Why did you decide to become a mentor?
I became a mentor because my own career would have looked very different without the people who backed me early on. Sometimes that support was technical, but more often it was someone saying, “You’re capable—you just can’t see it yet.” That stuck with me. As I progressed in my career, I started noticing the same patterns over and over again: talented people doubting themselves, waiting for permission, or feeling like they didn’t “fit” the typical tech mould. Mentoring felt like a way to interrupt that pattern. Not by handing out answers, but by helping people build confidence, clarity and momentum. What surprised me most is how much mentoring gives back. It sharpens your thinking, humbles you, and forces you to really listen. It’s made me a better leader, a better communicator, and honestly, a better human. Helping someone move from self‑doubt to self‑belief? That never gets old.
How did you get your career start?
My career didn’t start with a grand master plan—it started with curiosity, grit, and a very real case of imposter syndrome. I studied Computing Science and Management Science at university, then kicked things off as a technical consultant working in the delivery space. It was a solid start… but definitely not where the story really took shape. What truly changed everything for me were strong mentors and managers who invested in me, not just my technical output. They taught me how to think, how to ask better (and sometimes braver) questions, and how to take up space without pretending I knew it all. One early mentor—who was also my manager—completely redefined what good leadership looks like. That experience still shapes how I show up for others and how I mentor today. Getting into my current role wasn’t about a single big break. It was about saying yes to uncomfortable opportunities, learning constantly, documenting my journey for others to learn from and slowly realising that confidence isn’t something you wait to feel—it’s something you earn by doing. Looking back, I didn’t “break into” tech so much as grow into it, one challenge (and stretch) at a time.
What do mentees usually come to you for?
Mentees usually come to me when they’re at a crossroads—breaking into tech, transitioning roles, preparing for an interview, or figuring out what they actually want next. Many feel capable but stuck: tired of endless applications, unsure how to position themselves, or overwhelmed by choice. Interview preparation is another big trigger. People often reach out when they’ve landed an interview and want help turning their experience into confident, structured answers—or after an interview that almost went well and they want to understand what to improve. My mentoring style is structured but very human. We start with clarity—goals, strengths, blockers, and what success really looks like for them. From there, I support areas like career planning, confidence building, interviews, personal branding, learning paths, and navigating workplace dynamics. I’m especially passionate about supporting people from non‑traditional backgrounds. Mentees can expect honesty, encouragement and clear next steps—plus accountability. My goal is sustainable confidence, not quick fixes.
What's been your favourite mentorship success story so far?
One of my favourite mentorship stories started with someone who already had solid presales experience—and a Microsoft interview lined up (no pressure 😄). They came to me not just to “pass the interview”, but to understand what presales actually looks like day to day—the good bits, the hard bits, and the realities no job description ever tells you. We spent time getting brutally honest about what the role feels like, then worked together on interview prep from every angle: confidence, storytelling, communication, and technical depth. The goal wasn’t to turn them into someone else—it was to help them show up as the best version of themselves. Fast forward to today: they’re now working at Microsoft 😊 Seeing that journey—from uncertainty to confidence, from preparation to offer—is incredibly rewarding. It’s a perfect example of what mentoring can do when the timing is right, the intent is genuine, and a bit of belief is added into the mix.
What are you getting out of being a mentor?
Being a mentor has made me better at what I do—full stop. It’s improved how I listen, how I communicate, and how I lead. Supporting others forces you to slow down and reflect, which is rare in fast paced tech roles. Mentoring has also strengthened my sense of purpose. It reminds me that careers aren’t just about progression or titles—they’re about people. Seeing mentees grow, take risks and succeed is genuinely energising and grounding. On a personal level, it’s helped me build confidence in my own voice and values. It’s made me more intentional about the environments I want to be part of and the leaders I want to work alongside. Most importantly, it reinforces something I deeply believe: when knowledge and opportunity are shared, everyone moves forward faster—and that’s a win worth investing in.
