In this episode of the Leader Lounge, Sarah Finnegan joins Amy Taylor‑Bianco and Nick Winnenberg for a candid, thoughtful conversation about mentorship, leadership, and the relationships that shape our careers.

From her early experiences at Ohio University to her leadership journey at AT&T, Sarah reflects on the people who took chances on her—and how she’s paying that forward through mentorship, advocacy, and building what she calls a “girl gang.” The conversation explores the difference between mentoring, coaching, and advocacy; why peer mentors matter just as much as senior leaders; and how showing up with the right attitude can open doors even when you don’t check every box.

Sarah also shares deeply personal insights on kindness, inclusion, and raising confident, compassionate leaders in a complicated world—both at work and at home. Whether you’re a student, early-career professional, or seasoned leader, this episode offers practical wisdom on building meaningful networks, embracing stretch opportunities, and lifting others as you rise.

In this episode of the Leader Lounge podcast, hosts Amy and Nick engage with Emily McGill, an HR expert and board member, discussing her journey from studying fashion to thriving in human resources. Emily shares insights on the importance of mentorship, networking, and getting involved in various opportunities throughout one's career. The conversation explores the differences between structured and informal mentorship programs, the value of coaching, and how to find mentors in today's digital age. Emily emphasizes the significance of building relationships and being proactive in seeking guidance to navigate career transitions effectively.

In this episode of the Leader Lounge podcast, Amy Taylor-Bianco and Tom Ferguson discuss the importance of mentorship in personal and professional development. Tom shares his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a leader in the business world, emphasizing the role of curiosity, humility, and the organic nature of mentorship relationships. They explore how to find mentors, the dynamics of mentor-mentee relationships, and the significance of storytelling in mentorship. The conversation also touches on the challenges of assigned mentorships, the value of mentoring circles, and the importance of creating a mentorship culture within organizations. Tom concludes by discussing his future plans to give back and support students in their mentorship journeys.