Three IPR Trustees were honored for demonstrating the positive impact of mentoring at the 5th Annual Milestones in Mentoring Gala hosted by The Plank Center on October 30. Patrick Ford, Worldwide Vice Chair and Chief Client Officer at Burson-Marsteller, Wendi Strong, Executive Vice President at USAA, and Andy Polansky, CEO at Weber Shandwick, were recognized for modeling exemplary behaviors for future leaders in the field.
Patrick Ford was presented with the Legacy Award from PR legend Harold Burson at the ceremony. Ford received the honor for shaping countless careers over his 29 years at Burson-Marsteller.
Ford advised future leaders to grow professionally by going outside of their comfort zones. “Never stop taking chances. It’s okay to fail,” said Ford. “We teach. We learn. We do.”
Wendi Strong was honored with the Corporate Award presented for her mentorship as a corporate communications leader. Strong said the role of a mentor is complex and requires trust from the mentee.
“I see mentoring as having three parts. The first is to serve as a role model for others by demonstrating the behaviors that have made you successful, you teach and enrich,” said Strong. “The second is to be a coach and give the gift of feedback to help others continue to grow. The third role is to hold up a mirror so people can see themselves more clearly and gain insight.”
Andy Polansky received the Agency Award for cultivating great talent as a leading mentor at Weber Shandwick. Polansky said he has a responsibility as a mentor to point out opportunities but allow his mentees to find their own path.
“There are many roads to success, and individuals can chart very different pathways as their careers develop. Life and work experience bring some wisdom one can impart, but it’s more important to consider how to apply such perspective to a mentee’s particular aspirations.”
The Milestones in Mentoring is an honor, given to those who show great leadership by example. IPR Trustees who previously received this recognition include 2013 Corporate Award Winner Mike Fernandez, Cargill, and 2012 Agency Award Winner Margery Kraus, APCO Worldwide.
