My name is Rose Fredua and I work for Accenture as a Program/Project Manager
I decided to seek out a mentor, as I mentor lots of people from different walks of life. I saw how much they were benefitting from having a mentor, so I felt that I am no different and would too benefit from a mentor.
I found a mentor by taking a leap of faith and googled “I am looking for a mentor! Jenny’s name came up as one of the search results and it turned out that we had a contact in common from LinkedIn. I asked Jenny if she would be able to mentor me, and the rest is history!
The two main areas that Jenny has been instrumental in changing in my thought processes are:
- The way I viewed certain work situations
- Utilising what you already have at your fingertips
Jenny helped me to view a situation from a totally different angle – which in turn helped me to change the way I was working. This view change has saved me a lot of stress and worry and helped me to relax and be calm about things.
Jenny encouraged me to get involved with something I felt very passionate about within my organisation. I got involved with organising a networking event. The event went very well and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of being involved and watching scant detail turn into a big and fruitful event. I would not have got involved if Jenny had not suggested this as something I should get involved in.
As a result of our mentoring relationship, I have gained a different understanding into a long running situation and to be able to see things from a different perspective. As Jenny does not work for my organisation, her perspective has been much broader and I have really benefitted from having an external pair of eyes.
I have also achieved a renewed confidence in my role and as a member of my organisation. I realise that I do matter and that I am important and I need to prepare a plan to get to wherever I need to go – as opposed to assuming I will get what I think or believe I deserve.
My only advice to anyone seeking a mentor would be to “Just Do It”. Sometimes as a mentor, we feel that we can carry the weight of everyone on our shoulders but I feel now that to be an effective mentor, you need to be mentored by someone yourself.
I also mentor students from the University of East London and also with the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women.
It’s been an honour to Mentor Rose over the last 12 months, she Rocks!
Jenny Garrett is the Executive Coach and founder of Reflexion Associates, a leadership and coaching consultancy. She’s also the author of Rocking Your Role, a how-to guide to success for female breadwinners.
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