Lifelong Learners: Kim Hamm, on Mentoring

SBJ photo by McKenzie Robinson

After 34 years at BKD LLP, with two decades as partner, Kim Hamm can still remember her first mentor at the firm.

“He was the gray-haired guy that sat down in the corner office that scared me to death when I first started working,” Hamm says, laughing, of Jim Porter, a 42-year veteran of BKD who died in 2016.

Although it wasn’t a formal mentoring relationship, like BKD has established today, she says Porter’s demeanor and wealth of experience was an invaluable resource.

“He just conducted himself as a true gentleman and I always respected that,” Hamm says. “Early on, he gave me confidence that I could do things before I thought I could do them.”

Since then, mentoring became a critical part of her work. She likens her style of mentoring to coaching – investing in younger or new associates to help them achieve their goals. That’s especially important in pivotal career moments.

“Am I in the right place? Should I be looking for something else?” she says. “Without a mentor, you’re out there by yourself questioning is this the right thing to do.”

Hamm’s advice on mentoring

Don’t look in one place
“Mentors are going to come not only from within your business. I found informal mentors with clients who came to respect what I did for them and I totally respected how they were willing to give me a chance and let me have some insight into their business. It could come from personal relationships to working in nonprofit volunteer organizations.”

Be honest
“It’s hard to tell someone something they don’t want to hear. It can make you feel good to hear that everything is great and you’re doing everything perfect, but you really want someone who can help you fine tune your strengths. They can build you up, but they also need to be honest and help you be better.”

Care about the outcome
“I want to see that person succeed as much as they do. When you care that much about it, you’re willing to go the extra mile. You’re not afraid they are going to be better than you. You’re not afraid they are going to take your job. You are mentoring them to be the best they can be.”

Invest the time
“If you’re looking to be a good mentor or you want to find a mentor, you’re going to have to find someone who’s willing to invest some time and that you can feel comfortable approaching.”

Don’t stop – or wait
“You can continue to be mentored if you’re willing to learn and change. There are chances to take a leadership role and become a mentor and a coach well before you have a certain title. You can be a good mentor if you’re willing to invest in teaching and training somebody how to be better.”