Leadership, Mentorship & the Power of Women Supporting Women

Have You Ever Had Someone Believe in You Before You Did?

Over the past couple of weeks, we've celebrated International Women’s Day, a time to honour the incredible contributions of women and reflect on the importance of mentorship in both business and life. This year's theme, "March Forward," calls on us all to continually support and champion women around us, empowering each other to take bold steps forward. Having a key mentor can be transformative, offering guidance, encouragement and shared wisdom that can make all the difference in your journey to success.

I had the privilege of attending the Business in Heels event, where I heard from the incredible Marnie Baker, former CEO and Managing Director of Bendigo & Adelaide Bank – my working home for over 23 years! Marnie’s talk, Breaking Barriers and Leading with Authenticity was a powerful reminder of the importance of embracing who we are and leading with purpose!

🌟 My Key Takeaways 🌟

• Leadership is not a title, it's about impact!

• True leadership is not about becoming someone else, it's about being who you are!

• Never dim your light to fit into a current system - shine so brightly that the system evolves to fit you!

Marnie’s words resonated with me, reinforcing the importance of strong mentors who challenge us to push boundaries and be unapologetically ourselves. The best mentors help us see things in ourselves that we may not even recognise. As this quote so beautifully states:

“Surround yourself with people who see things in you that you don’t even see in yourself.” I also attended the Be.Bendigo x Women Connect event, spending an inspiring afternoon connecting with amazing women as we explored the theme "March Forward." Listening to the insights and experiences shared by the panel of accomplished and upcoming women leaders further reinforced the value of supporting one another and continually moving forward with purpose and determination.

The Power of Mentorship in Business and Life

Mentorship is not just about career growth; it’s about confidence, resilience, and having a support system that believes in your potential. A great mentor doesn’t just give advice – they inspire action, provide reassurance when you doubt yourself and help you unlock opportunities you never imagined possible.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, executive or creative, finding the right mentors can open doors, offer invaluable insights, and keep you motivated even in the face of challenges. And just as importantly, mentorship is a two-way street – one day, you may be the guiding light for someone else.

Find or Be a Mentor 😊

I encourage you to reflect on the mentors in your life – past, present, or future. Who are the people who challenge you to grow, inspire you to lead with authenticity and remind you of your own brilliance? If you don’t have a mentor yet, perhaps today is the perfect time to seek one out or, better yet, become a mentor yourself and empower the next generation of women in business!

Let’s celebrate the women who lead, uplift, and break barriers. And let’s continue to shine brightly so that the world evolves to meet our light 🩷