When I signed up for the mentorship programme, I expected career guidance, some sage wisdom, and maybe a PDF of industry trends. What I didn’t expect was emotional chaos, self-discovery, a deep dive into cyber insurance, and the daunting task of writing a letter to my dad that somehow turned into a mountain-sized emotional reckoning. Yet here we are.
It started innocently enough. A neat update: “Progressing well. Now shifting focus to AI and project management.” On the surface, I sounded collected. In reality, I was juggling work chaos, healing, ambition, and the occasional identity crisis—usually all before my second cup of tea.
Enter: Mentorship magic. And mayhem.
Thanks to my mentor Shaazia (who must have Jedi-like patience), this journey evolved from task-oriented to transformative. She helped me peel back layers I didn’t know I had—introducing me to concepts like “10-second courage” (embarrassment fades quickly, growth lasts longer) and “self-awareness as strategy” (knowing what you want is half the battle).
I went from researching Six Sigma and AI trends to having deep internal dialogues about boundaries, burnout, and why I can’t just write the letter. (Still unwritten. Emotionally halfway up Kilimanjaro, though.)
In this journey, I’ve had wins—starting Think and Grow Rich, exploring postgrad options in quantitative management, discovering how AI can elevate my insurance career—and I’ve had setbacks, like feeling wildly unproductive even when I was doing everything. Or admitting: “Work is showing me flames. Literal ghetto. But we move.”
Here’s what I’ve learned so far:
- Vulnerability is a strength, not a setback.
Saying “I don’t know” is powerful. So is asking for help, sending teary voice notes, and showing up even when you feel like a mess.
- Progress is rarely Instagrammable.
Sometimes it looks like emotional breakthroughs at 2 a.m. or dragging yourself to a check-in meeting in pajamas whispering, “You’ve got this.”
- Rejection lasts 10 seconds.
Whether it’s proposing a mentorship buddy or pitching a wild idea, count to 10. Then do it anyway.
- Rest is a necessity, not a luxury.
If you don’t choose it, your body will choose for you—dramatically. Trust me.
- Mentorship isn’t a straight line.
It’s a series of zigzags—growth, regression, reflection, and celebration. And if you’re lucky, someone like Shaazia will walk it with you.
So, if you’re wondering what mentorship really looks like: it’s messy, meaningful, emotional, hilarious, and 100% worth it. It’s about connection, not perfection. About showing up, not showing off.
To every mentee feeling like they’re doing everything and nothing: you’re not alone. Keep going. Keep asking the hard questions. Keep counting to 10. And most importantly, keep showing up—messy, brilliant, exhausted, and hopeful.
Because that, right there, is where the magic lives.
Katlego Nyakale | Senior Insurance Specialist – Marsh
