Role of Mentor an Important Position Within Companies

BEST MENTORS Bert Seneca General Manager Beverly Garland’s Holiday Inn Just one of the success stories of Bert Seneca’s influence as a mentor is illustrated in the upward career path of Sandra Pinada. Working under Seneca at the Airtel Plaza Hotel in Van Nuys, she started out as hostess, was promoted to front desk and then moved up to the sales department. She later left to work for a competing hotel, but remembering the encouraging environment created by Seneca, she recently came over to work for him again at Beverly Garland’s Holiday Inn, where she holds the position of assistant director of sales and marketing. “Seeing her here is a great reminder of the satisfaction I get when the guidance of a mentor is combined with the desire and drive of an individual seeking progress and growth in their career.” said Seneca. During his 14 years at the Airtel Plaza Hotel in Van Nuys, ultimately holding the position of vice president and general manager, Seneca discovered the importance of motivating and inspiring his employees to grow, sometimes needing to push them a bit and seeing a decrease in turnover as just one result. Since joining Beverly Garland’s Holiday Inn in 2005, Seneca continues his motivating ideals including discussing employee’s future goals, offering advice on advancement and informing them of available courses the hotel assists with financially. He believes it is this type of leadership that creates a loyal staff instilling in them a sense of pride as well as a sense of security in their career. “Someone helped me get into this industry, so I know how important it is to create an encouraging culture and growth environment,” said Seneca. Barbara Sheppard Ryan J. Ward Area Human Resources Manager Lowe’s Home Improvement Warehouse Inc. When an extraordinary amount of advancements and promotions start occurring in the same region, company leaders take notice and want to know the secret to this success. One of the sources of success in Lowe’s Valley-area region is Ryan J. Ward who created a region-wide mentoring program at the home improvement chain. This program provides human resources courses and seminars to workers who can’t attend college. One example of Ward’s attention to the personal development of his staff is Nikia Knight. She started as an HR coordinator and after completing his program, is now the human resources manager of Lowe’s-Antelope Valley store that averages $35 million in annual sales. “I recognize there are many top-notch quality individuals who have an interest in the human resource discipline and it’s important to motivate and assist them in that development,” said Ward. Ward feels fortunate that he was able to attend college and major in human resources, which is one reason why he feels so strongly about helping others to succeed. His dedication as a mentor is not limited to his job, as he assisted in the formation of Mayor Villaraigosa’s Hire LA Youth Program and has had extensive involvement in community job fairs. Barbara Sheppard