Beat Mentoring Drop-Off: Tactics from Companies Driving Sustained Connection

August 19th at 10am PT/1pm ET

Even the most thoughtfully designed mentoring programs can struggle to keep participants engaged. Maybe the energy fades after the first meeting. Maybe participants aren’t sure what to talk about. Or maybe mentees don’t feel equipped to drive the relationship forward.

Whatever the reason, disengagement can be frustrating—and costly—for program owners and participants alike.

In this customer panel, you’ll hear directly from program leaders from MD Anderson Cancer Center, Macrogenics and ASGN Incorporated that have faced these challenges head-on and found ways to reignite connection and commitment in their mentoring programs. Learn what’s worked (and what hasn’t), get real-world strategies for improving engagement, and walk away with actionable ideas to bring back to your own program.

You’ll learn:

• How to plan plan for success – what do our panelists do before launching their program that makes for engaging programs
• How to identify early signs of disengagement—and what to do next
• Ways to structure programs so that mentees and mentors stay on track
• Communication strategies that nudge participants without overwhelming them
• Tips for making mentoring feel purposeful, not performative
• How program data can help you pinpoint and solve engagement drop-offs

Speakers

Janice Simon Senior Leadership Practitioner | MD Anderson Cancer Center

Janice Marie Simon, M.A.,CPO® is a Senior Leadership Practitioner in the Leadership Institute, Human Resources at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. She formerly was a Project Director in Faculty & Academic Development. She has a MA degree from the University of Houston-Clear Lake. Ms. Simon has worked as a newspaper journalist in Oklahoma and Texas and as a media coordinator for Galveston I.S.D. before joining M.D. Anderson. She is a Certified Professional Organizer and a member of the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals.

Lynda Zorn Director of Quality Systems | Macrogenics

Lynda is a motivated biomedical/biotechnological/biopharmaceutical senior leader with strong organizational, operational and program management experience and skills in ‘research only’ as well as regulated environments. With 20+ years of experience, she currently works in Maryland as a Director of Quality Systems, but has also held leadership positions in Quality Control, Production and Supply Chain. Focusing on team building and staff development, Lynda demonstrates a successful track record in mentoring and engaging individuals and teams. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology and a Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences. Lynda regularly donates her time as a middle and high school science fair judge for two counties.

Tai Dotson Director of Global Culture | ASGN Incorporated

Tai Dotson is the Director of Global Culture at ASGN Incorporated, where she leads strategy for mentorship, engagement, and culture transformation across a global workforce. A systems architect at heart, Tai has designed scalable mentoring programs that accelerate connection, leadership growth, and long-term talent retention. With deep expertise in sustainability, inclusive culture, and organizational strategy, she brings both clarity and compassion to building workplaces where people—and performance—can thrive. Tai’s work sits at the intersection of truth, systems thinking, and enduring impact.

“I’m inspired by those who challenge the status quo with empathy and lead through sustainable, inclusive change. I believe radical kindness is a strategic imperative — and that culture is where both people and purpose are built to last.”

Amanda Woods Regional Sales Director | Chronus