Paying it forward: The power of mentorship

Back in my 20s, I had a reputation for having intense career conversations with random people at parties, diving into their dreams and ambitions and how they might achieve them. Fast forward 20 years, and it’s not surprising I’ve built a business around empowering others to ignite their extraordinary through coaching and programs.

My ego loves that feeling of actually making an impact on someone’s life; I bet yours does too. It tickles my insides when I think about the fact that Future IM/Pact has connected 90 top female university students with mentors working in the investment industry, sparking hours of conversation and inspiration.

Mentorship can be a powerful career accelerator, but it isn't just about the warm fuzzy chats. Research shows companies with mentoring programs rake in profits 18% higher than the rest, while those without lag behind by 45%. Sure, that’s correlation and not causation, but it makes you think twice if you’re yet to build a mentoring culture.

And here's the real deal: while mentorship can boost the bottom line, its true power lies in changing lives. And I’m not just talking about the people being mentored. When industry leaders step up and pay it forward, they reap plenty of personal and professional rewards too.

There’s the well-documented helper’s high, which leads to reduced stress, better mood and a myriad of physical and mental benefits through the release of endorphins when we help others.

It’s also an act of self-improvement, sharpening communication, leadership, and networking skills. It opens up diverse perspectives and fuels personal growth through the exchange of knowledge, the cultivation of empathy, and the embrace of continuous learning.

And there’s the satisfaction of making a difference and leaving a legacy. With 89% of mentors having been mentored themselves, there's a wonderful ripple effect that extends beyond helping just one individual to nurturing generations of leaders to come.

We frequently have industry leaders (current and aspiring) asking us to facilitate more mentoring opportunities. Our student Mentoring Circles get bigger and better each year, and we’ve just added an exciting new program aimed at early career women on the cusp of landing their dream investing role.

YourEDGE is a first-of-its-kind 6-month program that pairs industry professionals with women who are on the edge of breaking into the investment management industry but need a little extra support to get them over the line. It’ll be a game-changer for these aspiring female investors, and a fantastic opportunity for the mentors who guide their way.

I wouldn’t be where I am today without the people who generously shared their time, wisdom and belief in me; I suspect you feel the same. If you’re keen to get involved with our mentoring programs and ready to pay it forward, get in touch with me today.