What Mentorship Gave Me: And Why It Matters More Than Ever

In the IT channel, growth doesn’t happen by accident—it happens through connection, guidance and the willingness to both teach and learn. That’s exactly what the GTIA Mentorship Program makes possible. Designed to bridge experience gaps and bring professionals together across companies and backgrounds, the program creates space for honest conversations, meaningful development and relationships that last long after the final session. 

In the reflections below, mentor Greg Jones, senior vice president of MSP success – EMEA & North America at Kaseya/Datto and mentee Tatum Treadwell, channel business development manager at Channel Program, share how their time in the program shaped their confidence, clarified their goals and reminded them of the power of investing in people. Here's what they had to say about their shared experience. 

Tatum: I applied to the GTIA Mentorship Program because I know how I learn best. I do better when I’m being coached, challenged and pushed to think a little bigger. Early in my career, I’ve learned that growth doesn’t just happen on its own. You have to be intentional about it, and for me, having a mentor has always felt like one of the smartest ways to do that.

Greg: When I was asked if I would take part in the GTIA Mentorship Program, I said yes for one simple reason: I genuinely believe in the power of people helping people grow. At every stage of my career, someone took the time to challenge me, guide me and sometimes tell me what I needed to hear, not what I wanted to hear. Mentorship played a big role in shaping who I am today. 

Tatum: What really stood out about the GTIA Mentorship Program was the opportunity to learn from someone outside of my own company. Having that external perspective matters. It allows for more honest conversations, broader industry insight and guidance that isn’t tied to day-to-day responsibilities. I wanted to learn from someone who had been in the channel longer than I had and could help me think not just about my current role, but about where I want to go long term.

Greg: What I did not fully expect was just how much I would also take away from the experience myself. Working with Tatum has been a real highlight. From the very first conversation, she showed up open, curious and hungry to learn. She took on every piece of feedback with a positive mindset and immediately put it into action. There was no defensiveness, no excuses, just a genuine desire to grow. 

Tatum: I had participated in the GTIA Mentorship Program before, so I knew the value it could bring, but every mentorship relationship is different. When I found out Greg would be my mentor, I was genuinely excited. His role is similar to mine, but at a much larger scale, and we both spend a lot of time building relationships, showing up on LinkedIn and sharing ideas publicly. I knew that I could learn a lot from his experience.

Greg: Over the course of the program, I truly saw the impact that structured mentorship can have. The progress she made was not subtle. Her confidence grew, her thinking sharpened and her belief in herself started to show through in how she carried herself and how she approached her role. Watching that transformation happen in real time has been incredibly rewarding. 

Tatum: Greg’s mentorship style worked really well for me because he is direct, people-oriented and a great teacher. I would come into sessions with things I wanted to improve on, and he would help me figure out clear next steps. One of the biggest impacts Greg had on me was encouraging me to join Toastmasters. That push made a real difference. It helped me grow my confidence in speaking and pushed me outside my comfort zone in a way that felt supportive, not overwhelming. I’ve also gained a community through it, which has been an unexpected benefit.

Greg: Tatum was also a breath of fresh air to work with. Her energy, honesty and willingness to lean into the process made every session something I looked forward to. Mentorship is never one-way. I learned just as much from her perspective, her questions and her experiences as she did from me. 

Tatum: Another lesson that stuck with me was the importance of investing in yourself. Greg emphasized focusing on building your career, not just the company you work for. That perspective shifted how I think about personal development and long-term growth. It reminded me that learning and skill-building are things you have to actively prioritize and work on.

Greg: This program reinforced something I have always believed: When you invest in people, you change trajectories. You create confidence, clarity and momentum that lasts far beyond a single program or conversation. 

Tatum: Over the course of the program, I became more confident in speaking, more confident in my ability to learn new skills and more comfortable doing things that once felt outside my comfort zone. This experience reinforced something I already knew about myself. I work best when I have a coach and someone who pushes me to grow.

Greg: I have no doubt that we will be seeing much more of Tatum as she continues to grow and work her way up the industry ladder. She has the mindset, the drive and now the confidence to go with it. If you are considering the GTIA Mentorship Program, my advice is simple. Do it. Not just for what you can give, but for what you will gain. The impact is real, and it stays with you long after the program ends. 

Tatum: Programs like this are important for the future of the industry. They create space to share knowledge, pass down lessons and help the next wave grow. For anyone thinking about applying but unsure if they’re ready, my advice is simple. You’ll never be ready until you start. This experience has been incredibly valuable to me, and I hope one day I’ll have the opportunity to pay it forward and mentor someone else.

The experiences Greg and Tatum share are powerful reminders of why mentorship matters. When professionals at different stages of their careers come together with openness, curiosity and a willingness to grow, the impact reaches far beyond individual sessions. It strengthens the talent pipeline, builds confidence and clarity, and fosters a culture of learning that benefits the entire industry. 

Whether you’re looking to give back, gain new perspective or invest in your own development, the GTIA Mentorship Program offers an opportunity to grow alongside others who are just as committed to the journey. And as both Greg and Tatum show, the rewards extend well beyond the program itself.

Learn more about the GTIA Mentorship Program.