My Millenial Meetup
The brilliant young woman on the left is Aubrey, my new reverse mentor who is easily half my age and twice as put together. If I had a son, I’d be scheming to make her my daughter-in-law. Instead, I’m hoping to welcome her into my professional family of advisors, guides and girlfriends.
Aubrey and I were set up through Cirkel Up, which connects professionals across ages and career stages for mutual growth and two-way mentorship. It’s a deeply considered program offered through Cirkel, an intergenerational networking platform that is the brainchild of millennial founder and old soul Charlotte Japp.
Much like an online matchmaking service, Cirkel Up matches you up with someone of a different generation and arranges an intentional, impactful 1:1 introduction every month, personalized to you and your professional goals.
I have to admit I was a little nervous before our first Zoom date. Aubrey is a Manhattan sophisticate, the co-founder and Chief Design Officer of Hazel, a soon-to-be launched luxe femme care brand for women over 50. Their first product is innovative disposable, leak-proof underwear that looks like lingerie and functions like granny briefs. They even have a control top.
Would Aubrey find me a valuable source of wisdom, expertise, and creativity or just another older woman who wants social media guidance and occasionally pees when she sneezes? I was about to find out.
What was your first impression based on the background info you received from Cirkel?
Aubrey: Cirkel gives thorough introductions – a picture, bio, and even conversation starters to make your first meeting less awkward. When I read through Susan’s background and her career journey, I was impressed to say the least. I couldn’t wait to hear more about her experience co-founding her marketing agency for women 50 +, Grace Creative!
Susan: Cirkel even gave us etiquette tips and a blurb about why they made this particular match. I loved that Aubrey was a fan of Audrey Hepburn, jazz, and that she wanted to solve some of the intimate challenges of women over 50 with style.
“Aubrey would like to continue building Hazel as a strong business and a well designed brand. Aubrey loves watching Audrey Hepburn films, listening to Jazz, attending wine club, and playing with her pup Gatsby.”
What were your expectations going in?
Aubrey: After I received the Cirkel introduction, I started to do my research. I knew she’d be perfect to chat with. I couldn’t wait to hear more about her passions pursuing brands focused on women 50+. From what I found, I knew our passion and desire to create impactful brands were very aligned.
Susan: Aubrey’s bio as a product designer at two direct-to-consumer startups, and now as co-founder of Hazel, led me to think she would be talented and maybe a little intimidating. She has accomplished so much and she’s not even 30! At her age, I was still a copywriter living in a studio apartment with a cat.
“Susan is looking to meet and support people with creative and entrepreneurial spirits. She is looking to learn more about social media and content creation. Susan loves good TV, mid-century modern architecture and design, and fashion.”
What was something unexpected you found about each other?
Aubrey: I assumed we’d have a lot to talk about as founders and creatives, but she took the time to go even deeper. She shared details around her approach to marketing to this audience and what has worked well for their firm. She was really easy to talk to and so helpful!
Susan: I expected Aubrey to be nice, I just didn’t expect her to be so warm, open, and helpful. It felt more like a peer relationship. She didn’t make me feel old.
What did you gain from your time together?
Aubrey: Susan and I covered so many topics, but one in particular was around how brands provide a platform for building authentic relationships and encouraging honest conversation. We brainstormed ways to connect with our audience and how important it is to make sure your voice, tone, and message resonate.
Susan: It was great to see a younger woman embrace the possibilities and potential of age while coming up with stylish, innovative solutions to its challenges. She also gave me some really cool older women like Glorious Broads to follow on Instagram.
What do you hope to gain from intergenerational relationships?
Aubrey: Like any relationship, it’s give and take. However with Cirkel, it’s treated as a two-way mentorship, a way to support each other and our businesses. So I hope to continue that through sharing experiences and connections. Age is only a detail, it’s the different points-of-view that I gain value from.
Susan: I hope to give back, stay fresh, and end ageism once and for all by putting faces and stories to a number, whether you’re young or older. We all have to learn that age is more than a number.
Try CIRKEL Up free for three months! Apply here.
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