Mentorship that matters – Empowering women to lead

“Lift as you climb” is a simple and powerful phrase that captures what mentorship should be, especially for women in leadership. As more women break barriers, the responsibility to support and elevate the next generation of leaders becomes even more important.

Mentorship is more than just career advice, it’s about providing guidance, advocacy, and creating opportunities for the next generation. It’s also about individuals looking to their leadership teams and seeing themselves reflected in the strengths on display, a possibility that, until recently, was rarely available to women.

Research has consistently shown that mentorship plays an important role in career progression; women with mentors are more likely to secure leadership positions, gain confidence, and navigate workplace challenges. Yet, many women face hurdles in building a network, often due to a lack of representation at senior levels or the misconception that leadership is a solo journey.

I recently spoke to two accomplished leaders at PKF, Kym Reilly, the Chairperson of PKF Australia’s Gender Equity Network,and Lana Weldon, the newly appointed COO of PKF Australia. Both have not only benefited from strong mentors but are now lifting others up as leaders in their own right. Through our discussions, three common themes emerged: 

1. The importance of building a culture of mentorship;
2. The impact of visibility in leadership; and
3. The power of advocacy.

Kym made it clear that mentorship shouldn’t be left to chance or considered an optional extra; it should be embedded in a company’s culture. Reflecting on her own journey when she was working her way through the ranks, she highlighted the importance of visibility within an organisation, saying, “At that point in time, there weren’t many working mums, let alone female leaders. I couldn’t see many others working the way I envisioned working - balancing family and a rewarding career in leadership. You can’t be what you can’t see.” When women see other women leading with confidence, they realise they can do it too. Creating an environment where individuals feel supported allows talent to flourish naturally, an essential ingredient for collective growth.

Lana Weldon explored the idea that effective mentorship requires proactive advocacy. For her, advocacy means actively creating opportunities rather than waiting for them to appear. She advises, “Be proactive. If there is somebody that you think you’re going to learn from, reach out to them because it’s your career, your developmental journey, and your growth we are talking about.” Lana’s message was clear: true mentorship is dynamic and a two-way relationship that requires both parties to contribute to each other’s success. By taking initiative and using their influence, women leaders have the ability to open doors for others and set a powerful example.

From my conversations with Lana and Kym, I consolidated some practical advice from the perspectives of female leaders who are actively building others up, as well as for those seeking to find the right mentor and expand their network.

Learn more about our Gender Equity Network - PKF.

How to be a mentor

Invest in the relationship:

Building trust is essential in a mentoring relationship. Kym pointed out that the best mentoring relationships require understanding and openness. Invest time to get to know your mentee, not only their professional goals but also their personal aspirations and what makes them tick.

Offer mutual value:

Mentorship is a two-way street. Share your experiences with your mentee and remain open to learning from those you mentor.

Advocate and create opportunities:

If you notice someone’s talent going unseen, provide a platform for them. This may entail advocating for them in meetings or sharing their ideas with senior leadership. Use your influence to nominate a promising future leader for a project or invite them to a strategic meeting. Your support could be a pivotal moment in their career.

How to find a mentor

Be proactive in your search:

As Lana said, if there is someone you admire, reach out. Your career is your journey, own it by seeking guidance from the leaders you respect.

Look for authentic connections:

Choose mentors who not only have the experience but with whom you feel a genuine connection. Kym advises finding someone you feel comfortable with - someone who will challenge you rather than simply reassure you.

Be open to diverse perspectives:

Although this article is focused on female leaders, mentorship isn’t limited by gender or position. Embrace mentors from various backgrounds and roles. This will allow for different insights and help you see your potential from multiple perspectives.

Many women feel they need to prove themselves before seeking guidance. But the truth is, mentorship is about growth, and it’s okay to seek help at any stage of your career.

Behind every successful leader is a network of mentors who believed in them. As Lana and Kym remind us, real mentorship is about proactive advocacy and genuine connection. I encourage you to reflect on your own journey and ask yourself how you can pay it forward, because the true mark of a leader lies in lifting others while you climb.