Mentoring has a quiet kind of magic. It’s not flashy or loud – it’s built on trust, empathy, and the simple act of showing up for someone else. When I joined the WIDD Network as a mentor, I didn’t know what to expect. I just knew I wanted to give back. What unfolded was a journey of connection, growth, and transformation, not just for my mentees but for me too. This blog is a reflection on that journey: the lessons I’ve learned, the stories that moved me, and why mentoring continues to be one of the most meaningful parts of my professional life.
How I Became a Mentor
When I first joined the WIDD Network as a mentor in December 2023, I wasn’t entirely sure what I had to offer. I’d never formally mentored anyone before, and I’ll admit I had a serious case of imposter syndrome. But I also knew one thing for certain: I wanted to give back.
Over the years, I’ve been lucky to learn from some incredible people. Mentoring felt like the natural next step, a way to pay it forward, connect with others, and hopefully make a difference. What I didn’t expect was just how much I would learn in return.
From a Conversation to a Calling
It all started with a chat at an expo in Reading. I met Caleb from the WIDD Network, and that conversation planted a seed. I realised that while I’d never called it “mentoring,” I’d been doing it informally for years – supporting colleagues, guiding new starters and apprentices, and helping others find their feet.
Taking the leap into formal mentoring was nerve-wracking, but I’ve never looked back. I’m currently supporting my third cohort of mentees through WIDD, and it’s been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.
What Mentoring Has Taught Me
One of the biggest lessons? You don’t need to have all the answers. Mentoring isn’t about being the expert, it’s about being present. It’s about listening deeply, asking thoughtful questions, and creating a space where someone feels seen, heard, and supported.
I’ve learned that sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is simply hold space for someone else. To believe in them until they believe in themselves. Not everyone is born confident.
The Stories That Stay With Me
Some of the most touching moments have come from the words of my mentees. Their reflections remind me why I do this.
- Yenni, based in London, described our sessions as “transformational.” She went from feeling stuck and undervalued to negotiating a full-time role with a company she was freelancing for – something she never imagined possible.
- Giovanna, working in Switzerland, told me that our conversations shifted her entire perception of mentoring. She’s now considering becoming a mentor herself, ready to pass on the support she received.
- Adejoke in Nigeria shared how our sessions helped her reflect on her path, set clearer goals, and gain new perspectives – not just professionally, but personally.
Each story is unique, but they all share a common thread: growth, confidence, and connection.
Why Mentoring Matters More Than Ever
In a world that often moves too fast, mentoring offers something rare: time to pause, reflect, and grow. It’s a space for honest conversations, shared experiences, and mutual learning.
For women in tech and digital – especially those still finding their voice – mentoring can be transformational. It’s a reminder that you’re not alone, that your experiences matter, and that your voice deserves to be heard.
A Message to Future Mentors and Mentees
To anyone considering becoming a mentor: you don’t need to be perfect. You just need to care. Your lived experience, your empathy, your willingness to listen, that’s what makes the difference.
And to those thinking about becoming a mentee: take the leap. Ask the question. Raise your hand. Confidence doesn’t always come first, sometimes it follows action.
You belong in the room. Your voice matters. And mentoring might just be the key to unlocking your next chapter.
Mentoring has reminded me that leadership isn’t about titles, it’s about impact. It’s about helping others rise, find their voice, and believe in their own potential. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, you have something valuable to offer. And if you’re still finding your confidence, know this: you’re not alone, and you’re more capable than you think. The WIDD Network has shown me that when women support women, incredible things happen. So let’s keep lifting each other up – because the ripple effect of one conversation can change a life.
