Kicking Off the WIFA Mentorship Program in Style - September 23

The WIFA Mentor Mentee Program (MMP) kick-off event for the 2024/2025 cohort buzzed with energy, excitement, and a sense of community, as both seasoned mentors and eager mentees came together to begin a new chapter of growth and mutual support.

Crafting the Perfect Pitch

The evening’s first highlight was the presentation by Case Everaert , Partner at Black Isle Global and founding member of the Male Allies Leadership Council. Case captivated the audience with his masterful breakdown of how to land the perfect pitch. By combining the Pyramid Principle, storytelling techniques, and TED Talk concepts, he revealed the secrets to compelling presentations that resonate.

Fireside Chat on Mentorship Practices

Following Case’s inspiring session, there was a fireside chat with our panelists:

• Anri Koike , Asia Security Services Sales at 花旗
• Kiana Wang , Global Supplier Services at 摩根士丹利
• Tamara Subocheva , Customer Success Management Team at LSEG (London Stock Exchange Group)

Moderated by Isabelle Mustapic , Advisor at E11levate, the discussion explored the transformative journeys of mentorship. Anri emphasized the significance of mentorship in shaping professional pathways and driving innovation. Kiana shared her transition from mentee to mentor, highlighting the importance of shared interests in building strong connections. Tamara underscored the value of reverse mentorship and the importance of seeking guidance early in one's career.

Holistic Mentorship and Career Growth

Isabelle highlighted Rick Woolworth’s insights brought to light the importance of adopting a holistic approach to mentorship. She stressed that successful mentor-mentee relationships are built on personal interests and broader life aspects, fostering more meaningful and impactful connections. The conversation naturally flowed into critical topics such as career progression and work-life balance. The panel unanimously agreed that career growth is highly personalized, requiring tailored mentorship to align with individual goals. For many women, work-life balance becomes a central theme in mentorship discussions, and the need for mentors to provide robust support in navigating these challenges was highlighted.

Practical Advice and Building Trust

The panel also discussed practical advice on negotiating pay raises and handling change. They emphasized that compensation is often tied to the role rather than individual performance. When navigating organizational changes, focusing on controllable factors and clearly communicating contributions are key. Trust in mentorship was another focal point. The panelists noted that trust builds over time through shared experiences and meaningful connections. Maternity challenges were also addressed, with mentors encouraging open communication and seeking support from partners and external resources.

The Value of Mentorship Programs

The event concluded with a resounding endorsement of the value of mentorship programs. Networking, goal setting, and gaining fresh perspectives were highlighted as invaluable benefits that mentorship provides. These elements not only help individuals grow professionally but also enrich their personal lives.

Looking Ahead

As we embark on this new mentorship journey, the enthusiasm and insights shared during the kick-off event promise a rewarding experience for all participants. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who braved the rain to make this event a success. Your dedication and passion are what make the WIFA MMP truly special. We look forward to witnessing the incredible growth and achievements that the 2024/2025 cohort will bring.

Call to Action

We encourage both mentors and mentees to take the initiative to connect with others in the cohort and build meaningful relationships. Unlike internal mentorship programs, this program offers the unique advantage of diverse perspectives from across industries and backgrounds. Make the most of this opportunity to expand your network, gain fresh insights, and maximize the value of your mentorship journey. Please encourage to share your stories and learning with WIFA by emailing your stories to [email protected].