Mentoring, work-life balance and overcoming adversity were among the topics explored during recent roundtable discussions to mark Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

The event brought together senior leaders at Newport News Shipbuilding to share their perspectives with younger employees. It was sponsored by the Asian Shipbuilders Including All Nationalities (ASIAN) Employee Resource Group.

“Find the people with positive attitudes and surround yourself with them,” advised Brian Fields, vice president of Enterprise (CVN 80) and Doris Miller (CVN 81) Aircraft Carrier Programs.

Christie Miller, director of Communications, said simple things can make a big difference in reducing work stress, such as creating flexible work environments and checking someone’s calendar before calling so you don’t interrupt a meeting.

“Treating people the way you want to be treated leads to more work-life balance,” she said.

Pam Pierce, a manager in Compensation who attended the discussion, said creating an open and welcoming environment goes a long way toward reducing stress. “You should never have an atmosphere where you feel you can’t say what you want to say,” she said. “And don’t feel you have to be perfect in everything you do.”

NNS has an active mentoring program that connects employees, but that doesn’t have to be the only avenue for growth, several pointed out. Sometimes, it can happen organically from developing professional relationships at work.

“You can be mentored in so many different ways,” said Lee Goodwyn, engineering director. “There is not a one-size-fits-all solution.”

The mentoring discussion resonated with Wayne C. Kelley, a contract administrator. “From the event, I got that mentorship can be about more than just career development,” he said. “It can also be about personal and interpersonal development. Sow a character, reap a destiny.”

Victor Hongratanavorakij, an industrial engineer, enjoyed hearing from those with years of experience.

“I think that it was a good set-up, having participants meet with senior leaders,” he said. “It was a great opportunity for networking and mentoring. Speaker topics were good, and I learned more from exchanging opinions and thoughts.”