Thankful Thursday - Wes Cotter

In my early 20s, I worked in social services with troubled youth. I thought it was just a job, but that job set the course for my entire career. 🧭

My title didn't matter, I was responsible for getting things done. I learned how to do college recruiting, prep for public health inspections, manage crises, conduct corporate trainings, and basically anything else to keep the place running. It was intense, humbling, and one of the best learning experiences of my life!

➡️ Why did it work? Because I had a leader who trusted me.

Wes Cotter at The Key Program, Inc in Worcester gave me the freedom to figure things out and the support to ask for help when I needed it. That trust made me work harder and taught me how to become a true problem solver.

Years later, when I had outgrown the role, Wes didn’t hold me back. We talked openly about goals, vision, and the realities of working in a nonprofit. He didn’t tell me what to do. He helped me uncover what I wanted to do.

And when it was time to move on, he stood there with a smile, knowing he had helped me grow wings. 🦅

A couple years later, I ran into Wes and finally got to say thank you. It wasn’t about what he TRAINED me to do. It was about what he BELIEVED I could do. 🙏

Whether you're early in your career or mentoring someone else, remember this: WHEN WE LIFT EACH OTHER UP, WE ALL RISE.

👋 Who's a mentor you’re grateful for?

#Leadership #Mentorship Gratitude #CareerGrowth #SocialServices #EarlyCareerLessons #LucentStrategies #ThankfulThursday #SayThankYou