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November 26, 2024 22 mins

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In this episode of HTM On The Line, we explore why mentorship isn’t just a task—it’s the heartbeat of the HTM industry. Mentorship is about more than passing on skills; it’s about building people, shaping the future, and creating a legacy that outlasts us. From moments of doubt to moments of clarity, mentorship has the power to transform not only careers but lives.

I share my personal journey with two incredible mentors: Clarence Dolese, who guided me through a time when I was ready to leave the HTM field, and Edward Lister, a retired Navy SEAL who taught me discipline and focus as a 19-year-old biomed intern. Their impact reminds us of the profound difference mentors make.

You’ll also hear practical advice for mentors and mentees alike. Whether you’re sharing your experience or seeking guidance, mentorship doesn’t require perfection—it requires presence. Together, we’ll uncover how mentorship drives personal growth, strengthens the HTM industry, and ensures its legacy continues to thrive.

Gratitude and action go hand in hand. Who mentored you? Have you thanked them? And now, who can you mentor? The future of HTM depends on us stepping up today. Let’s make it happen.

🎧 Tune in now and join the conversation.

We are immensely grateful to our partners— College of Biomedical Equipment Technology, A.M. BICKFORD, INC., UptimeServices, PM BIOMEDICAL, FSI and Talent Exclusive—for their support in making this podcast possible. Their dedication to advancing the Healthcare Technology Management industry is truly commendable. For more information about their contributions and services, please visit their websites.

For more podcast episodes, motivational videos, blogs, and newsletters, make sure to visit our website at htmontheline.com. We look forward to connecting with you.

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Episode Transcript

Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
Welcome to another episode of HTM on the Line.
I'm your host, bryant HawkinsSr.
And today I want to talk aboutsomething very close to my heart
Mentorship.
Mentorship isn't just abuzzword or something to check
off a list.
For me, it's personal.
I remember starting out in thisindustry, young, eager, but

(00:25):
also unsure of what the futureheld.
It was the guidance of mentorswho believed in me that helped
me find my footing.
And now, as I look around, Isee a tremendous opportunity for
us to step up as mentors toshape the next generation of HTM
professionals.
This isn't just about skills,it's about legacy.

(00:49):
But before we dive into today'sconversation, take a moment to
hear a quick message from oursponsor.
They're the ones who helpedmake this podcast possible, so
be sure to listen in and supportthem.

Speaker 2 (01:04):
Today's podcast is brought to you by FSI.
Optimize your hospital'sfacilities and healthcare
technology management operationswith FSI's CMMS platform.
Their comprehensive cloud-basedmaintenance management software
is standardized, scalable anddesigned to empower your team
with accurate, practical andimpactful data.

Speaker 1 (01:28):
Now let's jump into this week's podcast mentorship

(01:52):
in the htm industry isn't justabout passing on skills.
It's about building people.
It's about shaping the futureof this field and leaving it
better than we found it.
Let me tell you something whena seasoned professional invests

(02:14):
in the next generation, they'renot just teaching someone how to
fix a machine or check a manual.
No, they're handing oversomething much bigger.
They're giving someone theconfidence to stand tall, the
direction to move forward and,most importantly, the belief
that their work has a purpose.
Think about it.

(02:37):
In HTM, the stakes couldn't behigher.
We're not just working withequipment, we're working with
lives.
When a patient is waiting onthat ventilator or that CT,
there's no room for self-doubtor hesitation.
And that's where mentorshipcomes in.
A mentor doesn't just show youthe how they remind you of the,

(03:02):
why they help.
You see that you're not justrepairing machines, you're
playing a part in saving lives.
That kind of clarity, that kindof purpose.
It can change everything.
I've seen mentorship savecareers.
I've seen it take someone whowas ready to give up and turn

(03:27):
them into a leader.
Because here's the thing thisindustry can chew you up if
you're not ready for the weightof it the long hours, the high
stakes, the constant need tostay sharp, it's a lot.
The constant need to stay sharpit's a lot.
But when you have someone inyour corner, someone who's been

