At AEGIS London, our in-house mentoring programme has been running for more than two years. In the following article, mentor CFO Katie Wade and mentee Senior Actuarial Analyst, Eliza Dickie, open up about their mentoring relationship and what mentoring means to them.
What mentoring means to me
Katie: “Early in my career, a few pivotal questions, observations, ideas and encouragements from mentors helped me approach decisions from a different perspective, which altered my trajectory and ultimately changed my professional life. I have benefited hugely from being a mentee myself, so now I can pay this forward. A mentor provides comfort in hearing that some of the challenges I experience are not unique to me. Other people have managed these successfully. I still have mentors and friends who I bounce ideas off.”
Eliza: “I have found the opportunity to take part in the mentorship programme at AEGIS London invaluable. It gives me further insight into the life of a senior female on the board; a strong role model for me to look up to and learn from. The opportunity has also allowed me to build a strong working relationship with Katie and expand my professional network.”
What I gain from mentoring
Eliza: “I have discussed in depth professional skills with Katie and gained invaluable advice, new ideas and ways of thinking and working. Katie has so much knowledge, expertise and experience to offer; from mindset development, to soft skills, to professional habits. Katie has helped me focus on my goals and what I want to achieve to advance myself professionally. We’ve discussed career pathways and the skillsets required to advance in different directions.
Katie has also opened my eyes to new opportunities, such as further networking opportunities, and she encourages me to take part in opportunities outside of my comfort zone. I’ve gained more professional confidence and insight into developing leadership skills.”
Katie: “For me mentorship is a great tool that allows me a different lens to my challenges. Interacting with mentees and listening to their struggles, predicaments, and accomplishments gives me a fresh perspective on what my own team is possibly experiencing, and there may be some challenges that I have not seen or anticipated.
Mentoring also helps enhance my active listening skills. Plus, it is really fun and rewarding! I am getting to know interesting, energetic individuals; people with whom I typically have some common ground. I enjoy hearing about them and sharing my own stories. I gain new insights from listening to their perspectives and from trying to articulate my thoughts on a tough issue we are discussing.”
Why I would promote mentoring to others
Katie: “I love helping others develop and grow. It might sound corny, but I have been immensely proud of my mentees and their achievements.
Building friendships and connections outside of my core functional area is also rewarding, and once again can bring differing perspectives. The connection is likely to always be part of a future network; the insurance market is small and networks essential and my mentoring connections often turn out to be part of a future network.
In short, mentoring is a two-way street. It helps the mentee grow whilst also enriching the mentor’s personal and professional life. I believe that mentoring can be invaluable, fulfilling and I highly recommend it.”
Eliza: “I have found it incredibly beneficial to hear new perspectives from someone with lots of experience in the industry and a very inspiring, successful career. Katie has provided her encouragement and support to empower me in my career and achieve success. I would promote being a mentee and also a mentor. One day, I would like to give back and become a mentor myself in the workplace.”