This Holiday Season, N.J. Chamber Members Pay Tribute to Their Mentors (Third Annual)

The Edge for December 2021

It can be hard to find the time to slow down and give thanks. That’s why, during this holiday season, we asked New Jersey Chamber of Commerce members to take a moment and send us a written tribute to their mentors – the powerful influences that have helped them succeed in their careers and in life. It is evident in these tributes how powerful a mentor can be, and how even a few well-placed words motivate, inspire and even propel a career. We invite you to read them below:

Walk Up to Your Seat at the Table and Be Heard

Early in my career, my boss Tricia Perotti pointed out that in meetings, I immediately took a chair in the back. Her advice: Stop! Don’t sit on the sideline. Walk right up and take your seat at the table. Sit next to the person running the meeting. YOU belong there, she said. She inspired me to break out of my comfort zone and trust myself, and my capacity to think, contribute and lead. There’s a tendency for women to attribute their success to external factors (‘I got lucky’ or ‘I had help’). STOP! Those things may be catalysts or accelerants to success, but we are still the architects. So, don’t play small. Whether it’s a meeting, conference call, email chain, brainstorm session or any other setting where you want to be heard, don’t dim your light. Speak your mind and thoughtfully seize the opportunity.

– Kim Alvarez, Vice President, NJ Advance Media/Publisher, Jersey’s Best

My Mentor Saw Things in Me that I Otherwise Might Not Have Seen Myself

My mentor and friend, Jack Nahama, a retired EisnerAmper partner, was the greatest influence on my career. Jack saw things in me that I otherwise may not have seen myself. He taught me to listen to my heart, capitalize on my emotional intelligence, and not sweat the small stuff. He also wasn’t averse to telling me things I did not want to hear, which may have stung slightly, but often led to a more favorable outcome. And he conveyed positivity and encouragement. I can often hear him when I’m taking a deep breath to process a challenging situation. I hear him say: “Stay the course Di Di.” I’m thankful for every day that Jack is part of my life, how he inspired me to put myself out there, and helped me strive to be a leader in the accounting profession and at EisnerAmper.

– Diane Wasser, Partner-in-Charge, New Jersey, EisnerAmper

My Mentor Gave Me the Confidence to Go for It

When I joined AmeriHealth New Jersey I was fortunate to work under the leadership of Ryan Petrizzi, vice president of sales. When I was presented with an opportunity to apply for manager of consumer markets, Ryan gave me the confidence to go for it and advance to the next stage of my career. I am grateful that Ryan trusted me, served as a resource, guided me through my errors and celebrated my successes. His management style empowered and motivated me to manage my own team and look for ways to inspire others. He taught me to focus on ways I can create a positive work environment that allows members of my team to feel appreciated and valued – which is what Ryan always did for me.

– Veronica Diaz, Manager, Sales Enablement, AmeriHealth New Jersey

My Mentor Advised Me to Trust My Instincts

There have been many great mentors who have made an impact on my life, but the one who springs to mind is former New Jersey Supreme Court Chief Justice Deborah Poritz. It was Chief Justice Poritz who appointed me to serve as the assignment judge of Essex County, the state’s largest judiciary system, during a period of upheaval. Several weeks into the role, I reached out to ask for her approval on a significant policy change I wanted to make. After making it clear I could always call her, Chief Justice Poritz offered me a piece of advice that’s continued to shape my career: trust in my instincts and make my own decisions. Trust, I have found, is the surest way to bring out the best in people; and it’s that message I continue to send to the managers and staffers with whom I work.

– Patricia Costello, Managing Member-Elect, Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi

My Role Model was Smart, Driven, and Kind

Getting a job in a Big Four accounting firm after graduate school was exciting. I was proud of my new business cards and leather briefcase. I vividly remember my dad sitting at my dining room table – very proud. I wouldn’t have the opportunities and good fortune I have today without him and my mother. I’ve had amazing mentors at different times – a personal board of directors. At my first job, a senior manager, a former attorney with the office of inspector general, was smart, driven and, most importantly, kind. She was the person I wanted to be – the way she treated people, coached them and truly cared. She always took time to answer questions from junior team members, and served as a role model for how best to provide clients with high-quality work.

– Jennifer Shimek, Short Hills Office Managing Partner, KPMG