(03:50):
where you're standing and saysyou've got this, that can be the
difference between someonewalking away and someone
stepping up.
Mentors don't just guide you,they equip you, they give you
the tools to see the biggerpicture, to understand that

(04:12):
every challenge is anopportunity to grow.
And when you grow, you don'tjust elevate yourself, you
elevate the entire industry.
Because the truth is, thisisn't just about fixing
equipment, it's about fixingmindsets, fixing confidence,

(04:32):
fixing belief systems.
It's about turning doubt intodetermination and inexperience
into expertise.
And here's the beauty ofmentorship it's not a one-time
thing, it's a ripple effect.
When you mentor someone, you'renot just investing in their

(04:53):
career.
You're investing in the peoplethey'll mentor one day, you're
creating a legacy that willoutlast any single piece of
equipment or project In HTM.
Mentorship isn't optional.
It's the foundation ofeverything we do.
It's how we make sure that thelessons we've learned, the

(05:16):
values we hold and the purposethat drives us are passed on to
the next generation.
So don't just think about whatyou can do today.
Think about who you can impact,because the real measure of
success isn't what youaccomplish on your own.
It's the lives you change alongthe way.

(05:39):
That's mentorship and that'swhat matters.
Let's address the elephant inthe room.

(06:00):
So many people hesitate tobecome mentors because they
think I'm not qualified, I don'tknow enough, I don't have the
time.
But let me tell you somethingthe belief that you need all the
answers is the first myth weneed to destroy.

(06:22):
Mentorship isn't aboutperfection.
It's about connection.
It's about being willing toshow up, to stand shoulder to
shoulder with someone who'slooking for direction and to say
I don't have all the answers,but I'll walk with you.
You don't need to have aroadmap, you just need to share

(06:45):
the steps you've taken already,because, to someone who's just
starting out, those steps arepriceless.
And, let's be real.
None of us got here alone.
Priceless.
And let's be real, none of usgot here alone.
Every single one of us hasbenefited from someone else's
guidance, whether it was formalor not.

(07:07):
Maybe it was a boss whobelieved in us, a friend who
gave us perspective, or even amistake that became our teacher,
or even a mistake that becameour teacher.
The point is, we all havesomething to give.
The question isn't whetheryou're qualified, it's whether

(07:29):
you're willing.
And for those looking formentors I get it it can feel
intimidating.
You might wonder what if theysay no?
What if they think I'm notworth their time?
But here's the truth.
Mentors are people just likeyou.
They've been where you are.

(07:49):
They've felt the uncertainty,the doubt, the fear of failure
and, more often than not, fearof failure.
And more often than not,they're flattered when someone
values their experience enoughto say I want to learn from you.
Mentorship is not abouthierarchy, it's about humanity.

(08:10):
It's about creating a spacewhere experience meets potential
, where someone says I see you,I hear you and I'm here to help.
It's not about giving everyanswer.
It's about helping someone findtheir own.
And let's be honest, mentorshipgoes both ways.

(08:34):
When you step up to guidesomeone, you'll be surprised at
what you gain.
Their questions challenge yourperspective.
Their energy reignites your own.
Their journey reminds you whyyou started in the first place.
It's not a transaction, it's atransformation.

(08:55):
So if you're hesitating,thinking you're not ready to
mentor, let me leave you withthis the moment you decide to
show up for someone, you'requalified.
And if you're searching for amentor, don't let fear hold you

(09:16):
back, because reaching out isn'ta sign of weakness.
It's a declaration of yourcommitment to grow.
Mentorship isn't about havingall the answers.
It's about walking besidesomeone as they find their own,
and in that journey you bothbecome stronger.

(09:38):
For mentors listen, I need youto hear me on this.

