Thrive with Mentoring’s Post

To wrap up the month of October, allow me to write a piece about the power of a woman. 🌸Empowering Women: A Catalyst for Change🌸 Women empowerment is not just a movement; it's a necessity for a balanced and thriving society. When we uplift women, we unlock potential that benefits everyone. Education is Key. Knowledge is power. Providing access to education equips women with the skills and confidence to pursue their dreams and contribute to their communities. Breaking Stereotypes. Challenging societal norms and stereotypes allows women to step into roles and careers that were once considered unattainable. Together, we can redefine what leadership looks like. Encouraging Representation. Visibility matters. Supporting women in leadership positions across all sectors inspires the next generation and fosters an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives thrive. Building Support Networks. Mentorship and networking opportunities create safe spaces for women to share experiences, challenges, and resources. Together, we can lift each other up. Celebrating Achievements. Let’s recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of women everywhere. Acknowledging their contributions not only boosts morale but also encourages more women to strive for greatness. Empowering women is about creating a world where every woman has the freedom and opportunity to pursue her potential. What steps do you think we can take to further this movement? #WomenEmpowerment #GenderEquality #Leadership #SupportWomen #DiversityAndInclusion #Inspiration

I've admired the work of Brad Johnson and David Smith for a while now, so I’m excited to dive into their latest book, Athena Rising. Johnson and Smith highlight an important point: when a man mentors a woman, the relationship can be complex, influenced by traditional gender roles and sometimes by external perceptions. Typical mentorship models often mirror male-to-male dynamics—like networking over golf or drinks and focusing solely on career achievement. But Athena Rising shows that many women look for mentorship that acknowledges the balance between career and family life. They want mentors who truly understand and respect these dimensions. This book underscores just how critical it is for men to actively support junior women. When men mentor with intention, they help women not only stay in the game but also thrive and lead. And as more women succeed, organizations become more inclusive, effective, and better at retaining top talent. I highly recommend Athena Rising for anyone committed to building a more equitable workplaces for women! 📚 #AthenaRising #Mentorship #InclusiveLeadership #DiversityandInclusion #GenderEquity #WomenInLeadership #CareerGrowth #DEI #WorkplaceCulture #LeadershipDevelopment

I attended an event last month discussing the importance of mentorship in the workplace. So…being the seeker I am, I did a bit of research on the importance of mentorship especially as it pertains to women. Mentorship is a game-changer for women, bridging the gap between aspiration and achievement. Through guidance, support, and access to opportunities, mentorship empowers women to reach their full potential. It fosters collaboration, solidarity, and diversity, creating a path for women to break barriers and lead with confidence. How does your company, or better yet-how do YOU embrace mentorship to drive empowerment, advocate for change, and build a more inclusive workplace? Mentorship can look like asking someone at the table to voice the idea they shared earlier. It can look like inviting a younger female to lunch to discuss her career aspirations. It can look like reaching out to the younger team member to discuss what her viewpoint of the team meeting was {without judgement}. So, again, I ask… what does mentorship look like in your team? #mentorship #womenempowerment #generations #boomer #genz #millennial #genx #womenshistorymonth

