Update: 09/10/2025
Since I joined 90 day mentoring challenge last year, a lot has changed.
You can read my thoughts on mentoring challenge below.
I signed-up this Q4 again but planning to mentor others via the program.
Thank you Meg and Mark for the opportunity to make a difference.
Here are the notes from last year after i finished the 90 day mentoring challenge.
I joined Q1, 2024 90-day mentoring challenge at https://ako.nz365guy.com.
We are nearing the end of the cohort. I am sharing my thoughts on what it was like to be part of the program.
I also joined the program a few years back, but for some reason, I didn’t use it to its full potential. This program can offer a lot to you personally and professionally.
I wanted to make amends this time.
Why did I join this time?
I couldn’t make the best use of the challenge last time.
Maybe I wasn’t ready for it.
I was too busy with other things in my life.
This time though I am ready.
When the student is ready, the teacher appears ~ Lao Tzu
I am working as an independent consultant, and I wanted to learn how everyone from other places works and gets things done.
I wanted to learn from Mark, as he has extensive experience working with people around the globe and a wealth of knowledge.
Most importantly, I wanted to write and build a network with like-minded people.
How I made the decision
I am getting emails from Mark and a notification from Dani.
Given that I was on the waiting list, I am getting messages about who joined the program.
Heaps of them joined the program.
I know many people from the community who are writing and making an impact.
They do not know me yet. Of course, now they know me 😁
I wasn’t ready, as I was waiting for my current work situation.
Once that was clear.
I decided to join the challenge and learn from everyone part of the challenge.
First few weeks
I am a slow starter like a Test match player who needs time to get in, not a typical T20 person who can hit from the beginning.
Oops, sorry if you didn’t understand. It is a cricket (sports game) analogy. Well, a lot of people don’t know about it.
Everyone is sharing the intro videos, and I am getting to know more and more people in the community.
All of them have different careers and experiences.
It is great to connect with everyone on LinkedIn.
Sorry if you are in the current cohort and I didn’t connect. Please connect with me on LinkedIn.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/devendravelegandla/
What’s connecting all of us?
#90-day mentoring challenge.
As the content got rolling out, people started doing the exercises.
It’s great to see everyone making progress.
I am late starting the things as I am trying other things.
But it was great to see everyone around making progress.
What do you learn?
How to communicate with others.
Improve your communication skills. This includes writing and speaking.
The quote on Buffet inspired me.
You learn consulting skills.
How to use Design thinking at work and conduct workshops.
UI and UX, AI.
My favorite module. Personal Branding.
You can see the curriculum here for more details. Mark explained better than me :)
Books
You will get many book recommendations from the program that Mark has read every year.
Also from the community.
You can progress professionally and personally if you read and apply a few of them.
My favorite book from the list is Radical Candor by Kim Scott.
What’s more, you can learn?
Having direct access to Mark. This is a game-changer for this program.
QA Sessions
This is the best part for me and many others who always look forward to connecting with Mark and everyone else in the cohort.
Listening to the questions people ask and learning from others.
Mark also encourages everyone to share their thoughts and he adds value.
The good thing is that you get access to all the QA sessions to learn from others.
You might face similar challenges to those others are facing.
These sessions also get recorded, so you can refer to them later.
What I have done since joining the 90-day challenge
Started writing on LinkedIn.
Started answering questions in forums.
I also started learning Power Pages.
Now, blogging.
I will be doing a speaking engagement next month (April 2024) in Athe NZ CoE user group.
What else?
Did a Podcast with Mark.
I am planning to do things for the next three months in advance, which is something you will learn as part of the program.
Why You Should Join
There are many reasons why you should join.
Making Friends across the globe.
Supporting each other.
You can ask questions and learn from experts.
You get inspired by other people.
It is a safe place to share stories, emotions, and frustrations.
Actionable content that solves real-world challenges.
Everyone is happy for others to succeed.
Honest conversations and no BS.
Connections that will last forever.
This is an opportunity to ask questions and get insights from many people with a range of experiences at work and in life.
And so much more.
Final Thoughts
The 90-day mentoring challenge could be a life-changing opportunity.
You collaborate, make connections, make friends, and grow with others.
I got so much value from the program and the people who are part of the program.
Thank you, Mark https://www.linkedin.com/in/nz365guy/
If you are considering joining, this post might help you decide.
Leave a comment if you have a question about the mentoring challenge. I am happy to answer or redirect the question to Meg and Mark :)