(09:58):
Mentorship doesn't have to bethis huge formal thing.
You don't have to start somegrand program or block out hours
of your day.
No, mentorship starts small.
It's in the conversations youhave in the hallway.
It's in the moment you pauseand say let me help you with

(10:19):
that.
Or here's what I've learnedNever underestimate the impact
of those small moments.
Never underestimate the impactof those small moments, because,
for someone who's new to this,those moments they're monumental
, they're game changing.

(10:39):
And here's the deal Don't beafraid to be real.
Stop trying to be perfect.
The people you're mentoringdon't need a superhero.
They need someone who's beenthrough the fire.
Share your failures.
Talk about the times you didn'tknow what to do but you figured

(11:00):
it out, because people learnjust as much, if not more, from
what didn't work much, if notmore, from what didn't work.
When you're real, you'rerelatable, and when you're
relatable, you're teaching themsomething that no book, no
manual, no YouTube video couldever provide.

(11:20):
The next generation of HTMprofessionals doesn't just need
your knowledge.
They need your transparency,your honesty and your
willingness to say I've beenwhere you are and here's how I
got through it.
That's where the greatnesshappens For mentees.

(11:46):
Now, for those of you lookingfor a mentor, let me tell you
something Don't wait.
Don't sit there waiting forsomeone to come to you.
If you're serious aboutleveling up in this industry,
you've got to be proactive.
You've got to take that firststep.

(12:08):
You've got to take that firststep.
Walk up to that experiencedprofessional and say I admire
what you've done.
Can I learn from you?
Let me tell you what happenswhen you do that.
Nine times out of 10, they'regoing to say yes.
Why?

(12:29):
Because they've been to say yes.
Why?
Because they've been where youare.
They know how it feels to wantmore, to need guidance, and
they'll respect the fact thatyou had the courage to ask.
But here's the catch Respecttheir time, come prepared.
Don't just ask for vague advice.

(12:50):
Respect their time, comeprepared.
Don't just ask for vague advice.
Show up with specific questions, clear goals and a hunger to
learn.
Mentorship is not a one-waystreet.
It's a partnership, and ifyou're not ready to put in the
work, you're not ready to grow.

(13:11):
So what's it going to be?
Are you going to sit back andwait, or are you going to step
up and create the opportunitiesyou need?
Whether you're a mentor or amentee, the ball is in your
court.
Let's get to work.
The future of this industrydepends on it.

(13:44):
Every single one of us is herebecause someone else paved the
way.
Someone else took the time toshare their knowledge, to guide
us through challenges, to showus what's possible.
Mentorship is the bridgebetween where we've been and
where we're going.
It's the way we take thelessons we've learned, the

(14:08):
values we've cultivated, andensure they don't just stay with
us.
They grow, multiply and inspirethe next generation In the HTM
industry.
Mentorship isn't optional.
It's essential.
Think about it.
This field isn't just aboutmachines, tools or repairs.

(14:33):
It's about people.
It's about ensuring thathealthcare facilities run
smoothly so patients get thecare they need.
It's about being the unsungheroes behind the scenes.
About being the unsung heroesbehind the scenes.

(14:53):
But with our mentorship we risklosing something priceless the
heart, the passion and theexpertise that makes this
industry extraordinary.
The reality is this the HTMindustry is evolving at
lightning speed.
Technology is advancing,industry is evolving at
lightning speed.
Technology is advancing, rolesare shifting and the demand for
fresh, skilled talent is greaterthan ever.

(15:16):
But here's the challenge If wedon't step up and mentor the
next generation, who will?
If we don't take the time toinvest in the future, we risk
leaving behind a field that'sfractured, struggling to keep up

(15:36):
and missing its soul.
When you mentor someone, you'replanting seeds of possibility.
You're saying here's what I'velearned Now, take it, build on
it and make it better.
You're empowering someone tonot just survive in this

(15:59):
industry but thrive in it.
And here's the beautiful thingthose seeds you plant, they
don't just grow, they create aforest, they create a ripple
effect that touches lives you'llnever even meet.

