Mosaic Mentorship: Cherie Aplin
Mosaic Mentorship brings together perspectives in leadership to guide new and aspiring leaders in your leadership journey. “Mosaic” speaks to the beauty of bringing together multifaceted insights into a cohesive whole – because none of us should do leadership alone. I hope this is a place where you can learn, be inspired, and feel encouraged as you lead your team and grow personally and professionally.
Cherie Aplin
Leadership Development Visionary | Mother | Philanthropist
Cherie and I go way back. I first met her in 2004 while working in a bilingual call center, where I attended a training workshop she was facilitating on dealing with difficult customers. Shortly after the workshop, she approached me and asked if I’d like to apply for a Corporate Trainer position on her team. The rest is history!
Throughout the last 20 years, Cherie has been there for me through life’s ups, downs, and sideways turns.
There are people you meet along your career path who see your potential, make you feel like you’re the only person around, and have your best interests at heart. Cherie is that mentor for me. She’s the reason I’m in leadership development today, and I am eternally grateful.
Meet Cherie!
Q&A with Cherie Aplin:
Cherie, can you give us an example of how having a mentor has helped you in your career?
Probably one of the biggest “aha” moments of my career is receiving feedback from a mentor on my overuse of one of my strengths: creativity & ideation.
My mentor advised me to ask during my consultative intake whether the person prefers to brainstorm (generate ideas) or to have me present 2-3 options. If they prefer 2-3 options, then I pause, write each idea down, ask deeper questions to evaluate the written-down ideas, and then present.
Thanks to having a mentor who was able to guide me in this, I find I now have more time to provide practical solutions and not overwhelm my clients/stakeholders with too many ideas that can make the experience feel scattered. The process also demonstrates my consultative expertise and allows my client/stakeholders to feel a part of the creative process and final decision-making.
What kind of self-talk have you had to overcome in your journey to getting where you are today?
I used to keep my thoughts and experiences to myself as I feared they might be viewed as not providing enough substance, judged, and/or even be boring. I learned that by sharing my ideas and stories with others, you never know how you can influence or impact another in a positive way.
Never underestimate the value of your thoughts and life experiences. Learn to speak up not for yourself but to encourage and help others.
Do you have any tips for women who struggle to fully embrace their credibility?
I used to be uncomfortable introducing my qualifications and contribution to large audiences as I felt it sounded like bragging. A way around sharing my credibility with groups is to begin with the statement: “I have the honor and privilege of managing….”
This language allowed me to follow with credibility statements while allowing me to feel humbler in sharing my qualifications and accolades.
Cherie, thanks for sharing with us! You highlighted one of the superpowers of a great mentor – illuminating our blindspots and helping us find opportunity in challenge.
PS – Have a question, but no mentor?
Send me your questions on LinkedIn and one of my mentors will be honored to address them in an upcoming post. 💜
