Lisa Cork spent 35 years as a CEO. She made her first call asking for help this spring.

Early in her career, two women mentors were handed to her through a women's mentoring program. Both were deep in the fresh produce world. Both could have changed her trajectory. She had no idea what to do with them.

Not because she didn't care. Because nobody teaches you how to use a mentor, and she was an introvert who didn't yet know she was one. So the relationships went quiet.

And for the next four decades, Lisa built a career, a reputation, and a network of people who knew her and respected her... and never once asked any of them for anything.

Then, over spring break, she picked up the phone. A produce woman she'd known for years. One call. Nervous as heck. The answer came back immediately. Yes, of course, absolutely. It paid divi ...