Why did you decide to become a mentor?
When I transitioned from the corporate sphere to the tumultuous yet exhilarating world of startups and successfully raised my first check, it wasn't merely due to luck or tenacity alone. Behind my success was an incredible mentor, someone who selflessly guided me, refining my perspectives, honing my strategies, and introducing me to invaluable connections. The profound impact of this mentorship is something I can't overlook. It not only fast-tracked my entrepreneurial journey but also ingrained in me the significance of nurturing and guiding the next wave of innovators. My decision to become a mentor stems from this gratitude and an earnest desire to give back. I'm on a mission to discover and uplift the next best founders, to hopefully make a difference in their lives, just as my mentor did for me.
How did you get your career start?
In the early days of my career, navigating the corporate landscape as a Chinese immigrant in Australia was rife with challenges. While the journey was steep, it was the wisdom and guidance of a few key mentors that truly paved my path forward. These mentors, who recognized my potential even when I doubted myself, played instrumental roles in shaping my professional identity. Their invaluable insights, coupled with their steadfast belief in me, equipped me to tackle not just the nuances of the Australian business realm but also the underlying biases against Asian women. Drawing from their teachings and my own experiences, I carved a niche for myself, breaking barriers and shattering preconceived notions. Today, as I look back, I realize that it's the culmination of their mentorship and my relentless pursuit that has shaped the trajectory of my career and ignited my passion to empower others in similar shoes.
What do mentees usually come to you for?
Mentees typically seek my guidance during the formative phases of their ventures, often when their ideas are budding and their paths seem uncertain. They recognize the value of structured guidance, and that's exactly what I offer. My approach to mentorship is meticulously organized. From the outset, we lay down clear objectives and key performance indicators (KPIs) tailored to their unique aspirations and challenges. This structured approach ensures that our time together is productive and outcome-driven. Beyond just theory, I am committed to seeing tangible results; it's a testament to the progress we make and the strategies we've implemented. Through this journey, mentees can anticipate not just advice but also actionable insights and a roadmap to steer their projects towards success. The aim is to empower them with the tools and knowledge they need to navigate their entrepreneurial journey confidently and efficiently.
What's been your favourite mentorship success story so far?
One of my most cherished mentorship experiences involves a particularly tenacious mentee who journeyed with me for over a year. When she first approached me, she was brimming with ideas but lacked the structured approach to bring them to fruition. Throughout our time together, we didn't just delve into business strategy; we fostered a deep, trusting relationship that transcended typical mentor-mentee dynamics. Through consistent guidance, brainstorming sessions, and rigorous planning, I witnessed her metamorphosis from an aspirant with ideas to a confident entrepreneur. Not only did she launch one venture, but she also successfully kickstarted a second company, showcasing her unparalleled drive and determination. Watching her achieve such milestones, fueled by our combined efforts, stands as a testament to the transformative power of dedicated mentorship. It's stories like these that reaffirm my commitment to nurturing budding entrepreneurs and makes the journey incredibly rewarding.
What are you getting out of being a mentor?
Being a mentor has enriched my life in multifaceted ways. Professionally, it's allowed me to expand my network, introducing me to brilliant minds and diverse perspectives that I might not have encountered otherwise. These relationships often evolve beyond mere professional connections, turning into genuine friendships that I cherish. Furthermore, engaging with such a vast array of individuals has greatly broadened my horizons, with each mentee bringing a unique set of challenges and ideas that inspire me and compel me to think differently. It's a two-way street of learning: as much as I guide them, their innovative approaches and raw determination frequently provide fresh insights for my own ventures. On a more pragmatic note, mentoring has indeed been financially rewarding. However, beyond the monetary aspect, it's the personal growth, the enhancement of my leadership qualities, and the joy of witnessing others succeed that makes mentorship an invaluable facet of my journey.