Page 26 - BusinessWest May 26, 2025

Collaborative >>Continued from page 24
history teacher,” he recalled. “It was a little scary
making that switch, but I’ve never regretted it once.”
The Ludlow district belongs to the Lower Pioneer
Valley Educational Collaborative, the only other col-
laborative in Western Mass. It primarily runs special
education programs, as well as a vocational school.
“So it’s a slightly different type of collaborative and
more in line with the other collaboratives across the
state.”
At CES, Gazda has broadened his focus, applying
lessons from the classroom and public school admin-
istration to an agency that is doing impactful work
across a much wider playing field.
“It is a lot, and trying to keep all those moving
parts going, particularly in this fiscal environment,
has created challenges for the organization,” he
noted, adding that the financial challenges aren’t new.
“The pandemic really shook things up, and we’re
seeing the results of uncertain finances in districts
across the state where they’re being forced to adjust
to declining student populations, less revenues, and
increased expenses. So there’s a ripple effect that cre-
ates the system that we have to work within.”
Still, he remains optimistic, and focused on the
work. “We continue to monitor the situation in order
to be ready to respond to whatever happens to come
next.”
In other words, keep on learning, always with an
eye on the future. BW
Mentorship >>Continued from page 25
Reflection
An important part of goal setting and personal
growth is reflecting on the outcome and the journey.
The mentor and mentee should have open commu-
nication and provide regular feedback in a timely
manner. When goals are completed, the mentor and
mentee should reflect on what went well or what
could have gone better, and then determine areas for
growth.
During the mentorship, each person should reflect
on their own progress individually and then discuss
what they can do to improve or how they can pro-
vide better support for each other. Regular evaluation
throughout the span of the relationship will create the
most value.
Gratitude
Gratitude is something we all take for granted.
As important as it is to continue looking for ways to
improve, it is equally, if not more, important to slow
down and practice regular gratitude — for each other
and for the process. Being able to appreciate all the
positive aspects and milestones of navigating the
workforce and life will create more joy and improve
overall well-being.
Expressing gratitude can be as simple as writing
down what you are thankful for or telling a co-worker
you are thankful for their guidance and support. This
practice enhances the trust, mutual respect, and open
communication that guides these meaningful relation-
ships between the mentor and mentee.
When there is a sense of appreciation for each
other and the process of mentorship, each person will
grow, learn, and collaborate more effectively. Every
challenge encountered is a building block toward the
end goal and vision, so remember to be grateful for
the learning opportunities provided and the continued
growth.
Bottom Line
Achieving any success in the workplace is a mea-
sure of time, effort, and dedication. Success cannot be
achieved alone; it is dependent on the help and sup-
port of others. Embracing the uncomfortable to push
for new challenges and embracing ways to incorpo-
rate individuality will make any mentor-mentee rela-
tionship the most successful. BW
Chelsea Russell is a senior manager, and Mia
McDonald a senior associate, at the Holyoke-based
accounting firm Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C.
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