Memories and Mentors

Over the weekend I was reflecting on someone who has been a great support to me in my career. I met Joe Fischer very early in my HR career in Sydney, when the only thing I had going for me was a great attitude and a willingness to learn. Not much actual experience.

Joe was the Head of Human Resources for a part of the business I worked for. I don’t think I ever worked directly for him, but he was such a source of support, kindness, learning and generosity.

Joe was a true mentor. He taught me about negotiating termination benefits for employees.  He showed me how to build trust with senior leaders. He supported me when things weren’t going so well. He taught me that kindness will get you everywhere . He always had my back. And he always remembered my birthday.

He was also a sponsor who advocated for me . He recommended me to a role where I would part of a leadership team and lead the HR function for an Australian subsidiary. That experience accelerated my career. He was so humble he never admitted to recommending me I was 12 months into the role.

Later when I moved to Singapore he would always get in contact when he was here for business. He would arrange to have breakfast or lunch or dinner with me and more recently we had dinner a couple of times with his wife and my husband.

While many of us working in D&I are implementing programs to create mentoring and sponsorship opportunities Joe was being inclusive and understood what leaders were supposed to do. He showed kindness and empathy way before it became trendy to teach leaders about this.

Joe Fisher passed away on 13 August 2021, age 65 after suffering a serious and debilitating illness. I have been thinking a lot about the value and impact good mentors and sponsors can have in our careers. I am honoured to share Joe’s legacy.

I would love to hear about the best mentors and sponsors in your life.

Lisa xx

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