Mentoring and My Journey: Reflections on Growth, Giving Back, and Lifelong Learning

When I took my first step into the workplace in 1991, I was eager to prove myself, learn, and build a career, but back then, mentoring wasn’t something I actively considered. The concept wasn’t discussed widely, and I wasn’t aware of how having a mentor could have shaped my journey in invaluable ways. Fast forward to November 2023, when I took on my first mentoring role in the Lily Shippen EA/PA Mentoring Programme—marking my initial experience as a mentor after over three decades in the professional world. It was a turning point, and it’s one that I’d encourage anyone to consider, regardless of where they are in their career.

This article explores three important aspects of mentoring:

1. the value of being a mentor;
2. the value of having a mentor; and
3. the unexpected ways that being a mentor can support personal growth.

Each of these elements has given me a deeper understanding of my own career journey and why mentorship, in both personal and professional contexts, can be transformative.

1. The Value of Being a Mentor

Participating as a mentor in the Lily Shippen EA/PA Mentoring Programme was something I felt ready for. After years in the Executive Assistant and Personal Assistant fields, I knew I had valuable insights and experiences to share. My career had been a series of learnings and growth moments, many of which stemmed from figuring things out on my own. I knew that by sharing what I’d learned, I could potentially make someone else’s path a little easier, and maybe even inspire them to discover their own potential.

One of the most rewarding aspects of mentoring is the act of paying it forward. A mentor can be a sounding board, a source of encouragement, and a guide through difficult situations. Often, those stepping into the EA/PA roles face unique challenges—from navigating complex organizational hierarchies to managing the demands of high-stakes clients and projects. Offering my mentees insights into these dynamics and how I’d handled them was a powerful reminder of the skills I’d developed over the years. And, in doing so, I found myself reliving the pride, resilience, and dedication that had carried me through challenging times.

Mentoring also offered a fresh perspective. Hearing about my mentees’ challenges and aspirations reminded me how the workplace has evolved since I began my career. Technology, work-life balance, and the expectations placed on EAs and PAs have all changed significantly. As a mentor, it’s vital to be adaptive and empathetic, allowing your mentee’s perspective to shape the way you approach each conversation and provide guidance. This has allowed me to stay connected to the changing nature of our industry and reminded me that learning is an ongoing process.

2. The Value of Having a Mentor

Looking back, I sometimes wonder how different my journey might have been if I’d had a mentor in my early career. In 1991, the idea of mentorship wasn’t something I was aware of, and even if I had been, I wouldn’t have known where to find a mentor. My career path was shaped by trial, error, and the guidance of peers and supervisors when it came by. But I also learned the hard way, which made me appreciate the value of having someone dedicated to guiding you through uncharted waters.

Mentors provide insight that goes beyond what’s written in job descriptions or training manuals. They help mentees set goals, navigate career decisions, and offer strategies for personal growth. They can offer perspectives on challenges and reassure you that some things are simply part of the journey. Knowing that someone has faced similar challenges—and overcome them—can be a source of immense comfort and confidence.

Additionally, having a mentor often helps individuals recognize their own potential. For many mentees, a mentor’s belief in them can unlock confidence and the drive to pursue new opportunities or make brave career changes. Mentors have the power to remind us that our career journey isn’t just about where we start but about the limitless places it can take us.

3. How Being a Mentor Can Support Your Own Growth

One of the surprising benefits I found as a mentor was the way it contributed to my own growth. Even with over three decades of experience, I still had much to gain from this process. For one, mentoring requires self-reflection. Before each mentoring session, I would ask myself what knowledge and skills I had to offer and what unique perspectives I could share. This exercise in self-awareness helped me recognize the depth of my experience and reignited my appreciation for the resilience and adaptability that had become cornerstones of my career.

Mentoring also fosters essential skills like active listening, empathy, and adaptability. Each mentee is different, bringing their own set of goals, challenges, and perspectives. Being a mentor demands that we actively listen to their stories, understand their unique needs, and offer guidance that suits their particular situation. Over time, I found that these conversations encouraged me to remain flexible and to appreciate new ways of thinking, even in areas where I felt I’d already mastered the concepts. My mentees’ fresh perspectives and insights reminded me of the dynamic nature of our industry, where new ideas and approaches are constantly emerging.

Another element of personal growth that mentoring fosters is humility. It’s humbling to be in a position of guidance, recognizing that your words and insights might shape someone else’s journey. This sense of responsibility encourages you to be thoughtful and intentional with your advice. At times, mentoring has also shown me where I still have room for improvement. The process has been as much a journey of learning as it has been of teaching.

Closing Thoughts: Mentoring as a Lifelong Journey

Participating in the Lily Shippen EA/PA Mentoring Programme was one of the most enriching experiences of my career. It’s taught me that mentorship is a two-way street; both the mentor and mentee walk away with valuable lessons and perspectives. I’m immensely grateful for the opportunity to have contributed to my mentees’ journeys, but I’m equally grateful for the ways they’ve enriched my own.

Whether you’re early in your career or a seasoned professional, consider the value of mentorship. For mentees, it’s a chance to learn from those who’ve walked a similar path, to gain insights, and to be guided through challenges. For mentors, it’s an opportunity to give back, to grow personally, and to keep learning.

In the end, mentorship is about connection—bridging gaps between experience and aspiration, between knowledge and curiosity. I encourage anyone reading this to think about what mentorship could add to your life. Whether you’re looking for guidance or looking to give it, the journey of mentoring is one filled with growth, learning, and lasting fulfilment.