At different points in our lives we've all experienced the gifts of wise elders be they family members, teachers, coaches, colleagues or whoever your role models are and have been. Yet despite the knowledge that a regular program or connection with a mentor or mentors would be valuable, almost all of us don't act on this.

Finding Nature, with our good friends at Greenfluence, Altiorem and Regenerate Talent are looking to change that. Sydney's sustainability, ESG and social impact networks are full of brilliant, ambitious and warm-hearted people who both need and want help - no matter your experience or seniority. This night is the beginning of building something beyond 'networking', beyond 'interesting conversations', and beyond 'meeting someone new'. We will create the conditions and curate a night where you can begin to build meaningful relationships with others either as a younger person looking for help, guidance and suggestions or someone a little older looking to offer your own strength, experience and hope.

Each of us work day in, day out, with an intention to improve and to make a difference. But how do we do that? Wake up, some haphazard morning routine, work, go home, whatever night involves, sleep, repeat. We all want to get better, but how does that intention translate to intentional and deliberate action on a consistent and regular basis?

"Colleagues are a wonderful thing - but mentors, that's where the real work gets done."

- Junot Diaz

You probably remember a family member, a teacher or a coach from your childhood or adolescence who lit something inside of you. Who helped you realise that you really could be whoever you imagined yourself to be. Today though, in your life, do you have that person who helps to remind and light you up that you do have something special and unique inside of yourself?

“A mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself."

- Oprah Winfrey

To become who we hope to be, who we feel and know and imagine ourselves becoming, we need trusted and experienced guides who can help light a path to that destination out on the horizon. The magic of mentorship is not the discussions or conversations we have, but the experience of what becomes possible that we didn't have the ability to contemplate or imagine by ourselves.

“One of the greatest values of mentors is the ability to see ahead what others cannot see and to help them navigate a course to their destination.”

- John C. Maxwell

The best in every walk of life have needed, asked for and received help. Often we're unsure how to do that. Other times we're too prideful. Other times we don't even know how to ask for help. Then we have to deal with the shame and stigma of what help can mean - weakness, meekness and failure. The first act of getting help is realising that we need it. From that place of humility and accepting the input, support and help of others we can begin to transform our lives.

“Asking for help is a superpower anyone can have but only some people use. It is brave to ask for help. Asking for help is the first step toward finding a mentor. Mentors can help us change our lives if we let them.”

- Alexi Pappas

After your registration we will ask you to complete a short form to outline and express your needs and wants for the coming year - do you need help, do you want to help, what are you struggling with, what struggles have you come? This night is about curating the beginning of a new way of being helped and being helpful. Of finding your mentors and mentees.

The night involves not only meeting those who are going to help shape and influence the next phase of your career, but excellent food from the one and only Gus_tronomy plus beverages from Grifter Brewing and Ester Spirits.

Stay tuned on the Finding Nature LinkedIn and Instagram pages for announcements on special guests on the night.

Keep up to date with Greenfluence on LinkedIn and Instagram to hear from some inspiring guests in the sustainability space!

Contact the host of Sydney Sustainability Speed Mentoring - Find your match!