With Coaching Comes Meaning: Learning from a One Young World Delegate

Inspiration comes in many shapes and sizes, and in the corporate world, we often learn to get a sense where it might hit - through a team brainstorm, a training session, or a keynote speaker to name a few. Yet sometimes, inspiration is unexpected and has a far greater impact than just in the workplace. This happened to me, and it’s a story I’m eager to share.

It started soon after the pandemic hit.  I was craving something, but I wasn’t quite sure what that was - more tools, more knowledge? Ultimately, I signed up for a coaching certification at NYU and, in doing so, learned about #MyCompany partnership with One Young World (OYW), a global program that nurtures young leaders to create a better, more positive future. As part of our Talent for Good program, which empowers employees to leverage skills for societal impact, Johnson & Johnson would sponsor 12 OYW delegates. I signed on and was matched with my OYW scholar, Isaac Bencomo, to help support his goals.

Through this process, I often wondered who was coaching who? It was a truly rewarding and inspiring partnership. Isaac, a pediatric nurse, cared for migrant children crossing into the United States from Mexico. As a Mexican immigrant himself, he empathizes with the experience of these children, and more importantly, with their aspirations. He became part of an international medical non-governmental organization (NGO) contributing to patient care services at a migrant camp. Additionally, Isaac had the opportunity to participate in the 2019 Mexican Delegation to the British Council advocating for policy that would improve such services. Despite creating progress, Isaac desired a larger platform to enact a more significant impact. Through partners, allies and the OYW program, he continues his journey of growth and advocacy.

Isaac and I meet almost weekly, and our times together have little structure with no evaluation nor corporate reporting requirements. His experience and perspective cultivates an enormous passion to drive change to support lives. For Isaac, it’s not about career growth or personal development. He’s in it for others, and that’s why I’m so energized with every conversation.

Ours is a partnership where we learn together. With Isaac’s permission, I took an opportunity to ask him a few questions, so that you too can learn from this remarkable young man.  

Me: Tell us about your project and why you are so passionate?

Isaac: I am currently working with the International Rescue Committee, an organization focused on empowering refugees. I became involved with  migrant relief efforts as part of a mobile hospital team. It was there where I cared for a  migrant girl who unfortunately passed away. Her parents, like mine, simply wanted a better life for their daughter. Our stories are not dissimilar, I was just born closer to the border and my parents had the means, while hers did not. This little girl made all the difference in my goals – I don’t want anyone else to suffer her fate.

Me: What are you working on right now with the International Rescue Committee?

Isaac: We take on large global issues and aim to drive impact with refugee communities. So, for instance, as the pandemic still looms, we’re working on boosting vaccine confidence and supporting access to vaccines in developing nations. I’m focused on Mexico because it is my home country and I want to build a better, equitable and prosperous Mexico. There is a lack of healthcare access for child migrants in Mexico and the realities pose long-term threats. Migrants are a vulnerable population and access to health services is often fragmented despite remarkable efforts by international bodies and NGOs. It is imperative to bridge the gaps between these efforts and focus on long-term impacts of health and well-being.

Me: What are the specific health issues that migrant children face?

Isaac: There are respiratory conditions such as asthma and pneumonia. There is chronic malnutrition, which increases the risk of developing other severe health conditions. In addition, we focus on general health education, healthy eating, hygiene, and sanitation; we have installed water filtration systems and provide mental health services.

Me: What is the biggest benefit of a corporate coaching program through One Young World?

Isaac: The program allows me to be vulnerable through a relaxed, comfortable coaching and mentorship arrangement. It allows me to evaluate obstacles through a different lens, navigate challenges and brainstorm how to overcome them. Whatever is important to me on the days we meet – we go there. As my coach, you ask tough questions that allow me to stretch my thinking and above all you’ve been a strong coach and a good friend. This program allows for incredible bonds to be made – and that is truly motivating.

Me: What does participation in the One Young World Summit mean to you?

Isaac: I value the collective action by all those involved in humanitarian efforts; we coalesce as a community around one shared goal. Through our journey and against many obstacles, we become partners and allies for each other, and it is through this spirit of collaboration that our achievements become accomplishments for the people we seek to impact. Uniting with like-minded people, working to make a positive impact is energizing. It helps to foster strategic partnerships to address the healthcare disparities that plague so many in our world today.

Isaac’s story and his ambition is remarkable. He has built his life from the ground up , yet he goes back and continues to anchor his life at the border. He understands the vulnerability of children and sees himself in their eyes. Isaac’s warmth and humble nature ground a selfless ambition that has opened my heart – and has impacted all aspects of my life.

I’ll close with a big thanks to Isaac for his incredible friendship – and for mentoring me in so many ways.

I’m a big believer that we must share each other’s stories, reach out and strive to hit deep levels of understanding. Please share yours, who has made an impression on you?

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Learn more about Johnson & Johnson’s employee engagement and youth leadership capacity building programs here.