Thank you for participating! The responses are in! 🥳 🩷 28% of you highlighted Education and Skills Development as the second top priority. This underscores the fundamental need for knowledge and expertise as building blocks for personal and professional growth. It’s clear that access to education and opportunities for skill-building are pivotal to unlocking potential and closing gender gaps. 🩷 11% pointed to Leadership Opportunities, a reminder that empowering women also means creating spaces where they can lead, influence, and make decisions. It’s vital that we continue to advocate for diverse leadership and decision-making positions in every sector. 🩷 Only 6% selected Social Awareness. While this number is lower than expected, it still reflects the importance of raising awareness about the challenges women face in society—whether it's gender bias, violence, or unequal representation. Social change begins with awareness, but it’s clear that action, not just dialogue, is what drives real progress. 🩷 The largest group, 56%, chose Mentorship and Support as the most critical element. This is both encouraging and enlightening. It suggests that, while women are increasingly equipped with education and opportunities, many still feel the need for guidance and a supportive network. Mentorship plays a key role in confidence-building, navigating challenges, and expanding opportunities. This tells us that empowerment isn’t just about individual achievement—it’s about fostering a community of women who lift each other up. What does this tell us? The results highlight that women empowerment is not a one-dimensional concept. It’s about creating an ecosystem of support—starting with foundational education, then creating opportunities to lead, raising awareness of social issues, and most importantly, ensuring mentorship and community support are in place to help women thrive. As we move forward, let’s continue to focus on all these aspects, but especially on mentorship. We all have a role to play in mentoring the next generation of women leaders. Let’s keep supporting each other and building bridges that pave the way for lasting empowerment. Stay tuned for upcoming news to support action on these points! #TheGeekGirlsFoundation #WomenEmpowerment #YourVoiceMatters

Celebrating Transformative Growth for Women in the Workplace.   We are honoured to be part of the incredible journey over the last four months of women entering the spotlight professionally and personally on our Evolve Women's Development Program. Partnering with forward-thinking companies like Penrith City Council has allowed us to witness firsthand the powerful results of investing in women’s development. The transformation has been remarkable: ➡️ "I am now more aligned with my 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙩𝙝𝙨 and confident in my 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙨𝙩𝙮𝙡𝙚 and 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙙." ➡️ "The 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 and understanding I've gained in a team environment have made me a more 𝙚𝙢𝙥𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙙, 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙛𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙚𝙧." ➡️ "I'm already 𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙣 𝙖 𝙝𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣, taking on 𝙜𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙥𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙗𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙚𝙨, and 𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙨." We are deeply grateful to companies like Penrith City Council that recognise the immense value in fostering women’s growth. And people like Alice Meehan who went above and beyond to ensure the Evolve Program ran smoothly, thank you. Looking forward to seeing this incredible community of women seize new opportunities, realise their potential, and take ownership of their lives, stepping confidently and boldly into the spotlight. Together, we have more confident, empowered leaders who are ready to shape the future. #TransformativeExperience #WomenInLeadership #Empowerment #InvestInWomen #GrowthMindset #LeadershipDevelopment #Confidence #TheEvolveAcademy #WomensDevelopment #SelfLeadership #Growth #Development #EvolveProgram #EvolveWomensDevelopment

International women's day is not about getting one rose at office once a year. Travelling with this intelligent, brilliant group of women for the entire week, meeting female entrepreneurs, founders, team leaders, executives, and operators of intricate machinery, that is a true celebration of women's power. A genuine celebration involves granting women greater space, supporting them in their advancement, and acknowledging their obstacles. Conventional workplaces were created by men for men, so a lot will change as more and more women join the workforce. I'm giving five ambitious ladies one-on-one mentorship sessions. Type "Interested" to be considered for a mentorship programme; first come, first served. I invite everyone, I know to mentor five women at their end and take part in the celebration of women's power. #internationalwomensday2024 #mentoring #mentorshipmatters

The Ripple Effect of Sharing Knowledge: Empowering Women in the Professional World In the vast ocean of our professional journeys, every piece of knowledge shared creates ripples that extend far beyond our immediate reach. As a woman who has navigated the ebbs and flows of various industries, I’ve come to realize that our experiences are not just personal milestones—they’re beacons for others navigating similar paths. Empowerment Through Experience I’ve always believed in the power of open dialogue and the exchange of wisdom. By sharing our stories, we not only empower ourselves but also pave the way for other women to rise. It’s not about having all the answers; it’s about being willing to share what we know and being open to learning from the collective pool of experiences. Learning is a Two-Way Street As much as I cherish imparting knowledge, I equally value the lessons I receive in return. Every interaction is an opportunity to learn something new, to view a challenge from a different perspective, and to grow. This two-way street of knowledge exchange is the cornerstone of collective progress. Your Story Matters To all the women in my network, your experiences matter. Your insights are valuable. And your willingness to share is the catalyst for change. Let’s continue to support each other, to learn, and to lead with generosity. Because when one woman shines, she lights the way for all. #knowledgeexchange #womenempowerment #experiencematters #learnandgrow #professionaldevelopment

