Is it strange for me to schedule a 1-1 with an SVP who’s retiring later this month when he doesn’t know me by name, but we’ve had a few brief conversations here and there? A senior director told me it’s noobie and no one does it, but I feel like I can learn a lot and don’t have much to lose

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I like the coffee idea. Congratulate them on their retirement and say version of what you mentioned above: limited interactions, but despite being new, you were treated inclusively and with respect, which you appreciated. Wish them well and it might start a convo or you might hear a story. Just listen. I’m sure there will be wisdom gained from that.

likesmarthelpful

It was around WLB, navigating internal politics, how to be heard differently in mtgs (rather than have my ideas / words taken as someone else’s). He knew of my work although our interactions had been brief.

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I wouldn’t try to get more than 15 minutes on their calendar, but it’s a nice gesture if he has the time.

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Keep it simple. Ask if he has any advice for someone like you who’s coming up the ranks. Or ask him what he wishes he could have told his younger self 20 years ago. Something vague but simple, and let him tell you what he wants to tell you.

likehelpful

How about prompting them for a coffee instead?

likehelpful

Thanks friend, will do

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I don’t see why not, as long as you let the SVP know why you’re reaching out and if you’re looking for some specific advice or guidance. I’ve actually done this with outgoing leaders and it always went well! The people I know who were planning their retirement always wanted to leave some kind of legacy and helping out someone who seeks their specific advice is one way to do that. So in a way yea you are helping them out too.

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I don’t think I’m looking for specific advice or guidance. I just wanted to learn more about them, their journey, and lessons learned and some wisdom in their career that I can lean on if I want to climb up the corporate ladder. Maybe I’m overthinking. But after the senior director told me it’d be weird and that no one does that it discouraged me

I love this quote from the novel The Nix. “Sometimes we’re so wrapped up in our own story that we don’t see how we’re supporting characters in someone else’s.”

I hope this person appreciates you reaching out. Someone reached out to me once and it floored me I had an impact on their career from afar. I hope it goes well and like others said mostly nothing to lose as long as you don’t hero worship or place someone on a podium. Then they can rarely live up to your image of them.

likeuplifting

You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

That’s why it’s a waste of the outgoing SVPs time unless he’s on a tour of newbies.

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Right that’s why I’m hesitant on doing it. To waste his time

100% do this. There is nothing to lose and lots to gain. I have an SVP as a mentor and my initial Slack to him was when he didn’t know who I was. Steve Jibs said no one ever refused to help me when asked. Most people just don’t ask. A coffee, as mentioned, is perfect. They may give you more time than you expect. People often enjoy talking about themselves

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Not strange at all, especially if they're someone you admire and might have some great advice for you. It's actually a compliment to them that you want to speak before they leave.

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Making a connection with a future mentor is always a good idea. Keep an open mind, because if they are seeking you, then they must see someone worth getting to know while the opportunity remains.

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