The power of mentoring
In a world that often celebrates individual achievements, it can be easy to overlook the power of connection—the quiet magic that happens when people come together to share knowledge, experiences, and aspirations. Mentoring is one such bridge. It’s not just about imparting wisdom or receiving guidance; it’s about building relationships and creating ripples of impact that extend far beyond the mentor and mentee.
In 2024, WIRI supported the joint Women’s World Banking’s and Alliance for Innovative Regulation’s program ‘Women in Inclusive Tech Regulation Initiative (TechEquity)’ The programme was designed to address the underrepresentation of women in tech within financial regulation by pairing emerging female leaders with mentors from the WIRI community. These mentors brought their expertise, insights, and genuine commitment to support a more inclusive and diverse programme that connected women across borders, fostering collaboration on a global scale.
For the mentees, the programme offered transformative opportunities. Many entered with hesitations about their roles or futures in the male-dominated tech space. With the support of mentors, they not only gained insights into technical and regulatory complexities but also uncovered their own leadership potential. One mentee reflected, “My mentor helped me see challenges not as roadblocks but as opportunities to demonstrate my capabilities. She made me feel confident and knowledgable.” These stories of transformation resonated across the programme, illustrating its lasting impact.
Yet, mentoring is never a one-sided exchange. Mentors, too, found themselves learning and growing alongside their mentees. The programme provided an opportunity to reconnect with their own journeys, reflect on their leadership styles, and gain fresh perspectives. One mentor remarked, “I realised that mentoring wasn’t just about imparting knowledge but about creating a dialogue. It’s been as enriching for me as it has for my mentee - I’ve learned so much.” This mutual growth demonstrated the deep value of reciprocal learning.
So, how should someone think about becoming a mentor or mentee? First, recognise that mentorship is not about being perfect or having all the answers. For mentors, it’s about being present, listening actively, and sharing your authentic experiences—both triumphs and failures. For mentees, mentorship is an opportunity to be curious and open, seeking guidance not for ready-made solutions but to expand your own understanding and capabilities. Both roles are rooted in trust, vulnerability, and the willingness to invest in shared growth.
The TechEquity programme also underscored the importance of community. Mentoring is not just about two people connecting—it’s about fostering networks where ideas and experiences can flow freely. Through this initiative, participants found themselves part of a supportive community that championed collaboration and collective advancement. They leaned on one another to navigate challenges, celebrated successes together, and built a shared vision for greater inclusivity in the tech sector.
For anyone contemplating stepping into a mentoring relationship, whether as a mentor, mentee, or both, it’s worth considering the broader impact. Mentoring isn’t just about knowledge transfer; it’s about creating bonds, amplifying underrepresented voices, and building environments where everyone can thrive. It’s a chance to break down barriers and create pathways not only for individual growth but for systemic change.
Mentoring is one of the most powerful tools we have for driving meaningful progress. It’s about more than professional advancement; it’s about making space for others, learning from diverse perspectives, and connecting on a human level. So, whether you’re starting out in your career, firmly established, or somewhere in between, consider the role mentorship could play in your journey.
