Nov 303 min read

Brewing confidence and connection: Lessons from YWLC’s recent brunch with mentors

On 19 October 2024, the YWLC Mentorship Programme kicked off its mentorship cycle with Brunch and Learn with Mentors: Embracing Your Inner Strength at Huggs Coffee. The cozy vibes at Huggs Coffee provided the perfect backdrop for invigorating conversations over a soothing cuppa and delightful pastries. Our mentees got to engage with mentors over meaningful connections and candid discussions.

We were privileged to have these esteemed mentors join us for the session:

Minister of State Gan Siow Huang, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Manpower
Dawn Lim, Executive Director of DesignSingapore Council
Joelle Chen, Head of Sustainability Asia Pacific at LaSalle Investment Management
Karen Ong, General Manager at Fairprice Finest
Sonia Gupta, Managing Director of Accenture

The morning touched on a variety of themes, including the intersections of female leadership and self-discovery. Our mentors shared many practical advice and nuggets of wisdom, leaving mentees inspired and equipped for their personal and professional journeys. We’ve distilled the session into five key takeaways that resonated strongly with all who attended.

1. Leadership is a Journey of Adaptability

Great leaders are constantly evolving. They adapt their style to suit different situations and audiences, recognising that leadership is not static but grows through experience, self-awareness, and feedback. Thriving as a leader means observing organisational dynamics, staying open to new perspectives, and understanding how to navigate varying communication styles. This adaptability ensures leaders remain effective in building strong relationships and achieving impactful results.

2. Inner Strength Comes from Self-Reflection

True resilience starts with self-awareness. Taking the time to pause and reflect on personal values, goals, and challenges helps build inner strength. Regularly revisiting your core values ensures they align with your current role and objectives, empowering you to navigate uncertainty with clarity and purpose. Trusting your instincts and staying grounded in what matters most is key to long-term growth.

3. The Power of Effective Communication

Clear and adaptable communication is essential for navigating workplace dynamics. Whether managing up, addressing challenging conversations, or working within diverse teams, being intentional and empathetic in your messaging can transform interactions into opportunities for collaboration. Mindfully adjusting your tone to fit the context ensures mutual understanding, while actively seeking feedback fosters trust and openness.

4. Building a Positive and Supportive Culture

Creating a strong team culture begins with mutual respect and trust. Leaders and team members thrive when they confidently share their views while staying open to differing perspectives. Encouraging open dialogue and diverse opinions cultivates an inclusive and collaborative environment. Mentorship plays a vital role in fostering these connections, enabling individuals to uplift one another and build lasting networks of support.

5. Managing Impressions with Empathy and Authenticity

In the corporate world, being aware of how you’re perceived is crucial. This involves paying attention to how you show up, your communication style, and how you engage with others. Approaching relationships with empathy and authenticity not only enhances trust but also creates a safe space where people feel valued and heard. When misunderstandings arise, addressing them promptly and respectfully helps maintain strong, positive relationships.

To sum it up, a quote shared by Minister of State Gan Siow Huang has perfectly encapsulated the main insights taken from this session:

"We may feel insecure at times and want to impress our colleagues. It’s important to remember that no one’s perfect and we don’t need to be better than everyone in everything to be a good leader. Focus on earning the trust of people who matter, and be interested in learning from others. Having the courage to ask for help from men (and others) where needed is a sign of self-confidence, not weakness."

This powerful piece of advice serves as a reminder for young women to embrace their leadership journeys with authenticity, courage, and a commitment to growth. As YWLC continues to champion mentorship and leadership among young women, we look forward to seeing how our mentees will take these insights forward, navigating their paths with confidence and purpose.

Acknowledgments

Participating mentors:

Minister of State Gan Siow Huang, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Manpower
Dawn Lim, Executive Director of DesignSingapore Council
Joelle Chen, Head of Sustainability Asia Pacific at LaSalle Investment ManagementKaren Ong, General Manager at Fairprice Finest
Sonia Gupta, Managing Director of Accenture