(16:19):
But let me be clear Mentorshipisn't about being perfect.
It's not about having all theanswers.
It's about showing up.
It's about saying I care enoughto help you find your way, and
when you do that, you're notjust changing one life, you're
shaping the future of an entireindustry.
This is your opportunity, thisis your moment to step into

(16:45):
leadership, to create a legacythat lasts long after you've
moved on.
Mentorship isn't just somethingyou do, it's something you live
.
It's how you ensure that what'sbest about this industry its
commitment, its integrity, itsdedication to excellence

(17:05):
continues to thrive.
So I challenge you today Don'tlet your knowledge, your
experience or your passion stopwith you.
Share it, Pass it on, Becausewhen you do, you're not
mentoring someone, You'retransforming the future of HTM,

(17:29):
and that that's the kind oflegacy worth building.
Every one of us has been shapedby someone who took the time to

(17:49):
guide us, inspire us andbelieve in us when we didn't yet
believe in ourselves.
So here's my challenge for youtoday Think about your journey.
Who was it that made thedifference for you?
Who was the mentor that helpedyou take the next step, and have

(18:10):
you taken the time to thankthem?
For me, two people stand out,even though I had many mentors.
The first is Clarence D'Aulis,who was there for me during one
of the hardest times in my life,when I was seriously
contemplating leaving the HTMindustry.
He didn't let me quit.

(18:32):
He reminded me why I started,why this work matters, and he
gave me the strength to keepgoing.
I wouldn't be here todaywithout his guidance.
I wouldn't be here todaywithout his guidance.
The second is Edward Lister, aretired Navy SEAL, who showed me

(18:54):
the way when I didn't evenrealize I needed it.
I was just a 19-year-oldbottle-made intern, unsure of my
place, and he stepped in andgave me direction.
He taught me the discipline,the mindset and the focus that
shaped not just my career but mycharacter.
Gratitude is powerful, but it'snot enough on its own.

(19:14):
The real question is what areyou going to do with the
opportunities you've been given?
Who can you mentor?
Who can you invest in to ensurethe lessons you've been given?
Who can you mentor?
Who can you invest in to ensurethe lessons you've learned?
Don't stop with you, Becausementorship isn't just a
transaction.
It's the foundation of growthfor both the individual and the

(19:39):
industry.
If you're ready to step up,start today.
Don't overthink it.
Mentorship doesn't requireperfection.
It requires presence.
Reach out to a colleague, astudent or someone new to the
field.
Offer your time, your insightand your encouragement, Because

(20:03):
that's all it takes to changesomeone's path.
And if you're looking for amentor, let me tell you this
Don't be afraid to ask.
Asking for guidance isn't asign of weakness.
It's a demonstration of yourcommitment to growth.
Mentors aren't looking forperfect mentees.

(20:26):
They're looking for people whoare willing to learn, who are
hungry to improve and whorespect the process.
Mentorship is how we grow.
It's how we ensure that whatwe've built continues to thrive
long after we're gone, and it'snot just about helping the next

(20:47):
generation, it's about makingthe whole industry stronger.
So, whether you're givingguidance or seeking it, start
today, because when we liftothers, we all rise.
And, clarence Edward, if you'relistening, thank you, thank you

(21:10):
.
Thank you.
Your impact on my life goes farbeyond words.

Speaker 2 (21:15):
And.

Speaker 1 (21:15):
I'm honored to carry the lessons you taught me
forward, forward.
Thank you for tuning in to HTMOn the Line.
Mentorship isn't just a task.
It's the heartbeat of ourcommunity.
It's how we grow, how weinspire and how we lead this

(21:40):
industry better than we found it.
Let's make it a priority tolift others as we climb, to
share what we know and to guidethose who will carry the torch
forward.
If you've got a mentorshipstory whether you've been a
mentor, a mentee or both I loveto hear it.
Reach out, share your journeyand let's keep building this

(22:03):
conversation together.
I'm brian hawkins senior andthis is htm on the line.
Until next time, stay motivated, stay committed and let's
continue to elevate htm, becausethe future depends on what we
do today.
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