97% of individuals that have had a mentor feel more highly impactful and valuable, and mentees are 5x more likely to be promoted than those without a mentor.
It’s why mentoring is recognized as one of the best strategies for career development and advancement. Whether you are a mentor, or a mentee, the relationship is an incredible experience, of mutual benefit, that contributes significantly to both parties’ growth and success.
Promoting a cycle of support
As a mentor for the Rise Women in Broadcast Mentoring Program, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the transformative power of mentoring, especially when it comes to helping build up other’s confidence as women. I became a mentor because I participated in a mentorship program myself early in my career.
In my experience, having a safe space to share and receive advice from my mentor was crucial and formative. The mentor I had at that time offered me invaluable guidance and a sanctuary for honest dialogue, which empowered and inspired me. This experience compelled me to give back in the same way, promoting a cycle of support and enablement of other women in tech.
During my time as a mentor with Rise, I worked with two remarkable young women, each with distinct aspirations. While respecting their privacy, I can share that a common thread was the need to advocate for themselves. Often, women are hesitant to speak up, even when their roles demand strong opinions and decisive actions. We face the reality of being talked over or down to, which can erode our confidence. A significant part of my mentorship focused on encouraging these women to find and use their voices, own their opinions, and confidently advocate for themselves.
Addressing imposter syndrome
Imposter syndrome is pervasive, affecting women at all career stages. For those of you that aren’t familiar with the definition, Imposter syndrome is where individuals doubt their achievements and fear being exposed as frauds, despite evident success or competence. This condition often leads to self-doubt, anxiety, and an inability to recognize one’s own abilities.
Helping mentees recognize their worth and value addresses the very common occurrence of Imposter syndrome but also helps counter it. One of my most rewarding moments of being a mentor occurred during a speed mentoring event organized by Rise. In these mini-sessions, mentees rotate between mentors, seeking advice and discussing challenges. One woman shared her frustration about being constantly spoken over by male superiors, despite her recent promotion. She was discouraged and felt shut down and was doubting her abilities.
We discussed her role, emphasizing that her position was designed for her to lead and make decisions. I shared an anecdote from my career where I had to assertively interject in meetings to claim my space and own that self-confidence. Remembering our worth is not always easy, therefore sometimes external reminders can help. By encouraging her to express her abilities and amplify her voice, ensuring her colleagues remember she is the expert in this space, and discussing how her opinions deserve to be heard and her leadership should be respected, my mentee was brought to tears. Her response of asking me for a hug highlights the profound impact of such conversations. It was a powerful reminder of the confidence gaps that brilliant, intelligent women can face and the importance of reinforcing their capabilities.
Guiding principles for mentors
Mentorship is not just about guidance or our mutual benefit. It’s about listening, patience, and empowerment. These elements are vital for women of all ages and stages in their careers, as best practices for women in hardware show that a little encouragement can make a significant difference.
So for anyone considering becoming a mentor, remember to:
- Listen Actively: Understand your mentee’s challenges and aspirations without immediately offering solutions. Sometimes, they need a sounding board more than advice.
- Encourage Self-Advocacy: Empower your mentees to speak up and assert themselves, particularly in environments where they might feel overshadowed.
- Share Personal Experiences: Relatable anecdotes can provide valuable lessons and make your advice more tangible.
- Be Patient and Kind: Small acts of kindness and patience can build confidence and trust.
- Promote Continued Learning: Guide your mentees towards resources that can enhance their skills and knowledge.
Mentorship is a powerful tool for promoting growth and confidence, particularly among women in media tech. I’ve seen firsthand how mentorship can transform careers by providing the support and encouragement needed to overcome obstacles like imposter syndrome and self-doubt.
Whether you’re a mentor or a mentee, embracing this relationship can lead to profound personal and professional development, reinforcing the importance of women lifting each other up in the tech industry. Together, we can build a cycle of support that paves the way for future generations of women leaders in tech and beyond.
