As part of CSIA’s Women Empowerment Programme (WEP), we recently ran a poll asking a question at the heart of female leadership development:
“How important is it to have a mentor to grow as a leader?”
The results were telling:
- Very Important – 49
- Slightly Important – 10
- Not Important – 1
While there were some respondents who did not agree, the overwhelming majority of respondents see mentorship not just as beneficial, but as essential to their growth as leaders. This aligns with the stories and insights shared throughout the WEP campaign, where seasoned governance professionals offered reflections on the mentors who shaped their journeys—and the mentees who continue to inspire them.
Mentorship Is a Roadmap, Especially for Women
Funmi Ekundayo shares a powerful message about the importance of being guided by those who’ve walked the path before you:
Funmi’s message is a reminder that mentorship isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a form of strategic risk management. Having someone who has already navigated similar challenges can help women leaders steer clear of common career traps and confidently accelerate their growth.
A Push and a Pull Toward Leadership
CS Dr Mamta Binani reflects on the motivating force a mentor can be:
Mentorship is often the unseen force behind bold career moves. Mamta highlights how mentors are both anchors and catalysts—challenging their mentees to claim their space in leadership while offering support through self-doubt or uncertainty.
Mentorship as a Two-Way Street
Cindy Wong brings attention to the dynamic exchange that mentorship can be:
Cindy’s reflection reframes mentorship as a mutual journey. It isn’t just about giving guidance—it’s about shared growth. For organisations, fostering these reciprocal relationships can create a learning culture that benefits both emerging and established leaders.
Clarity Through Reflection
Gill Meller reminds us that the role of a mentor is not to dictate a path, but to provide space for exploration:
This quote highlights how mentorship fuels critical thinking. Great mentors act as sounding boards, empowering mentees to explore different options and make more intentional choices about their careers.
Exposure and Perspective
Mercy Wanjau shares how mentorship exposed her to new ways of thinking and approaching her career:
Mercy’s journey reinforces that mentorship can open doors not just to knowledge, but to new worldviews. When women learn from others’ lived experiences, they build confidence and a clearer sense of what’s possible in their own careers.
What These Insights Mean for Governance Professionals
Mentorship provides more than career support—it’s a transformative tool that helps shape resilient, insightful, and capable leaders. For women in corporate governance, having mentors can be the bridge between aspiration and achievement.
The results of our recent poll—and the stories from mentors across the globe—affirm that this support is not optional. It’s fundamental.
The Women Empowerment Programme continues to highlight the voices and lessons of inspiring mentors, offering new perspectives each quarter. Whether you’re an emerging leader or a seasoned professional, there’s always something to learn—and someone to learn from.
