The Mentors Project: Crista Hogan

MENTEE
Ryan DeBoef, chief of staff and assistant to the president for governmental relations at Missouri State University

HOW
I met Ryan when he was still in law school. When he graduated, we met for lunch every few months, but never in a restaurant. Ryan picked up my favorites from Sub Shoppe on his way to the office, so we could candidly converse without distraction. We talked about a lot of things including current events, SMBA projects and his career.
    
CHALLENGES
None with Ryan, but I advise others to only ask for advice if they are prepared to take it. It is frustrating when advice is repeatedly requested and repeatedly ignored.

BREAKTHROUGHS
When I first started advising new lawyers I had some old-school sensibilities. For example, I thought it was ideal for them to find a job and stay put. I quickly learned the new marketplace is much more fluid, and there is value in gaining both hard and soft skills in a variety of professional contexts. I have also found the mentorship role is a two-way street. I learn as much from the experience.

YOUR MENTOR
Jan Horton. We didn’t have a formal mentorship, but early in my career Jan was the director of Community Foundation of the Ozarks. I learned a lot from observing her in action at CFO events and meetings. I was impressed and inspired and wanted to emulate her professional competence.