Applications for the 2023/24 Prospect Mentoring Scheme are now open. As we receive applications and match mentors, we are excited to share the second in our series on Mentoring for Success. Discover how to create a successful mentoring partnership and maximise the benefits of mentoring, from the perspective of previous mentoring duos.
Mentoring Partnership: Hania Oddie (mentor) and Jess Shek (mentee)
Hania Oddie, Head of D&I and Wellbeing Communications at Standard Chartered Bank (based in Singapore) mentored Jess Shek, Manager, Internal Communications at a leading real estate and asset management company (based in Hong Kong). Jess impressed Hania at the first meeting with her drive, focus and her eagerness to continually learn and improve. Whereas Jess recognised that Hania had a wealth of experience in internal communication and anticipated that she’d likely learn a lot from her.
Why apply to the mentoring programme?
Jess applied to the Prospect Mentoring Scheme to increase her depth of knowledge and expand her professional network specifically in the internal communications sector.
“I wanted to connect with someone experienced in internal communication, so that I could learn best practices and how to approach day-to-day work-related tasks,” recalled Jess.
For Hania, being a mentor provided a welcome opportunity to share her expertise, learn from others and remind her of why she works in the communications industry. “Being a mentor helped me to take a step back from the day-to-day and look at fundamental communications issues and challenges more broadly,” said Hania.
What about the mentorship worked?
Jess attributes the success of the mentoring relationship with Hania to a mutual commitment to the programme and respect for each other’s time. Despite being based in different cities, Hania and Jess met virtually every two weeks for up to 30 minutes at a time. Said Hania, “The regularity of the sessions meant that there was continuity to our conversations.”
Hania recalled that Jess always prepared for each session with a list of the tangible areas she needed advice and support. Jess prepared agendas before each meeting, shared scenarios she needed help to tackle and provided examples of her work.
“I was well prepared for every session and let Hania know in advance what I wanted to talk about,” said Jess. “This gave her time to prepare so that every minute spent in the sessions was constructive and productive.”
What did you take away from the mentorship?
Jess credits an increase in confidence to her participation in the mentoring programme. She said, “Through sharing and exchanging with Hania, I’ve learned alternative approaches to tackle problems. And oftentimes, she encouraged me to speak up and justify my thoughts.”
While it’s often assumed that the mentees are the only ones who learn and evolve within a mentoring programme, Hania and Jess demonstrate that this is not always the case.
“I have new perspectives to the work we do in corporate communications, especially on the inclusion front,” said Hania. “Jess’ experiences and insights gave me a strong appreciation for how much more we could be doing on the diversity and inclusion front in our organisations. As well as a renewed energy to do more myself!”
Advice for future participants in the Prospect Mentoring Scheme
If you’re considering applying for the 2023/24 Prospect Mentoring Scheme, our successful duo has this advice.
Hania said, “Go for it! Everyone has different perspectives and experiences, so we have much to learn from one another!”
“From my experience, mentoring is an effective way to develop yourself,” said Jess. “Being a mentee, your mentor expects you to learn so you don’t need to worry about if you make a mistake.”
Applications are now open for the six-month programme which runs from November 2023 until April 2024. Apply now to experience the benefits of being mentored by an industry-leader for yourself.
