MENTORSHIP SPOTLIGHT

Mentors and Mentees Provide New Perspective

This issue we spotlight mentee Sofia Verver and her mentor Elizabeth Flewharty. Sofia has gained confidence and support through a particularly challenging year, and Elizabeth has gained invaluable perspective. Read below to learn about their relationship.

Mentee’s Perspective

Sofia Verver, Account Executive, EverCheck

What is your background, current company affiliation and position?

I’ve worked in sales and marketing roles within healthcare technology for about four years. I’ve been a member of PWH® for the majority of that time and have participated in the mentorship program on two occasions.

Why were you seeking a mentor? What was your goal?

I sought out a mentor to help me get better aligned on my career goals, create a plan for my career trajectory, and help me finetune some skills. I wanted to get very clear on what I wanted out of my current role and company, how to better communicate with my colleagues and with leadership and feel confident in my professional growth.

What have you learned from you mentor?

Elizabeth has taught me a lot in the short time we’ve worked together. She’s empowered me to express myself in constructive ways when challenging conversations arose. She has supported me in learning more about what I want out of my career and what steps I need to take to get closer to my goals. She has also shared insights and anecdotes from her own experiences that have helped me put some obstacles into perspective. I think we have been successful because we are a great personality match, and we share a lot of the same values when it comes to work. Elizabeth validates my perspectives and has helped build my confidence as I see myself headed in the future.

Sofia Verver

I think the most significant improvement I’ve experienced as a result of this relationship is in my professional communication, particularly around difficult conversations.

Elizabeth has also been a great sounding board throughout the pandemic. When times are uncertain and tough, she has modeled the best attitude and is always ready to have a laugh about all of the wild things we can’t control.

What has worked with you and your mentor? Why has the relationship been successful?

We initially started with a bi-weekly schedule, but when the pandemic hit, and life went off the rails we went to a more flexible schedule based on the level of support I felt I needed. I think we have been successful because we are a great personality match, and we share a lot of the same values when it comes to work. Elizabeth validates my perspectives and has helped build my confidence as I see

Elizabeth Flewharty

myself headed in the future. I’ve found her so easy to talk to, trust and laugh with.

What is your take on the value of mentorship?

This is my second mentorship experience through PWH®, and I can confidently say that throughout both relationships I’ve learned so much, have felt heard and validated. I’ve made great connections with inspiring women whom I look up to. I’m very grateful for this program.

Mentor’s Perspective

Elizbeth Flewharty, Senior Director of Contract Analytics and Technology, Vizient

What is your background, current company affiliation and position?

I am the Senior Director of Contract Analytics and Technology at Vizient. I’ve been here for almost 16 years beginning as an analyst and working my way up. I’ve spent the majority of my career at Vizient on our National Bid team. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in community health from Texas A&M University and a Master of Science degree in public affairs from University of Texas at Dallas. Outside of work, I’m an Advocate for the National Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) organization in Dallas county, helping children in the protected care of the state. It has been an incredible experience, and I’ve learned so much.

Why were you seeking a mentee? What was your goal?

I wasn’t actively looking, but I am so thrilled Khaki Weber (PWH® Vice Chair of Mentor Support) reached out to me! I have been so fortunate to have many great mentors over the years and wanted to share that experience with others. I also believe that we can all learn from one another regardless of age and experience. I certainly have. It has been a great experience connecting with someone within the healthcare industry but outside of my organization.

What have you learned from your Mentee?

In our daily interactions, we gain space to grow and that allows us to become a better teammate, leader, and employee, and my experience connecting with Sofia was no different. While we are both in healthcare, our roles and areas of expertise are different, so it was interesting to hear a different perspective. Sofia is an intelligent, fun and driven woman, so our conversations were always interesting.

What has worked with you and your mentee? Why has the relationship been successful?

Sofia always came to our meetings with a purpose, so we knew what we were going to focus on during that meeting. It was important to me to know what she needed so I could offer more specific guidance. Sometimes she just needed someone to bounce ideas off of.

What is your take on the value of mentorship?

I highly recommend participating in the PWH® mentoring program. It is a wonderful resource. Getting to connect with women in our industry is invaluable!

About the PWH® Mentor Program

How can PWH® members get involved in the PWH® Mentoring Program?

Visit the mentoring page on the PWH. website (mypwh.org/mentoring). At the bottom of the page, there is a link to click to join the program. You will be asked to fill out a questionnaire (which should take five minutes or less) and from there you will be contacted by the PWH. Mentoring Committee. We will speak with you and get to know you better before connecting you with a mentor. We make the introduction for you and your match, and provide some tips and recommendations to get started. You can also contact the Chair of the PWH Mentoring Committee, Eryn Marx, at emarx@kbkcommunications.com.

How does the PWH® Mentoring Program work?

In addition to coordinating the match, the PWH. Mentoring Program provides tips and recommendations to help nurture the mentoring relationship. Communication is so important! Set expectations. Determine how often you can both commit to speaking. Let each other know your preferred format for communicating (email, phone calls, texts, in person meetings). Make clear what you want to accomplish from the relationship. This program gives you the ability to connect with people in our industry whom you might not otherwise be able to meet. Take advantage of this PWH. member benefit. We guarantee, you won’t regret it!