“Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right”. 

This handful of simple words from American industrialist and business magnate Henry Ford packs a powerful punch. Why? Because so much of what we achieve, or don’t, in life is based on the power of positive thinking and self belief. 

But sometimes the obstacles of everyday life, both at a personal and global level especially during times like the COVID-19 pandemic, can hinder our ability to set personal or career goals, work out what matters, and stay a true course to happiness and fulfilment in our lives, study and work.

That’s where great mentors and role models can make a world of difference to how far you go, and how big you dream.

In fact some of the most successful people on the planet attribute their success to being supported and backed along the way by Mentors, who provided encouraging and powerful insights from lived experiences and shaped their Mentees next steps.

We wanted to tap the experience and advice of some of the great leaders and mentors we know, so we can all learn from them.

We hope their words of wisdom will inspire, uplift and invigorate you at a time when many of us need it more than ever before!

Sarah Agboola

CEO & Founder at m-time, Board Member of the Foundation for Young Australians and Australia Post Stakeholder Council Member

“I really wish someone had told me not to worry about choosing a particular career, course or job path - but instead to use the first few years I had out of school to be as curious as possible and to learn as much as I could. Not necessarily in an academic capacity, but just about the world in general through travel and meeting new people, or even just by reading more books or trying new things. That type of growth is invaluable and ultimately helps you learn who you are and what you like, and without knowing who you are it's going to be a challenge to find a path that is fulfilling.” 

Sarah Tinsley

General Counsel & Company Secretary, Culture Amp

“I wish I had known earlier in my career how valuable the 'accidents' are - when you miss out on an opportunity and have to re-think your approach, take Plan B over Plan A or diverge a bit from the plan. Those 'accidents' resulted in me being in the Tech Industry - if I hadn't strayed from my original plan and let things happen organically I'd be missing out on an industry I absolutely love and be missing out terribly right now!

Rebecca Dabbs

Oceania Managing Partner for Climate Change and Sustainability Services at Ernst & Young 

“See everything as an opportunity. Sometimes you might need to do something to help the team that you don’t want to do. You will be surprised at what you learn when you go into everything with an open mind rather than being critical. Give people the benefit of the doubt.  It’s not always about you, people have things happening in their lives that you have no idea about. Always go with your gut. Don't compromise your values to get ahead. If I could have my time over again I would be more patient, more empathetic towards others and more confident in my abilities.”

Rita Arrigo

Chief Digital Advisor at Microsoft

“Have a portfolio approach to your skills. Always be building on new skills. Be Seen Ask Questions – Present, comment, share on all media. Go to User Groups Meet-ups Hackathons- it’s great way to learn new skills, hear opinions and expand your knowledge.”

Sian Gooden

Account Executive at Slack and Storyteller at s p a c e 

“Stay curious and stay humble. Seek to learn- constantly- from everyone around you! Everyone that you cross paths with has a complex story, a unique set of skills and diversity of experience to learn from. So don't underestimate people- give them your time and energy.”

“Stay open to all possibilities. Don't just focus on the obvious path that lies directly ahead of you. Look for the possibilities that might be in your peripheral vision. You might find that the hidden opportunities are the ones that will challenge you, shape you and open up doors that you didn't even know existed!”

Judy Anderson

CEO Startup Victoria

“Avoid separating your work and personal identities. Bring your true self to work and you will succeed. “

Big thanks to all these awesome leaders and mentors for taking time to share their advice.

For more on mentoring listen to this ABC Episode of This Working Life with Lisa Leong and girledworld Cofounder + CEO Madeleine Grummet on The Power Of A Good Mentor, read this ABC article, or join us for virtual Workplace Mentoring in partnership with the Victorian State Government until June 2020.