The Power of Mindset and Mentoring with Dr. Ruth Gotian
Aug 29, 2024
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How does mindset and mentorship play a role in our happiness at work?
In this episode of the Dominate Your Day podcast, we had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Ruth Gotian, fresh off her time at the Paris Olympics. Dr. Gotian, Chief Learning Officer and Associate Professor of Education and Anesthesiology at Weill Cornell Medicine, is not just a scholar but a seasoned observer of high achievers, including Nobel Prize winners, astronauts, NBA champions, and Olympians. In this conversation, we discuss the power of both mindset and mentorship in influencing our career success.
Experiencing the Olympics: A Lesson in Excellence
Dr. Gotian studies extreme high achievers and regularly interacts with some of the most successful individuals in various fields. However, she explained that there's a significant difference between studying these individuals and observing them in their natural habitat—at the Olympics. The energy, focus, and dedication she witnessed were palpable, and it was an experience that left her in awe.
Watching the athletes up close, she was struck by their preparation and the intense focus they bring to their craft. For Dr. Gotian, the real magic happens behind the scenes—during warm-ups, team huddles, and those critical moments of mental preparation that aren't visible to the public. This behind-the-scenes perspective is what fascinates her, as it reveals the discipline and mindset required to achieve greatness.
The Importance of Rest and Recovery
One of the key takeaways from her experience with these elite athletes is the importance of rest and recovery. Dr. Gotian emphasized that athletes understand the necessity of rest days as an integral part of their training regimen.
“They recognize that rest is necessary,” she says, “where I think those of us who are doing that daily grind in the office and at work don't always recognize that for ourselves because maybe our work isn't physical, so we don't feel it as much.”
In her own life, she has learned the hard way that pushing too hard without taking breaks can lead to exhaustion. In fact, she shares that within a two-week period, a Nobel Prize winner, an Olympian, and an NBA champion all advised her to take a break, underscoring the universal importance of rest, regardless of the field.
The Power of Mentoring
Beyond her Olympic reflections, Dr. Gotian delved into her passion for mentoring, a subject she explores extensively in her new book, The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring. Drawing from her research on high achievers, she highlighted that successful individuals across all fields—from CEOs to astronauts—have a team of mentors who guide them.
She pointed out a common misconception: while coaching is often recognized and paid for, mentoring tends to be more informal and organic, yet it is just as crucial. Mentors provide guidance, help overcome obstacles, and shorten the path to success.
Dr. Gotian believes that organizations often fail to implement mentoring programs effectively, missing out on a powerful tool for employee development and retention. She shares that statistics show that employees who have a mentor earn higher salaries, get promoted at higher rates, and are happier in their careers than employees without mentorship.
Creating a Mindset for Success
When it comes to the mindset required for success, Dr. Gotian emphasized the importance of curiosity, work ethic, and a willingness to learn. High achievers are those who acknowledge they don’t know everything and are eager to learn from others. This hunger for knowledge and improvement is what attracts mentors and fosters growth.
As Dr. Gotian reflects on her journey and her recent Olympic experience, she remains committed to helping others achieve their best through mentoring, writing, and executive coaching. Her advice is clear: when something is no longer enjoyable, it's okay to switch paths and find what excites you. Success is not just about working hard—it's about working smart, finding mentors, and taking care of your mental and physical well-being.
For those interested in learning more about her work or seeking resources on mentoring and high achievement, Dr. Gotian encourages connecting with her on LinkedIn or visiting her website.
About Dr. Ruth Gotian
Dr. Ruth Gotian, Chief Learning Officer, Associate Professor of Education in
Anesthesiology and former Assistant Dean for Mentoring at Weill Cornell Medicine,
is a globally recognized expert in mentorship and leadership development. Hailed by
Nature, Wall Street Journal, and Columbia University as an expert in mentorship
and leadership development, she was named a top 20 mentor worldwide.
Thinkers50 ranked her as the #1 emerging management thinker in the world in
2021, and LinkedIn recognized her as a top voice in mentoring in 2023.
A semi-finalist for Forbes 50 Over 50, Dr. Gotian is a prolific contributor to Harvard
Business Review, Forbes, and Psychology Today, where she shares insights on
'optimizing success.' With a focus on the mindset and skill set of peak performers,
including Nobel Prize winners, astronauts, Olympic and NBA champions, she's also
an award-winning author of The Success Factor and The Financial Times Guide
to Mentoring.
Episode Minutes:
- Minute 4:00 — The Importance of Rest and Recovery
- Minute 6:00 — Dr. Ruth’s Career Journey
- Minute 12:00 — The Power of Mentorship
Episode Links:
- Visit ruthgotian.com
- Find free mentorship resources at mentoring-guide.com/resources
- Get 13 conversation starters at ruthgotian.com/conversation
- Get your copy of The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring: A Complete Guide to Effective Mentoring
- Get your copy of The Strengths Journal
- Visit Dana Williams Consulting Website
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