The Femme Palette mentor community is a global network of professionals from a range of backgrounds and industries. Each mentor has different experiences to share with their mentees, and each of their mentoring experiences is unique.
Last time we talked with some of our most active mentors about their experiences, and learned some wonderful insights about mentoring. We decided to pick up the conversation again with three other mentors who are among the most active - meet Pavla, Adriana, and Simon, and learn how mentoring has enriched them, which mentoring moments they cherish the most, and how working with a mentor can impact you.
Pavla Grigarova, Brand & Reputation Marketing Lead at Google
How has being a mentor benefitted you professionally?
I believe being a mentor benefited me both professionally and personally! From the professional point of view, I think each time you get a challenging question from your mentee, it gives you a chance to pause and reflect on your own experiences. That's when you realize what you have learnt and accomplished and also what worked and what didn't. While sharing with others, you can also build on your success and learn from your failures. When it comes to the personal perspective, maybe it's just me, but it's even more rewarding when I see my mentee succeed than when I look at my own success. Sometimes I am like "Ok, I did it, this is what worked and this is what I wish to do even better next time". But when mentees share their accomplishments, that's when I actually stop and I think "Wow, this is amazing, let's celebrate!".
What has been the highlight of your mentoring experience?
I just had my favorite mentoring moment recently, when my mentee emailed me: "I have decided to apply for a new job within the company and successfully went through the recruitment process! I'm very grateful to you because you gave me the confidence, helped me define my talents and pointed out my leadership skills! It wouldn't be possible without you!". I can only wish I had more time to take on more mentees, but then I think, one by one, step by step, at the end we must create a ripple effect!
What impact, in your opinion, can mentoring have on a mentee's career?
Huge. So IMO the earlier anyone gets a mentor the better. The sooner you start believing in yourself, you find your strengths and talents and you learn to use them and to talk about them, you steal with pride best practices and avoid making the same mistakes that someone has already done before you, the sooner you start to learn and grow and achieve great things. And the sooner you can start helping others as well.
Adriana Rybarova, Senior Product Designer at Microsoft
How has being a mentor benefitted you professionally?
I noticed I became a much better listener. Also, every mentee, no matter their seniority, had a unique experience different from mine that always taught me something new, be it a new process, thinking approach, or Figma trick.
What has been the highlight of your mentoring experience?
Seeing my mentees succeed in achieving their goals! And getting those 5-star reviews at the end of a mentoring run is pretty nice too I guess :D
What impact, in your opinion, can mentoring have on a mentee's career?
It can help them be confident in their career path - getting that salary raise or promotion, learning how to set healthy boundaries, overcoming impostor syndrome, and so on.
Simon Steffal, Founder & Chief Vision Officer at Mindset Mentors
How has being a mentor benefitted you professionally?
Being a mentor with Femme Palette has been an incredibly enriching experience for me, both personally and professionally. It has given me the opportunity to interact with diverse individuals from different backgrounds, industries, and career stages. This exposure has allowed me to broaden my perspective, improve my communication skills, and strengthen my understanding of the unique challenges that professionals face in their careers. Moreover, mentoring has allowed me to reflect on my own experiences, knowledge, and skills. It has helped me better understand my strengths and areas for improvement, which has contributed to my personal growth. By sharing my knowledge and expertise with others, I have also been able to reinforce my understanding of applied psychology, communication, team development, learning organizations, and a growth mindset.
What has been the highlight of your mentoring experience?
The highlight of my mentoring experience has been witnessing the transformation and growth that occurs in my mentees. A certain sense of fulfillment and joy comes from knowing that my guidance and support have played a role in helping others unlock their potential and overcome challenges in their careers. When a mentee flourishes and tells you where they have struggled before, they now see a clear path and have the confidence to walk it...well, it does not get better than that. Seeing people's progress has been a gratifying and inspiring experience.
What impact, in your opinion, can mentoring have on a mentee's career?
Mentoring can profoundly impact a mentee's career by providing guidance, support, and encouragement during crucial stages of their professional journey. A mentor can offer invaluable insights and advice, drawing from their own experiences and expertise, which can help mentees navigate the complexities of their careers more effectively. Furthermore, mentors can help mentees develop essential soft skills, such as effective communication, problem-solving, and adaptability, which are crucial for success in today's dynamic professional landscape. By working together to identify strengths and areas for improvement, mentors can empower their mentees to unlock their potential and achieve their professional goals. However, that can happen only under one condition - the mentee drives the learning journey forward, and we, as mentors, only play a supportive role.
Are you thinking of becoming a mentor yourself? Take our mentor quiz to find out if you have what it takes or go straight ahead and apply now to enter our selection process!
Would you like to grow professionally by working with a mentor? Check out our Mentoring programs and get matched with your personal mentor from Femme Palette’s global community of professionals.
