On this episode of Leader Lounge, Amy and Nick sit down with Ohio University’s Vice Provost for Faculty Development and Professor of Marketing, Dr. Katie Hartman, for a conversation about mentorship, leadership, and the power of listening

Dr. Hartman reflects on the mentors who shaped her journey—from undergraduate professors who helped her believe she belonged, to PhD advisors who taught her how to “sit with hard questions” and trust her voice. What emerges is a thoughtful exploration of how mentorship evolves across a career—and how, at some point, we all move from being Luke Skywalker to Obi-Wan.

The conversation dives into:

• The difference between mentoring, coaching, training, advising, and advocacy
• Why mentorship is less about performance and more about identity
• How listening becomes a leadership superpower
• And yes… what Yoda, Dumbledore, Mr. Miyagi, and Star Wars can teach us about developing people

Dr. Hartman reframes mentorship not as giving answers, but as helping someone “see their own potential more clearly.” It’s a masterclass in leading through listening—and a reminder that great mentors don’t just transfer knowledge. They build confidence, judgment, and courage.

If you’re building leaders, developing talent, or thinking about your own circle of mentors, this episode will give you language—and perspective—for doing it better.