National Mentor Appreciation Day Stories
Every strong leader has someone who believed in them.
On Monday 27 October we celebrate our mentors — the people who freely share their wisdom, encouragement and time to help others grow.
Here we share some stories from Kilfinan mentees who would like to thank their mentor.
Share your story and thank your mentor on social media #NationalMentorAppreciationDay on Monday 27 October
Lesley Podesta
CEO, Kilfinan Australia
Greg taught me that vulnerability could be a strength in leadership, and that leading with compassion didn’t diminish authority but rather enhanced it.
Georgie Harman
CEO, Beyond Blue
On paper, our lives and careers are very different – and that’s one of the reasons our relationship works. Kilfinan Australia’s unique offering brings business and for purpose leaders together to make the world a better place.
Fiona Sweet
Executive Director and CEO,
The Stella Prize
What did I hear?
This is such an important question and one my mentor asks me to reflect on after every meeting.
Clea Smith
CEO, The Tradeswomen Australia Group
I feel incredibly fortunate to have Cath Bowtell as my mentor. On both personal and professional levels, she meets me exactly where I’m at – sometimes that’s encouragement, sometimes it’s a challenge, and often it’s just being a thoughtful sounding board.
Gina Dougall
CEO, Banksia Gardens Community Services
John was absolutely brilliant. He assisted me transition the organisation and the Board, including a name change into the award-winning dynamic organisation with over 100 staff that it is today.
Chris Raine MBA MPA
Co-founder & Director, Clean Slate Clinic
Despite the fact that we’ve never actually met in person (our entire mentorship has taken place via zoom and phone) it has felt like two entrepreneurs sitting across the table, helping each other figure it out.
Cynthia Kralik
CEO, Ready Set
I feel really privileged to have had access to Kathy’s professional insights, support and her generosity – and grateful to Kilfinan for this wonderful service.
Susanne Legena
Chief Executive Officer
Plan International Australia
As our relationship evolved, Lynne would gently reflect patterns and insights back to me, deepening my self-awareness and growth as a leader.
Brendan Bailey
Head of Operations and Compliance, Responsible Investment Association
Founder and facilitator, Kilfinan Connect Melbourne
I often say that being part of the Kilfinan mentoring program is the best thing I’ve ever done for my career.
Steph Say
CEO, HoMie
“I’m not always right; but here’s how I would think about it.” He’s helped me build upon my own leadership foundation, identify opportunities for growth and most importantly – supported me to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Because that’s the gig.
Libby Hodgson
Chief Marketing Officer, UNICEF Australia
This experience has inspired me to become a mentor myself. I’m now supporting a new fundraising leader, and it’s been really rewarding to share what I’ve learned and help someone else grow. It’s a great reminder of how powerful mentorship can be.
David Spriggs
CEO, Infoxchange
What has stood out most is not just the practical advice, but the way Tony has encouraged me to step back and see the bigger picture.
Aaron Ford
Former Managing Director, Candella
Andy’s mentoring greatly accelerated my maturity as a leader and manager, resulting in more effective stewardship of the business.
Samantha Shaw
Director at executive coaching organisation The Anderson Partnership
“How could I resist? Helping people achieve their goals is something that gives me a huge amount of satisfaction,” Samantha, the director at executive coaching organisation The Anderson Partnership, said.
Adam
Co-Founder and Managing Director (MD) of Educating the Future
Adam is the Co-Founder and Managing Director (MD) of Educating the Future, an international, youth-run, for-purpose organisation building pre-schools in Timor-Leste. In its first six years, the organisation constructed five schools, educated 500 children and has ambitious plans for growth.
Ali and Greg
CEO and Founder of Youth Activating Youth
Ali is the CEO and Founder of Youth Activating Youth. Greg has had a career leading large consumer products, multinationals, and running his own businesses. Greg and Ali have been meeting for the last three years. This is their story.
