Throughout her career , Emily ’ s mentors helped her navigate obstacles , especially during moments of self-doubt . One mentor ’ s advice , “ Get out the door and come back . Why not you ?” has stuck with her and inspired her to believe in her abilities . For Emily , mentors don ’ t provide direct answers but offer tools , share successes and failures , and guide you toward personal growth .
Emily highlights the importance of learning through experience and developing skills beyond technical knowledge , such as communication , motivation , and leadership . She encourages others to seek mentorship , as it provides not only career advice but also the opportunity for personal development . “ When was the last time someone was willing to give a little piece of themselves to you and expect nothing in return ?” she asks .
Finding Mentors : Emily ’ s Journey and Advice
Emily ’ s first mentor , Marko , was instrumental in shaping her career . At Toyota , he encouraged her to look beyond her current role and aim for greater career growth . His advice , “ We don ’ t stay in the rut ; look further , look higher ,” helped her broaden her perspective .
Over time , Emily gathered a diverse group of mentors , both male and female , who provided different viewpoints and career guidance . She advises young women to take the initiative and approach potential mentors , even if they feel unsure . “ Most people are more than willing to share their knowledge if you approach them confidently ,” she says .
More recently , Emily participated in AfMA ’ s industry Mentor program . As she moved into a new leadership role , Emily saw this as a valuable opportunity to gain insights into and develop her leadership and confidence by connecting to a female leader in the industry .
Emily also emphasizes the value of observing others in action , especially in large organizations . Networking and seeking out mentors who can act as sounding boards or accountability partners is crucial for growth .
How Mentoring Changed Emily ’ s Life
Mentorship has had a profound impact on both Emily ’ s professional and personal life . Her mentors taught her that everyone is human , and no one expects perfection . This realization helped Emily build confidence and embrace challenges without the fear of failure .
Earlier in her career , Emily was reserved and hesitant to speak up . However , her mentors encouraged her to step outside her comfort zone , telling her , “ You ’ re not damaged . Go again .” This advice helped her build resilience and to confront obstacles head-on .
Emily ’ s mentors have continually pushed her to grow , both professionally and personally . She believes that mentorship has been a driving force in her career , helping her develop the grit to keep moving forward .
On Seeking Out Mentors
Emily is a strong advocate for mentorship and urges young women in the industry to find a mentor . “ Find your yardstick ,” she says , emphasizing that mentors are beneficial in all forms . While it may seem daunting to approach someone , she encourages young women to take the first step , as most mentors are more than willing to share their expertise .
Mentorship offers more than just advice ; it provides new perspectives and helps you learn from the experiences of others . “ When you see through other people ’ s eyes , you learn about their challenges and struggles ,” Emily explains . Mentors also hold you accountable , pushing you to try again when you fail .
Emily acknowledges that finding learning opportunities can be difficult , especially for recent graduates or those in smaller companies without formal mentorship programs . She encourages women to actively seek out networking and mentoring opportunities to develop their skills and knowledge and recommends the AfMA program for anyone who wants to connect with a mentor outside of their immediate environment
For Emily , mentorship has been “ amazingly beneficial ,” shaping her into the leader she is today . She urges young women to seek out mentors , learn from those around them , and embrace failure as part of the learning process . “ What do you have to lose ?” she asks .
Find Your Next Mentor at AfMA
If you ’ re ready to take your career to the next level , consider joining AfMA ’ s Mentoring Program . The program pairs you with industry experts who can guide your growth and success . Whether you ’ re new to the field or looking to advance , mentorship offers invaluable insights and support . Apply today and start your mentorship journey with AfMA .
ISSUE 50 DECEMBER 2024 / WWW . AFMA . ORG . AU 35