Mentorship is a transformative journey of growth for both the mentor and the mentee. For me, mentoring is a way to give back. This is why I decided to take on the challenge and become a mentor for the second year in The Insurance Institute of Gauteng’s Roots & Wings programme. Each year, I watch as Linda and Jenna take on the difficult task of pairing mentees with mentors, but once again, they have managed to create a perfect match for Anjili and me. I consider this a powerful mentorship, as Anjili is a dedicated and driven mentee.
Our journey started with a crucial step: understanding oneself. We looked at identifying and planning short-term and long-term goals. This has been pivotal as goal setting can form the foundation to lasting success. Anjili was tasked with conducting a survey that was aimed at recognizing her strengths and weaknesses. The exercise was informative as it provided the clarity and guidance needed to develop her personal and professional goals. This also provided areas of development that assisted with creating self-awareness. “Recognizing my strengths helped me appreciate the things I already do well,” Anjili shared. “But it also made me aware of areas I can improve, which motivates me to take action.”
Another key take out from the sessions is that the path to success isn’t a one-size-fits-all. Everyone’s journey is unique and its important to remember that no matter where you start, your destination is shaped by your choices, effort and resilience. This insight gave Anjili the confidence to stop measuring her progress against the timelines or milestones of others, and instead, focus on building her own roadmap.
Anjili has many goals she wishes to achieve, but she now understands that goals become more attainable when written down. We discussed the power of writing down goals and the importance of putting ideas to paper. Doing so creates actionable steps that make the goals more measurable and tangible. This assists with making goals more realistic and easier to track. It’s one thing to set goals but being intentional about achieving them is key. Taking small actions towards your goal shows consistency, this has enabled Anjili to make steady progress towards her goals.
There is great amount of value in mentorship. Beyond guidance, a mentor acts a second pair of eyes, offers a fresh perspective, encouragement and accountability. A mentor helps the mentee see potential that may have otherwise been overlooked. This journey has allowed Anjili to embrace the journey of growth and self-discovery. It has been an incredible experience to be part of her journey, providing the tools she needs to succeed while reinforcing the belief that success is as much about the process as it is about the destination.
Looking ahead, the lessons learned will serve as the foundation for Anjili’s continued growth. With actionable goals and clear steps, she is well equipped to make a success of the programme and achieve her dreams. She has the confidence to take ownership of her career journey to build the future she envisions.
Mentorship, in its truest form, is about more than just giving advice – it’s about fostering growth, helping others to realize their potential, and equipping them with the tools to succeed. Anjili’s story is a testament to the power of mentorship and the transformative impact it can have on both the mentee and mentor alike.
Deidre Henneberry – Mentor 2025 – IIG Council
