Danielle has shared her manager's perspective in an
open and understanding way; it helps to see issues
and get feedback from a different viewpoint, rather
than simply relying on my own. For instance, she let
me know that her goals of performing an exit inter-
view include learning how she, her team, and the
company can improve. This helped me better prepare
and anticipate potential questions from my previous
supervisor and director during my exit interview.
My biggest challenge is the daily grind of the job
search, being patient with myself, and not getting
discouraged. I recently completed an informational
interview where at the end, I asked if there were
any open positions I could apply to. The manager
informed me that he's able to retain his employees
for so long, he hasn't had any arborist openings in 10
or 15 years. I tried not to cry on the walk back home.
I am grateful for this program and for my mentor,
Danielle. Her listening, support, and feedback
make me feel heard, accepted, and appreciated
in ways I wasn't finding in my previous position.
Our conversations feel fresh and exciting, as we're
both in different yet relatable places in our profes-
sional journeys. Outside of the virtual meetings,
we enjoy trading emails about my job search and
sharing articles, books, and podcasts about lead-
ership and professional growth. In the future,
I plan to shape my own leadership and career
journey with her perspectives as guideposts.
I am grateful for this
program and for my mentor,
Danielle. Her listening,
support, and feedback
make me feel heard,
accepted, and appreciated
in ways I wasn't finding
in my previous position.
Danielle Gift
20 CityTREES
