My Mentor Pushed Me Into Self-Doubt
Jackie Wahome, Customer Experience Trainer
𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐫 | 𝗖𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗿 | 𝗖𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 & 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗿 | 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐫 | 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫
About two years ago, as I stood at the precipice of transitioning from employment to entrepreneurship, I knew I needed guidance.
I was embarking on a new journey as a Trainer and Consultant in Customer Experience, and I sought a mentor who had walked this path before me. Someone who could offer not just advice, but a guiding hand to lead me in the right direction.
So, I began my search, reaching out to various individuals who seemed to fit the bill. I started with messages on LinkedIn, hoping for a chance at a call or even a face-to-face meeting. Among those I reached out to, one person stood out above the rest.
I vividly remember the excitement coursing through me when I finally had the opportunity to jump onto a call with this individual. They were at the top of my list, someone I admired and hoped to learn from.
But that excitement was swiftly crushed by their words.
Instead of the encouragement I sought, they proceeded to list all the things I lacked at the time. They painted a picture of the journey ahead as tough, rough, and seemingly impossible. In that moment, they made me doubt myself and my readiness for this new chapter.
I felt crushed and disheartened. It was as if they didn't believe in me, didn't see the potential I knew I had within. Instead of offering a hand of guidance, they inadvertently pushed me further into self-doubt.
But despite the blow to my confidence, there was one thing I refused to do...
I did not quit.
That day, I made a vow to myself: I would be the mentor I wished I had encountered. I would hold as many people's hands as I possibly could, guiding them through their own journeys, just as I had wished for.
It was a turning point. Instead of viewing others as competition, I saw them as potential collaborators.
I refused to let discouragement define my path. And as time passed, my career in Training and Consultancy began to flourish. It expanded beyond the borders of Kenya, reaching into Africa and soon, the world.
Fast forward to this past Saturday, and I found myself reflecting on that pivotal moment. I had the opportunity to make a contribution to a young lady who exudes an undeniable force, one that cannot be ignored.
Her name is Muthoni Njoroge.
Muthoni is a powerhouse, impacting lives and making waves with her dreams and aspirations. She embodies the spirit of resilience and determination that I hold dear.
She is one of many individuals I choose to collaborate with, to support and be a part of their journey to the top in any way I can.
I share this story not as a tale of defeat, but as a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of lifting others as we climb.
Despite the initial discouragement, I stand here today, empowered by my experiences and ready to empower others.
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Muthoni's journey, like mine, is a reminder that with determination and support, the seemingly impossible can become a reality.
About the Author
Jackie Wahome, a Customer Experience Trainer in Kenya with over 16 years of experience in Customer Experience across different industries in Kenya.
She helps businesses make more and retain more customers through unrivalled Customer Experience.
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Company Profile Link - Customer Centric Kenya