Lizabeth murphy – Meet the Mentor

Why did you decide to become a mentor?

I decided to become a mentor because throughout my career I’ve seen how vital guidance and perspective can be during moments of growth and transition. Having worked across startups, scaling companies, and people-first organizations, I’ve had the privilege of learning lessons—both successes and challenges—that I know can help others shorten their own learning curves. I signed up to mentor because I believe leadership shouldn’t be a lonely journey; founders, entrepreneurs, and professionals deserve someone who can listen, advise, and help them navigate complexity. Mentoring allows me to give back while strengthening the next generation of leaders.

How did you get your career start?

My career began in education and psychology, which gave me a strong foundation in human behavior and development. Over time, I transitioned into leadership roles in retail and technology startups, where I discovered my passion for building systems and cultures that help teams thrive. I had mentors who encouraged me to lean into my strengths in organizational development, people strategy, and coaching. Their support gave me the confidence to take on bigger challenges—like serving as Head of People or COO in high-growth environments—and ultimately inspired me to pursue a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership to combine academic insight with practical application.

What do mentees usually come to you for?

Most mentees come to me for support in navigating leadership challenges, scaling teams, and managing burnout. Many are first-time founders, startup leaders, or HR/People professionals who are building functions from scratch and want guidance on systems, culture, and team design. Others seek career clarity and leadership coaching, looking for frameworks to evaluate opportunities and build confidence in their decision-making. I structure my mentorships with a mix of listening, tactical advice, and goal-setting. Mentees can expect actionable next steps, accountability, and honest feedback delivered with empathy. My aim is always to meet them where they are and help them move forward sustainab

What's been your favourite mentorship success story so far?

One of my favorite mentorship stories was with a founder who came to me feeling overwhelmed and burned out while trying to scale their startup. Together, we built a framework for redistributing responsibilities, introducing better systems, and establishing personal boundaries. Over time, their stress levels dropped, their leadership confidence grew, and their team began performing at a higher level because of the clarity and accountability we put in place. Watching them transform from near burnout to a more balanced, empowered leader was incredibly rewarding. It reinforced my belief that mentorship can truly change not just a career, but a person’s overall wellbeing.

What are you getting out of being a mentor?

Being a mentor has given me a deep sense of fulfillment and sharpened my own leadership skills. Every conversation challenges me to think critically, adapt my experience to someone else’s context, and continue learning about new industries and perspectives. It’s also reinforced my belief in the power of community and shared knowledge—mentorship isn’t just about giving advice, it’s about co-creating solutions with someone who trusts you with their journey. Personally, it has helped me grow in empathy, patience, and confidence, and professionally, it has strengthened my ability to coach, advise, and lead at a higher level.