When I started my role at a social media marketing agency here in Missouri, I figured my decades of experience in business offices would come in handy. I know how to get things done. I’m organized, reliable, and have seen everything from fax machines to digital dashboards. So I expected to be the one showing the ropes — offering guidance, wisdom, and maybe a few lessons in “how things used to be done.”
But then something funny happened.
I started learning — a lot. From the younger team members. About platforms I’d never heard of, tools I didn’t know existed, and why the word “slay” isn’t about medieval warfare anymore.
They call this reverse mentorship, and it’s changing the way we work — especially in fast-moving industries like digital marketing.
Traditionally, mentorship meant someone older and more experienced guiding someone younger and greener. And yes, that still happens. But reverse mentorship flips that script. It’s when seasoned professionals — like yours truly — learn from younger team members.
In industries driven by technology, culture shifts, and ever-evolving platforms, this kind of mentorship is not just helpful — it’s vital.
Leadership today isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about being curious, adaptable, and open to growth… even if that growth comes from someone who was in kindergarten when you were using dial-up internet.
Let me tell you — my younger coworkers aren’t afraid to press buttons and break things (in the best way). They dive headfirst into new platforms like TikTok, Threads, and whatever AI tool is trending this week.
While I might pause to read the user manual (or at least a few blog posts), they’re already testing, tweaking, and figuring out what works. It’s a “learn by doing” mindset that’s contagious. Watching them reminds me that progress beats perfection — and sometimes, you’ve just got to click the button and see what happens.
I used to think meme culture and Gen Z lingo were fun distractions from the real work. But oh, how wrong I was.
These cultural cues are the language of the internet. And if you’re in marketing, being fluent in trends — or knowing someone who is — can make or break your message. The younger folks on our team know what’s resonating right now, and their insights have helped shape campaigns that actually connect with people.
Turns out, relevance isn’t fluff. It’s strategy.
Back in the day, there was a clear chain of command: bosses made decisions, assistants took notes, and meetings were… well, stiff.
Today? The best ideas can come from anywhere. Our younger teammates expect feedback loops, shared input, and flatter team structures. At first, I’ll admit — it felt a little loose. But what I’ve seen is that when everyone feels heard, the ideas get better.
Collaboration beats hierarchy every time — and it turns out that creativity doesn’t care about job titles.
One thing I’ve truly admired is how many of our younger teammates bring their values to the table — unapologetically. Whether it’s a push for sustainability, inclusivity, or ethical marketing, they’re not just doing the job — they’re asking why it matters.
It’s refreshing. And it reminds me that doing good work means more than just hitting KPIs. It means standing for something, staying accountable, and creating with purpose.
By embracing reverse mentorship, I’ve gained:
And if I’m being honest? It’s made work a lot more fun.
Not sure where to start? Try this:
The world of digital marketing isn’t slowing down anytime soon — and neither am I. But staying relevant means staying open. Reverse mentorship isn’t just a modern buzzword. It’s a mindset shift. One that’s made me a better teammate, a sharper professional, and a forever learner.
