My late father will always be my original mentor and the embodiment of everything I have wanted to be…a successful doctor and business professional with a limitless heart for caring for others, an unending passion for giving to those less fortunate, and an unbounded love of being a parent. Losing him when I was 13 years old, shattered my dreams. I felt alone, wondering who I could turn to for guidance in pursuing my calling to become a physician.

Over the past 30 years, mentors are the people who said, “You have something special. I see it inside you. Let me help you reach your goals and be a success.” Mentors share their expertise. They ignite us when we are on fire, and they inspire us when our flames have quieted down. Mentors offer a different perspective or a different solution. They give us another reason to persevere when we may be ready to quit. They will be our biggest cheerleaders at our moments of success. Great mentors are lifelong colleagues and friends.

Dr. Natalie Curcio with her mentor, Dr. Richard Glogau

One of my mentors, Richard G. Glogau, M.D., said to me during my fellowship, “You are amazing. Stop second guessing your instinct and start believing in yourself. Only then will you be able to project your true self to the world so that others can see that you are amazing, too.” That advice, in that moment, changed my life. I relinquished the self-doubt engrained in me by the many years of hierarchical training. I confidently accepted my knowledge and intuition when it came to the practice of medicine. I projected a more assured self-image in my personal life. I felt liberated. It is this advice that gave me the confidence to open my own business.

Find mentors, seek personal advisors, and hire an executive coach. You need people around you that encourage and cultivate everything “amazing” you have to offer. For me, these people have not only helped me to become successful, but also have guided me like my father would have done if he were here. For all of my mentors, I am grateful.