Sierra Weyer on Mentorship and The Art of Strategic Encouragement

"This is your moment! Raise your hand, take on more, and show them what you're capable of." These weren't just words of encouragement—they were the catalyst that created a breakthrough moment for Sierra Weyer herself during her own mentorship journey.

Now, as Director of Enterprise Analytics for a tribal operator in San Diego, Sierra brings that same transformational energy to her role as a mentor. She knows that sometimes the difference between stagnation and growth is having someone in your corner who believes in your potential before you see it yourself. Her approach to mentorship reflects this philosophy: she doesn't just offer advice, she becomes a "personal cheer squad" for women navigating the complex landscape of the gaming industry.

From Mentee to Mentor: A Natural Evolution

Sierra's journey into mentorship wasn't planned—it evolved organically from her own transformative experiences as a mentee. "I've been incredibly lucky to have had some amazing mentors throughout my career," she reflects. "People who believed in me, challenged me, and helped me navigate everything from tough decisions to imposter syndrome."

This foundation of support shaped her understanding of mentorship's true value. "There's something really powerful about having someone in your corner who's not your boss, not your peer, but someone who's been where you are and can offer a fresh, outside perspective," Sierra explains.

Her decision to become a mentor felt inevitable: "Their support made such a difference that I knew I wanted to pay it forward, especially to other women in the industry."

The Art of Strategic Encouragement

Sierra's mentoring philosophy centers on creating safe spaces for authentic dialogue while providing strategic nudges toward growth. When one of her mentees expressed curiosity about other business areas but felt nervous about reaching out to unfamiliar colleagues, Sierra provided what she calls "a little hype session."

Her advice was both practical and empowering: "One of my mentees was curious about other parts of the business but nervous to reach out to people she didn't know. I gave her a little hype session and reminded her that people love sharing what they do and that she had nothing to lose by being curious." The result was transformational. "She ended up setting up a few coffee chats, learned a ton, and came back absolutely lit up. She told me how energized and confident she felt, and it was such a cool reminder that sometimes all it takes is a small nudge to spark big growth."

This moment exemplifies the core value of mentorship - it's not just about giving advice, it's about helping mentees to reframe their perspectives and build confidence to take action.

Learning from Both Sides: Sierra's Own Mentorship Experience

Sierra's understanding of mentorship's transformational power comes not just from being a mentor, but from her own powerful experiences as a mentee. She shares a pivotal moment from her own career that illustrates mentorship's impact.

"One moment that really stands out in my mentorship journey was when my boss unexpectedly left the organization," Sierra recalls. "There were so many unknowns, new leadership, shifting priorities, and that weird in-between phase where you're not sure what your role looks like anymore."

Her mentor's response became a template for how Sierra now approaches her own mentoring relationships. "Instead of letting me spiral (which, let's be honest, I was halfway to doing), she encouraged me to see it as an opportunity. She said, 'This is your moment! Raise your hand, take on more, and show them what you're capable of.' And then she hyped me up like a personal cheer squad before every tough conversation I had to have."

The support extended beyond encouragement to practical preparation. "She helped me prep for those conversations, reminded me of my value, and gave me the confidence to step into more responsibility," Sierra explains. "Looking back, that moment was a turning point for me, not just in my career, but in how I saw myself as a leader."

The Two-Way Street of Growth

Sierra is quick to emphasize that mentorship's benefits flow in both directions. "Let's be real: mentoring is a two-way street. I learn just as much from the people I mentor as they (hopefully!) learn from me. It keeps me grounded, inspired, and constantly growing."

This reciprocal learning has enhanced her own leadership capabilities. "Being a mentor has pushed me to be more intentional about how I communicate and lead," she notes. "When you're mentoring someone, you start to reflect on your own decisions and experiences in a new way."

The personal growth has been equally significant. "On a personal level, it's made me more patient, more empathetic, and way better at listening. It reminded me that everyone's figuring it out as they go, and that's okay."

Beyond Career Advice: Building Confidence and Community

Sierra's understanding of mentorship extends far beyond traditional career guidance. "It's not just about career advice," she emphasizes. "It's about building confidence, expanding your network, and knowing you're not alone in the messy middle of figuring things out."

Her resource recommendations reflect this approach: "Any & all GGW resources, LinkedIn Learning, and Networking!" This combination of formal learning and relationship-building mirrors her mentoring style—practical tools paired with human connection.

A Message for Future Mentors

Sierra's advice for women considering mentorship is that "you don't need to have all the answers or be at the top of your career ladder. You just need to be willing to listen, share what you've learned, and show up for someone else."

She emphasizes that impact doesn't require grand gestures: "The impact you can have, even through small conversations, is huge. Plus, you'll grow just as much as your mentee. It's a win-win."

The Power of Simply Showing Up

When asked what mentorship means to her, Sierra's response is beautifully simple: "Connection." This single word captures the essence of her approach—mentorship isn't about having all the answers, it's about creating meaningful connections that foster growth on both sides.

"Mentorship creates space for growth on both sides and it is powerful!" Sierra concludes.

Her own journey from grateful mentee to impactful mentor demonstrates this power in action, showing how one person's willingness to "show up" can create ripple effects that transform careers and build stronger communities.

For women in gaming looking for that person in their corner, Sierra's story is a reminder that the best mentors don't just share knowledge—they share belief in your potential and provide the encouragement to act on it.