Mentorship That Moves You: One Pair’s Story of Growth and Guidance

Mentorship isn’t just about passing along advice—it’s about building trust, expanding perspectives, and opening doors to opportunities you might not find alone. Research supports its value: the Association for Talent Development reports that 75% of executives credit mentorship for their career success, and mentees are promoted five times more often than those without mentors.

CREW San Diego’s mentorship program channels that power into a structured, intentional experience. By pairing emerging professionals with seasoned leaders and fostering connections through both one-on-one and group engagement, the program strengthens professional development while deepening the value of CREW membership.

For Catherine McCullough, President of McCullough Landscape Architecture Inc., and Betsy Mayer, a marketing coordinator at Delawie, new to the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, that structure was the foundation for a connection that quickly grew into a genuine friendship.

A Shared Starting Point

Betsy joined CREW San Diego seeking a deeper involvement in the industry. New to AEC, she wanted to learn from others who had navigated the field before her. Catherine, an eight-year member of CREW and long-time business owner, saw mentorship as a way to give back and stay connected to the next generation of leaders.

What they didn’t expect was how quickly they would click. Both had entered commercial real estate from different industries, and both understood what it meant to be the sole marketing person in a firm. That common ground gave them a foundation to build on from their first conversation.

“We just hit it off,” Catherine recalled. “I could completely understand where she was coming from because I’ve been there myself.”

The Network Within the Network

While their one-on-one connection is central, Catherine and Betsy point to the program’s design as a differentiator. Quarterly gatherings bring all mentor-mentee pairs together for workshops, discussions, and networking, creating what they describe as a “network within a network.”

For Betsy, that means she not only benefits from Catherine’s insight but also gains access to a wider pool of CREW San Diego members. If Catherine doesn’t have the answer to a question, she knows someone who will—and she’s quick to make introductions.

“It’s more than just your pair,” Betsy explained. “You’re part of a larger community that wants to see you succeed.”

A Program with Intentionality

The mentorship program runs on a calendar year, but each pair determines its own meeting cadence and communication style. This flexibility ensures that the relationship develops naturally while staying supported by the program’s structure.

That intentionality matters. It creates an environment where members can be candid, push past professional challenges, and set clear goals for their growth.

“If you know what you want to achieve—whether it’s expanding your network or building confidence—you’ll get so much more out of the experience,” Catherine said.

Taking the Leap

For those unsure about joining, Betsy offers simple advice: give it a try. Even if the match isn’t perfect, the experience will provide insight into your needs and preferences for professional development.

“You don’t know what you don’t know,” she said. “Be willing to show up, be a little vulnerable, and see where it takes you.”

Though the official mentorship year ends in December, Catherine and Betsy expect their relationship to last well beyond. They see each other not just as mentors and mentees, but as trusted colleagues and friends/

“You can never have too many friends in the world,” Catherine smiled. “And in CREW, those friendships often lead to opportunities you could never have planned for.”

Interested in joining CREW San Diego’s mentorship program, CREWmates?

Whether you’re looking to grow as a mentor, learn as a mentee, or connect with peers who share your drive, there’s a place for you. Click here to apply or express your interest.