine to say “yes” to having Kathleen Riley as a hairstyling apprentice who has gone on to build her own celebrity client roster. Plus, hear Justine and Kathleen’s advice for how to make a mentor/mentee relationship work for both parties (as well as what not) to do.

In episode three of Mentor Memos, the new podcast from the Girlboss Radio Network, produced in partnership with TRESemmé, we hear a story that beautifully illustrates the enormous impact a single individual can have on another’s life. Aisha Bowe is an aerospace engineer and the CEO and co-founder of STEMBoard, where she manages multimillion dollar defense contracts. But before becoming the impressive founder she is today, Aisha was an aerospace engineer at NASA Ames Research Center. There, Aisha met a young, eager student by the name of Claire Luce, who was not bashful about asking how she could one day become an aerospace engineer. The two began a friendship and mentor/mentee relationship that has become an invaluable support system as they each advance in their careers. Tune in to hear how Aisha and Claire kicked off their mentorship and learn how you can claim space in fields where women are underrepresented.

In this episode of Mentor Memos, the new podcast from the Girlboss Radio Network, produced in partnership with TRESemmé, we hear a story that’s highly personal to our host, Neha Gandhi. Before working as the COO of Girlboss, Neha spent six years at Refinery29, where she worked under the leadership of Christene Barberich. Christene is one of Refinery29’s co-founders as well as its current Global EIC. She and Neha met during a pivotal moment when they were each dreaming big about Refinery29, albeit from very different perspectives. Neha was looking for an opportunity to carve our a new editorial perspective in media, while Christene was looking for someone who would be entrusted to carry out the company’s vision. Over the years, the two women formed an intimate mentor and mentee relationship where they discuss everything from management styles to motherhood. Tune in to hear how Christene helped Neha find her voice in the workplace and how you can also find yours.

Welcome to the very first episode of Mentor Memos, the new podcast from the Girlboss Radio Network, produced in partnership with TRESemmé. In each episode, Girlboss COO Neha Gandhi chats with a different pair of mentors and mentees about their relationship and the biggest lessons they’ve taught each other. For our first conversation, we hear from the one and only, Cecile Richards, founder of Supermajority and former CEO of Planned Parenthood. While Cecile was at Planned Parenthood, she worked with Kersha Deibel, who soon expressed interest in rising as a leader within the organization. Over time, Cecile began mentoring Kersha and connecting her with other people who could help her advance. Fast forward to today, and Kersha acts as the CEO to Planned Parenthood in Ohio. Cecile continues to watch and stay a part of her mentee’s career by uplifting and providing opportunity whenever possible. Tune in to hear how Kersha first approached Cecile about a mentorship, how the two contribute equally to the relationship, and why it’s so important to have female women in leadership roles.

Having access to an amazing mentor who can coach you as you move up in your career is an invaluable resource.  But great mentors aren’t always easy to find—especially for women. That’s why Girlboss has partnered with TRESemmé to bring you Mentor Memos, the podcast. TRESemmé believes with the right support and resources, women can transcend societal barriers and lead on their own terms.

Across six episodes, you’ll hear from people like Justine Marjan, one of the most sought-after celebrity hairstylists in Hollywood and Cyndi Ramirez of Chillhouse. The first episode drops September 15.