Why did you decide to become a mentor?
I decided to become a mentor because I believe in the transformative power of guidance and support. In my career, I've seen firsthand how tailored mentorship can accelerate growth and unlock an individual's potential. Sharing my knowledge and experiences to shape the next generation of creative and digital professionals is incredibly rewarding. When I joined the mentorship network, I expected to learn as much from my mentees as they would from me. The opportunity to provide insights into design skill acquisition, project execution, and career development aligns perfectly with my commitment to fostering talent and creativity. Each interaction reinforces my passion for empowering others and inspires me to continue growing alongside them.
How did you get your career start?
As a child, I spent countless hours drawing and was fascinated by the cartoons I watched, which foreshadowed my path toward the digital creative world. At age 13, I was comfortable using tools like MS Paint to create artwork, igniting a love for digital creation that would eventually lead me to explore design. My career journey began in earnest when I started learning to use Photoshop during my first year (2011) as a computer science student. I began creating logos, fliers, posters, and visual designs for websites, marking the start of my creative self-discovery. As I honed my skills across various design and technical tools and learned about design strategies from other experienced professionals, I began to shape my unique identity in the creative space. Today, I'm a seasoned multidisciplinary creative and digital professional thriving at the intersection of design, strategy, and innovation. My journey has spanned over a decade and various environments, from in-house roles to agency work, allowing me to drive strategic growth for both D2C and B2B digital services. Each step has been fueled by my desire to redefine how people interact with brands and digital platforms, continually pushing the boundaries of creativity.
What do mentees usually come to you for?
Mentees typically come to me seeking tailored guidance in several key areas: design skill acquisition, project execution, and career development. I focus on creating a structured mentorship experience that is both collaborative and supportive. Each mentoring relationship begins with a discovery session, where I take the time to understand my mentee's goals, challenges, and areas of interest. From there, I provide customized resources, exercises, and actionable feedback that help them enhance their design or strategic thinking skills and navigate their projects more effectively. My approach emphasizes hands-on learning and practical application, allowing mentees to tackle real-world challenges while building their confidence. Ultimately, my goal is to empower them to take ownership of their careers, providing insights that help them strategically advance in their chosen paths. Whether it's refining a portfolio, mastering a design tool, or preparing for job interviews, I strive to equip my mentees with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed.
What's been your favourite mentorship success story so far?
One of my favorite mentorship success stories involves my time mentoring Pooja Chandorkar, who was a Global Graduate at Grundfos. When she first reached out, she was navigating a project within their Innovation department, tasked with translating business and user requirements into technical solutions. Pooja expressed her passion for understanding how to run her project in a start-up manner within the corporate structure, but she was new to the field and needed guidance. Throughout our sessions, we focused on strategies for driving innovation while balancing the demands of a large organization. I introduced her to frameworks like design thinking and agile methodologies, helping her develop a structured approach to her project. It was incredibly rewarding to see her gain confidence in her abilities and start implementing these strategies effectively. Pooja's growth culminated in her successful transition from a Global Graduate to a Program Consultant at Grundfos, where she continues to thrive in her role. Her enthusiastic feedback—"Tomi is the best guide and always the best mentor"—was a testament to the impact of our work together. This experience not only reinforced my belief in the power of mentorship but also showcased the transformative journey that can occur with the right support and guidance.
What are you getting out of being a mentor?
Being a mentor has been an incredibly enriching experience that has positively impacted both my personal and professional growth. Through mentoring, I've honed my communication skills, learning to convey complex concepts in a clear and relatable manner. This has not only enhanced my effectiveness as a trainer and coach but has also strengthened my ability to listen actively and empathize with others. Additionally, mentoring has deepened my leadership qualities, as I've learned to guide individuals from diverse backgrounds toward their goals, enabling an environment of trust and collaboration. Watching my mentees succeed instills a sense of fulfillment and reinforces my confidence in my expertise. Overall, the relationships I build through mentorship enrich my life and career, providing new perspectives and reinforcing my commitment to empowering others.