December 9, 2025
As my 17-year-old daughter insightfully wrote in a recent college application submission, “listening builds bridges.” This simple yet profound statement resonated deeply with me, prompting me to reflect on my over two-decade career in communications. I realized that my most impactful professional growth and significant achievements have consistently stemmed from authentic dialogue—whether with clients, patients, advocates or colleagues.
My seven years at GCI Health, spanning multiple teams, time zones and diverse clients and disease states, have reinforced the immense value of varied perspectives and the relationships built through shared understanding. It’s precisely this breadth of experience and exposure that makes agency life so dynamic and rewarding.
It was with this in mind that I decided to participate in GCI Health’s 2025 spring/summer Mentorship Program. I had the privilege of engaging in both traditional and reverse mentorship capacities. This unique structure paired me with two colleagues from distinct levels, offices and market perspectives—individuals I don’t typically collaborate with directly. I approached this experience with a deep commitment to active listening and continuous learning.
While traditional mentorship focuses on experienced professionals guiding junior staff, reverse mentorship intentionally flips this dynamic. It empowers junior team members to mentor senior leaders in areas where their contemporary insights, particularly regarding emerging trends and communication styles, are invaluable. It was profoundly insightful to gain fresh perspectives from my reverse mentor on enhancing my communication and listening skills, fostering greater approachability and refining my leadership style for today’s environment. These actionable takeaways are directly contributing to my ongoing professional development.
In my role as a traditional mentor, I focused on building a foundation of trust and support with a colleague navigating a personal situation. My primary objective was to be fully present and empathetic, offering a space where they felt genuinely heard and supported. This experience underscored the power of active listening and reinforced what my 17-year-old helped me see—that listening truly builds bridges, not just professionally, but personally.
My sincere appreciation goes to my dedicated colleagues who shared this journey with me. The program far exceeded my expectations in nurturing professional and personal development. Although the formal program concluded, I continue to sustain these valuable connections and dialogue. I’m invested in these relationships, recognizing their potential for long-term impact, and their capacity to continuously spark meaningful conversation and mutual learning.
Looking back, the strategic insights I gained are not merely anecdotal; they represent actionable intelligence capable of driving tangible change within our teams and broader organization. I’m proud to have leveraged this opportunity where I can contribute meaningfully.
Written by Julie Piszczor, Group Senior Vice President