Why did you decide to become a mentor?
My passion lies in nurturing individuals, both in their professional journey and personal growth. Witnessing people evolve over the years fills me with immense satisfaction and revitalizes my spirit. Reflecting on my career five years ago, I wondered how I could extend my impact beyond those in my immediate surroundings —reaching individuals from diverse industries and cultural backgrounds. I sought to enhance my skills in coaching and mentoring, eager to test my ability to inspire and guide. Additionally, I craved the opportunity to learn from others, immersing myself in their experiences, understanding the challenges they face, and gaining insights from their diverse perspectives on day-to-day situations.
How did you get your career start?
As I embarked on my journey as an engineer, I gradually realized that coding might not be my lifelong pursuit. This realization led me to a pivotal conversation with the Head of Engineering, who, thankfully, was receptive to my aspirations. Taking a chance on me, they entrusted me with leading a small departmental segment. This opportunity marked a turning point in my career, unveiling my true passion for leadership, coaching, and mentorship. I owe a great deal to this individual for believing in me at that crucial juncture. Their decision enabled my exploration of diverse roles, from project manager to delivery manager, ultimately culminating in overseeing teams of talented individuals.
What do mentees usually come to you for?
One common theme in mentoring revolves around personal and career growth. Mentees often seek guidance on advancing to the next stage in their careers or dealing with uncertainty about their current role or organizational fit. Other prevalent topics include managing high workloads, refining existing processes, and enhancing team performance. Many mentees face challenges in juggling their workload, prioritizing tasks, and structuring their week effectively. Similarly, they may struggle with assessing team performance and implementing agile practices to boost productivity. It's not uncommon for mentees to address evolving challenges across subsequent sessions as they gain clarity on their circumstances and objectives.
What's been your favourite mentorship success story so far?
One of the most rewarding experiences for me was mentoring an engineering manager who initially sought guidance on advancing in their career. In our initial conversations, it became evident that their current company lacked substantial growth opportunities. After deliberation, they made the decision to pursue new opportunities elsewhere. I supported them throughout the transition process, offering assistance with polishing their CV, preparing for interviews, and refining their responses to potential questions. After some time, they secured a role that aligned with their aspirations, and I aided them in positioning themselves effectively within the new organization. Before long, they were promoted and entrusted with leading two engineering teams.
What are you getting out of being a mentor?
Experiencing those "aha" moments with mentees, where they gain clarity and devise actionable plans to overcome their challenges, is incredibly gratifying. It's fulfilling to know that I've played a part in empowering them to navigate their professional journey more confidently. On a personal level, mentoring has been an enriching learning experience for me as well. Engaging in discussions with individuals from diverse backgrounds, facing a myriad of challenges, has broadened my perspective. It's enhanced my ability to connect with people, initiate meaningful conversations, and pose insightful questions. Moreover, I've gleaned valuable insights that have proven invaluable in addressing my own leadership challenges in everyday life.