The Value of a Great Professional Mentor: My Story

How did you choose your career path? Did someone help guide you in your professional career? Here’s my story about how I chose my professional career path and the amazing woman who helped guide me along the way.

It was the summer of 2010, and I had just graduated from Longwood University. Heading home to Fredericksburg, Virginia, I was optimistic about starting my professional career. The only problem, I wasn’t sure what career path I wanted to choose, or even what field I wanted to dive into.

What was the career I chose? I chose to start my professional career in the commercial real estate industry. Prior to starting my career I knew very little about commercial real estate and had no clue where to start.

You may be asking yourself why? Why would I start a career in an industry that I know nothing about? I owe it to my Mentor. That person not only provided me with an entry into the commercial real estate industry, but also helped me discover my passion, and develop core values that molded me into the person I am today.

Seven Years ago, I was hired by a woman by the name of Lisa Henderson Golden, who was Vice President at Silver Companies/Silver Commercial Brokerage. Although, I had known Lisa for years, our relationship had been one of a friendship rather than professional. I trusted & valued Lisa’s advice and she had always looked out for me. Jokingly, she would say, “Patrick, The son I’m ‘glad’ to have”.

Over the first couple of months and first year in the industry Lisa took me under her wing and was a true mentor. She taught me a lot about commercial real estate and even more about values & work ethic, that I still treasure today.

Lisa was a veracious negotiator. I loved sitting in on calls with her, and watching her battle hard for every inch to ensure she was getting the best deal for her clients. She was both persistent and patient at the same time, a virtue I am still trying to learn.

Her desire to help taught me to value new co-workers. She instilled that passion in me. I am very avid about helping “the new guy” in the office, and take joy in passing on what I have learned.

Lisa was a beautiful woman who turned heads when she entered a room, but it was her personality that was the magnet. People wanted to be around her because she was gregarious, friendly and very funny; most often poking fun at herself. She taught me how to make light of difficult situations and to enjoy what I was doing.

She was not only someone who I not only looked up to, but admired. I admired her for her work ethic, accomplishments, success, and her desire to help someone in need of guidance.

Physically and mentally, Lisa was the strongest person I have ever known. She was a true warrior. While she was the vice president of a brokerage company she was also relentlessly battling cancer. She rarely ever missed a day of work and was always there for people; listening, caring and helping even during her toughest days.

On Nov. 8, 2012, Lisa lost her fight with cancer, at the young age of 45. Although this left a tremendous void in the hearts and minds of many, her soul lives on through the countless number of people who were lucky enough to have known her. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think about her, and she continues to inspire me.

As I enter this next chapter of my life, becoming a business owner, I often catch myself thinking, what would Lisa do in this situation? The answer: stop worrying, stop complaining, tighten your chinstrap and get back in the game. Never give up, never back down, continue to better yourself and take the time to teach/help someone along the way.

She was the definition of a true mentor. A person who you look up to in during difficult times, who will go to battle for you, and will teach you values that you carry in your core forever!

To me, Lisa was a mentor, coach, role model, friend, and much more. I can only dream of achieving what this tough, selfless, smart and beautiful woman accomplished during her amazing life and career. I love and miss her dearly.