FIC
mentor mania
When the master is the student Mentors play an active role in shaping careers, but they can also learn from mentees.
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BY JANE STEINACKER
uring the Finance Indaba Conversation, ‘Lessons I've learnt from my mentees’, sponsored by UiPath, attendees heard that mentorship is about exposing talent to knowledge, insight and providing support.
“You can’t change what you don’t understand,” said Mpolaheng Kekane, CFO, Lanseria International Airport. And for Mpolaheng, that means that for someone to have choices, they need to be exposed to the options.
career. She said that throughout her career mentors have taught her how to build her own brand, build networks and to become a more prominent supporter of developing women in the workplace. Mentors, she said, help provide opportunities for you.
Individual growth
For instance, she said, at the airport, every new recruit is exposed to a variety of divisions within the airport as part of their orientation process. A receptionist took a keen interest in the IT department, where she is now working. Her goal has now changed – to become a CIO.
Avashnee was able to pay that forward a few years ago, when her executive assistant resigned at a crucial time. She had heard of a receptionist who wanted to become an executive assistant and chose to offer her the position. Three years later, Avashnee cannot stop praising the work of this remarkable woman, who has become an invaluable member of her team.
For Avashnee Ramdial, CFO at Stanlib, mentors have played an active role in shaping her
It’s examples like these that create a culture of individual growth.
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