Ashley Dennis’s participation in Moseley Architects’ MINDS mentorship program has been a multifaceted experience: she embraces the dual roles of guiding others and seeking guidance. Serving both as a mentor and mentee, Ashley recognizes that learning is a lifelong process.
Her engagement with her mentor, Magda Westerhout, and her mentee, Shannon Calloway, has highlighted the importance of maintaining a positive attitude, the art of attentive listening, and the significance of balancing life and work. Ashley’s story is a testament to the enduring power of mentorship in fostering ongoing personal and professional growth, and the importance of authentic connections in the field of architecture.
Can you describe your first mentorship experience within the field of architecture? What impact did it have on your early career? How did it shape your approach to design, teamwork, or leadership?
I worked at architecture firms all the way through college. The three firms I worked at prior to graduation were rather small, so mentoring was always organic and informal.
The very first mentor I can think of was a draftsman at the firm I worked at my first summer of college. I had never worked in a professional office, and definitely not in an architecture firm. I was extremely green, having taken very little architecture-focused courses yet. One day, he sat me down and started talking to me about brick coursing and the importance of masonry dimensions. Though it wasn’t formal, it was so important to my career to have someone take an interest in my success and building my architectural knowledge.
Throughout the rest of my career, I was fortunate to continue to have supervisors and colleagues that would take time to answer my questions, give me opportunities to try new things, or throw me in the deep end but be steadfast in letting me know I wasn’t going to drown in the new challenge.
All those mentors provided a listening ear and allowed me the space to learn and grow. They obviously saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself as a young architect, but I know I would not be where I am in my career without their support and guidance.
There’s a common misconception that mentorship programs are intended for people early in their careers to be mentored by professionals with many years of experience. What motivated you to enroll in the mentorship program as a mentee?
That is an unfortunate misconception, because I believe I will always have something to learn. I don’t know everything and love the opportunity to have a different perspective on something I am dealing with and hearing how Magda might approach a challenge. I enrolled because I saw it as an opportunity to have a time to discuss what was going on that month and have a built-in sounding board.
What three words would you use to describe Shannon?
Authentic, committed, mindful
What have you learned from mentoring Shannon?
I have learned just as much from being a mentor as I have learned from being a mentee. Shannon was the first employee in our new Greenville, S.C., office. Even though that position could feel daunting for some, he was eager to jump in and make the office a success. I learned how to provide guidance where I could, and not try to solve every challenge – in some cases, leading him to resources that he could utilize or that would have the answers he sought. Honestly, listening is the most important part of being a mentor.
How has your experience with Shannon surprised you?
I’m surprised that we still have so much to talk about. With the formality of the MINDS program, I was concerned that we would check a bunch of boxes and then move on. However, it has been the exact opposite. Our monthly meetings focus on different topics whether they are specific to project or a broader discussion about leadership or business development.
What three words would you use to describe Magda?
Relatable, passionate, supportive
What have you learned from Magda’s mentorship? Is there a specific skill set that she’s helped you strengthen?
Magda has helped me learn that there isn’t one right answer. Much like those mentors early in my career, she has helped me feel confident in this phase. I’ve got brick coursing down, but now I’m learning how to lead and motivate people. These skills are more valuable to me than ever before as I continue to manage project teams, lead the growing Raleigh office, and serve on the firm’s board of directors.
How has your experience with Magda surprised you?
We talk about more than just work and architecture. How to balance life and work changes in every phase of your career. Talking about what is going on in our lives beyond just “Moseley” is just an organic part of our talks every month. This experience has provided me a colleague that is invested in seeing me grow as a leader but also as a person.
Have you learned anything from Magda that you passed on to Shannon? If so, can you give an example?
Magda has a positive approach to everything. I have embraced that in our conversations and have passed it on to Shannon by encouraging him to tackle challenges the that same positive outlook.
What qualities make an effective mentor? Are there any additional qualities that are particularly important within your profession?
It’s important not to be rigid regarding times or specific goals. Often, people aren’t seeking a solution to a problem, but instead just need a listening ear or a sounding board. It’s all about meeting them where they are at in their career but also on that specific day.
You have the unique perspective of being a mentor and a mentee. Based on your experience, what advice do you have for people for getting the most out of their experience as a mentor and/or their experience as a mentee?
Don’t ever stop growing. Foster a culture of learning, sharing experiences, and gaining new perspectives. Seek opportunities to learn from others, regardless of how many years you’ve been working or what career stage you’re in.
When serving as a mentor, you have a great opportunity to refine your leadership and communication skills, gain a sense of fulfillment from contributing to someone else’s development, and learn new ideas and approaches from your mentee.
As a mentee, you can welcome guidance without fear of being judged, you can expand your knowledge, and you can forge supportive networks, which can accelerate your personal growth and your career.
Both roles require active engagement, reflection, and openness to feedback, which are crucial components for continuous professional advancement. Even if you aren’t enrolling in a formal program, find colleagues or peers who will support you as you grow through each stage of your career.