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

The Edge for DECEMBER 2019

It can be hard sometimes 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:

My Mentor Armed Me Confidence and Skills

I have had the great pleasure of working alongside my dear friend, Catherine Wells, Chair of Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi’s Labor & Employment Group, since beginning my legal career as an associate with the firm in 2005. Catherine has been an invaluable mentor to me, both professionally and personally, and she is an inspiring trailblazer who paved the way for women at the firm and in the legal profession. I will forever be thankful to Catherine for navigating me through numerous first steps in my career. She helped me with everything from my first deposition and oral argument to preparing for my first trial, and even assisted me in landing my first client. Through her guidance, she has instilled in me the confidence and skills to become a better-rounded litigator and advocate. Due in no small part to Catherine’s mentorship and support, I have ascended through the ranks within CSG – becoming a member of the firm in 2016, and in 2018 joining Catherine on CSG’s Management Committee, a committee to which she was the first woman to be appointed. I hope to provide the same mentorship to others that Catherine has given to me.

– Melissa A. Salimbene, Member, Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi PC

Always Know Where You Stand

Joseph Simunovich was my greatest mentor because of his vast experience, uncommon wisdom and commitment to delivering on all of his promises. His remarkable career spanned the corporate world, government, politics, philanthropy and health care. He served nine New Jersey governors and held several influential positions in the state and at our health network. I was an eager student of Joe’s at every turn in my career, especially as CEO. Joe always told me to count the votes. Know where you stand. I still carry this lesson with me every day because it taught me to be closely connected to leadership, our communities and our partners. Joe also cultivated and maintained an impressive network of business and civic leaders - and valued their diverse opinions. It helped him see all the angles of a situation before making decisions. Simply put, Joe was a giant and I was privileged to learn from a great mentor and an even better friend.

– Robert C. Garrett, CEO, Hackensack Meridian Health

There was never a formal lesson – I learned from his example

My career in oil refining was greatly impacted when I began working for Roger Lyle. He started his career as a laborer, got a chemical engineering degree at night, and eventually became a vice president for a large independent refining company. In short, he taught me leadership skills. He said that I had these skills already, but he showed me how I can discover them for myself. His mentorship inspired me to take on positions of increasing responsibility, and to believe in myself to take risks in my career. He had a major effect on my career and the quality of life that my family enjoys – more than anyone else besides my parents and my wife. The most important thing he taught me was to never forget who you are, no matter what you do. Always treat everyone with respect, seek opinions everywhere, listen and follow-up. There was never a formal lesson – I learned from his example.

– Mike Bukowski, Refinery Manager, Phillips 66 Bayway Refinery

Keep an Eye Out for Your Next Wave

One of my professors at the University of Chicago taught a course about neurophysiology, and he had a holistic view about what makes people healthy, creative, productive and happy. He believed each of us, especially very intelligent and inquisitive people, has a cycle of several years related to our interest and energy levels. My father similarly said that “about every four or five years, expect to not feel centered.” Even if you are in a career you love, he said “you will reach a point when you are just not sure what the next wave of your life should be.” He said those points are excellent times to seek insight, wisdom and new perspective from successful people that you admire. It’s important to request a “20-minute audience” with four or five high-level people when you are genuinely open, receptive and unsure, Dad said. This has been some of the best advice I was ever given. One of my “20 minute audience” appointments several years ago was with Al Koeppe, who was the CEO of PSE&G. He was deeply engaged in economic development. He was clearly a talented leader who earned the respect of his employees. He had presence and knew how to make other people look good. His reputation was flawless. And my conversation with Al was priceless.

– Aldonna R. Ambler, The Growth Strategist Inc.

Never Give Up, Be Straightforward, Lead By Example

As far as mentors go, Carolyn L. Smith could be considered several mentors rolled into one. She is a retired audit manager at Coopers and Lybrand (PricewaterhouseCoopers), former president of the National Association of Black Accountants, former treasurer of the District of Columbia, and first African-American woman to pass the District’s CPA Exam. Carolyn was a key reason I become a CPA and sought out leadership roles. She has taught me many valuable lessons, such as never give up, be straightforward in everything you do, lead by example and encourage others to do the same. These are things I strive for daily, particularly when espousing the benefits of becoming a CPA to students and young professionals today.

– Ralph Albert Thomas, CEO and Executive Director, New Jersey Society of CPAs

My Mentor “Challenged and Trusted Me”

When I started my career, I began working with a senior manager (now partner) on a new client and during the course of the engagement, he became not only a friend but a mentor. He treated me with respect on both a professional and personal level and challenged and trusted me with more responsibility than I had been previously exposed to. This senior manager has supported me my entire career and most recently was a huge influence in me becoming partner. Without his support and continuous guidance, I would not be where I am today.

– Jennifer Biundo, Partner, Mazars USA LLP