Mentorship plays an important role in the personal and professional development of individuals, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. Joe Shalaby, founder of Centurion Capital, has recognized the value of mentorship and developed a notable program called Lift While You Climb. This initiative focuses on providing opportunities and guidance to minority professionals, helping them overcome barriers and progress in their careers.
What Is Lift While You Climb?
Lift While You Climb is a mentorship initiative created by Joe Shalaby to assist talented minority professionals who may face challenges in accessing networks and resources that are important for career growth. The program pairs promising individuals with experienced executives for a 12-month journey of personal and professional development. With an emphasis on measurable goals, mentorship in this program goes beyond just guidance, aiming for meaningful outcomes.
The Key Elements of Joe’s Mentorship Framework
Joe’s mentorship program is structured around three key principles that are designed to provide mentees with a holistic approach to achieving success:
Discipline: This principle focuses on establishing daily habits that support productivity and growth. The emphasis is on monitoring progress through Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), with mentees encouraged to track their improvements. Joe advocates for deliberate practice as a means of refining skills and maintaining consistency in all endeavors.
Mindset: A significant aspect of the mentorship is addressing the psychological barriers that can impede professional success. Issues like imposter syndrome, which are commonly faced by many, particularly those from minority backgrounds, are tackled directly. Joe’s framework promotes evidence-based confidence, encouraging mentees to believe in their abilities through the accomplishments they make along the way.
Execution: Turning ideas into action is crucial. Joe’s approach prioritizes taking action, advising mentees that “done beats perfect.” This mindset reinforces the importance of focusing on completing tasks over overthinking, helping mentees stay productive and oriented towards achieving tangible results.
Achievements and Impact of Lift While You Climb
Since its launch, the Lift While You Climb program has provided valuable opportunities for participants to develop professionally and personally. Many alumni have gone on to create their own ventures, applying the skills and insights gained during the program to further their careers.
In addition, many graduates have chosen to return as mentors, contributing to a continuous cycle of support and knowledge sharing. This reciprocal mentorship model helps foster an environment where both mentees and mentors can grow and benefit from the experience.
Scaling the Impact of Mentorship
Joe Shalaby recognizes that the true power of mentorship lies in its ability to scale. By documenting his mentorship framework and making it publicly available, he is working to expand the reach of his work beyond the 12-month program. His upcoming online course, which will be made accessible to public-school seniors in underserved districts, illustrates how mentorship can be democratized. Joe’s dedication to sharing his knowledge is a significant step toward making mentorship opportunities accessible to a wider audience, particularly those who may not have the resources to succeed.
The Power of Pay-It-Forward Mentorship
Through Lift While You Climb, Joe Shalaby has created a mentorship program that offers more than just career guidance. By focusing on discipline, mindset, and execution, the program empowers minority professionals to develop their careers and build their companies. With his track record, Joe is not only influencing lives but also creating a scalable model for mentorship. The impact of Lift While You Climb is expected to continue growing as more individuals receive mentorship, more companies are created, and more mentors contribute to the cycle.
