'You're more impressive than you think' - The career benefits of a mentoring relationship

We recently caught up with mentor Kudzai Zendera CA and his mentee, Miriam Malik CA, as they reflected on how the ICAS Mentoring programme supported Miriam’s career – helping her navigate imposter syndrome and motherhood. 

For Miriam, having a mentor gave her the reassurance she needed to trust in her own abilities.  

“The first time I spoke to him [Kudzai], the standout statement he made was: You are more impressive than you think you are. And I think that it's not a skill per se, as in a technical or a hard skill, but I think it's probably one of the most valuable soft skills you can have - to have that self-belief.” 

During our conversation, Kudzai shared how mentors can empower mentees by simply listening and recognising their strengths.  

"One thing I’ve realised is that whatever your experience is, there is definitely something that you can offer to somebody that is valuable. That might just be the ability to listen. The ability to listen and then tell someone, based on what you’ve heard, where you see strength in them, where you see light in them and where you see achievement in what they’ve done.”  

Kudzai also highlighted the importance of understanding individual differences and how one’s personal background can shape experiences. 

“We are all different and we all exhibit our skills in a different way, but sometimes you just need that help from someone who can relate to your experience, identify your strengths and understand how your upbringing or your background may cause you to respond to a certain situation in a different way.” 

What makes a mentoring relationship work? Miriam sums it up best:  

“Like all great relationships, openness, trust and good communication. I felt like there was no barrier, and I could just be myself.”

Hear their full conversation