GUMC Mentoring Program: Pod Leader

What is a pod leader?

A Pod Leader facilitates a small group (pod) as part of this eight month mentoring program to deepen the discussions and enrich the learning experience of the mentoring cohort. The Pod Leaders, with the support of the program managers, will be responsible for facilitating small group breakouts during scheduled large group meetings, assist each of the small group members with the professional learning activities, and provide guidance on possible mentors for each of the small group members. The Pod Leader will serve as a coach in that the purpose is to collaborate with the small group members as a group and individually to provide guidance and thought provoking discussion to inspire the mentee to reach his/her professional potential.

Time Requirements

Part 1: Professional Development Planning (Months 1 – 4)

All events are virtual via Zoom.

Pod Leader Time Requirements Part 1
Activity	Time Needed	Frequency
Pod Leader Orientation	1 hour	September 3 at 12 PM ET (Tentative)
Group Coaching Session*	90 minutes	September 10, 4:30 – 6 PM ET
Cohort Sessions	90 minutes; 4:30 – 6 PM ET	September 17, October 8, October 29, November 19, December 10
Prep Work	30 minutes; asynchronous	Before each cohort session
Individual Coaching Sessions*	60 minutes each	Three sessions, scheduled based on availability of the pod leader and Certified Life Coach

*As a benefit, all pod leaders will receive career development coaching from Certified Executive Life Coach, Laurie Dromerick, RN, BSN, PCC. (new window) Her services will include:

90 minute group session: What’s Next? Vision and Goals Workshop
- This workshop uses interactive exercises to foster clarity and vision across all domains of your life. You’ll craft tangible and achievable goals that align with your aspirations and concrete actions to move you forward.
Three 60 minute individual coaching sessions “This dedicated time allows you to prioritize your well-being and contemplate the life you aspire to lead, offering a valuable pause from your everyday routine. Through individual sessions, we’ll delve into your strengths, challenges, self-discovery, and future goals. Coaching will help you integrate all domains of your life with intention, manage the competing demands of an academic career, build self-leadership, deepen personal relationships, and create purposeful outcomes. Our work together is grounded in self-generated solutions and self-initiated change, always individualized to your specific needs. As your coach, I am an objective listener, ensuring our time together is free of professional stigma, confidential, and allows for authentic communication about problems, fears, and challenges.”

Part 2: Professional Development Implementation (Months 5 – 8)

Pod Leader Time Requirements Part 2
Activity	Time Needed	Frequency
Pod Check In	45 minutes; scheduled at mutually convenient time for pod leader and pod members	Once a month
Individual Coaching sessions	60 minutes each	Any remaining sessions out of three that Pod leader has not completed from the first part of the program

Benefits of Participating

Professional development coaching through group coaching sessions
Significant service opportunity necessary for promotion
Leadership opportunity
Growing network
Access to program resources and learning

Please also see testimonials at the end of this page.

Application Process

If you are interested in being a pod leader, you must meet the following qualifications:

Must have either completed the Entering Mentoring Program within the last five years or have equivalent formal or informal faculty mentoring experience/training.

Must be able to commit to the aforementioned time requirements

Must have had a full time faculty appointment for at least 3 years and have more than 2 years experience at GUMC.

Pod Leaders will be assigned a maximum of five affinity group members (faculty members with similar goals, career paths, and departments) as best as possible.

Applicants will be selected based on ability to commit to all program activities and representation across disciplines.

Applications are open for the Fall 2024 Cohort for pod leaders and mentees! All applications for pod leaders or mentees are due by Wednesday, May 22.

Apply for Pod Leader

Please contact gumcmentoring@georgetown.edu if you are interested or have any questions.

Have more questions?

We are also hosting two information sessions to provide an overview of the program and answer any questions. Please consider attending if you are interested in applying:

Wednesday, April 24 at 5 PM ET (RSVP)
Wednesday, May 8 at 12 PM ET (RSVP)

You can email gumcmentoring@georgetown.edu with any questions.

Testimonials

“[Some of the greatest benefits of being a pod leader include the] accountability to myself in doing what I suggested mentees do, the [Certified Executive Life] Coach, meeting some important personal/professional goals, meeting people from other disciplines, being a cheerleader for others, and feeling like I was helping others.”
Pod Leader from Spring 2023

“[Some of the greatest benefits of being a pod leader include the] ability to give back to junior faculty by way of facilitated and focused discussions [and] be a part of their career development and aspirations as well as challenges they face at the workplace”
Pod Leader from Fall 2022

“It is great to help facilitate some networking opportunities and see engagement and excitement about careers in medicine.”
Pod Leader from Spring 2022