CELEBRATING WOMEN WITH IMPACT Ahead of #Womensday on Friday, 9 August, we are honored to highlight one of our colleagues, IT Quality Test Analyst, Khwezikazi Maceba-Ncanywa, a go-getter whose ambition and adaptability inspire those around her. In the spirit of celebrating women, we asked her to share her thoughts on the impact of having female role-models, how to overcome gender bias and important qualities for women in leadership roles. “I’ve had the privilege of working with some incredible role models throughout my career, one of whom I met early on. She was a fantastic mentor who taught me the value of staying true to oneself and balancing personal and professional goals to achieve true success. Her selfless guidance and advice on advancing as a woman in the IT industry profoundly impacted how I grew and developed in my career. Navigating the IT industry as a woman can be challenging and it can sometimes be easy to doubt oneself and one's abilities. For me, the best way of overcoming these obstacles has always been to demonstrate my abilities, continually learning, and building on my achievements – making success all the more rewarding! To young women entering the IT field, my advice is: Don’t underestimate the importance of a solid foundation in education, training, networking, and soft skills. Seek out mentors, stay updated with the latest technological advancements, and always speak up for yourself.” ~~~~~~~ Khwezikazi’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace. Her contributions help drive innovation and create a positive impact on our team and industry. Join us in celebrating Khwezikazi and the exceptional women that inspire us at work! #WomensMonth #WomenInLeadership #DiversityAndInclusion #WomenEmpowerment #Leadership #PepkorPaymentsAndLending #PPL #Capfin #Tenacity

As a woman in technology leadership, navigating the intricacies of a traditionally male-dominated industry, International Women's Day holds a profound meaning for me. Today is a day when we celebrate the achievements, resilience, and contributions of women worldwide.   Reflecting on my journey, I’ve had many encounters that have fueled my determination to reshape the narrative. From breaking glass ceilings to challenging stereotypes, every hurdle has been an opportunity for growth. I have always believed in leading with authenticity and celebrating the way women naturally lead. Mentorship has been a cornerstone of my approach. Guiding and empowering aspiring women in technology is not just a responsibility; it’s a privilege. Through mentorship, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of supporting and uplifting others. It’s about more than sharing knowledge—it’s about igniting passion and nurturing potential.   I extend deep gratitude to those who have supported me on this journey—the mentors, allies, and colleagues who have stood by me. Their encouragement and belief in my capabilities (and occasionally, the lack there of!) have fueled my determination. And now, as a woman leader, I’m proud to lead a team at Canada Goose that exemplifies the strength of diverse perspectives. Our collective experiences enrich our problem-solving, spark innovation, and propel us forward.   On this #IWD2024, let’s collectively celebrate progress, acknowledging that there’s more work to be done. I invite you to join me and the #CGLeadershipTeam by sharing your experiences and insights, fostering a dialogue that propels us toward a future where gender diversity is not an exception, but the norm. Together, we can create a world where every woman’s voice is heard, valued, and amplified. #InspireInclusion

Why Mentorship & Networks Matter for Women in Finance 👩💻 In finance, the path to diversity isn't just paved with good intentions—it requires action, mentorship, and strong networks. For women navigating this dynamic field, these elements are not just add-ons; they're essentials. As an emerging female fund manager, I've seen the incredible impact mentorship can have. It's more than advice; it's about empowering the next wave of women leaders, offering them the tools, confidence, and connections to thrive. My commitment? To mentor, advise, and open doors for women in finance. Why? Because when we share knowledge and support each other, we don't just grow individually—we transform the industry. Ready to join the movement? 💼 #womeninfinance #empowerment #mentorship #networking #nextgen