Mentors Archives - OneUpOneDown

The Pros and Cons of Speed Mentoring

Speed mentoring is a popular format for mentorship events due to its simplicity and low administrative burden—especially when compared to traditional, long-term mentoring programs managed manually without match-making software. Unlike structured mentorship programs that require careful matching and management, speed mentoring is often a one-time event designed to facilitate introductions between mentors and mentees. However, […]

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The Power of Forgiveness: Lessons from a Mentor

Guest Blog by Cathy sOMMERVILLE, lEARNING & DEVELOPMENT ADVISOR, oNEuPoNEdOWN Foreword, by Natalie Robinson, Co-Founder OneUpOneDown Cathy was my first official mentor, and she taught me many profound lessons. One of the most impactful was understanding the difference between apologising and asking for forgiveness. I used to over-apologise—saying sorry for things that didn’t require an

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Understanding Stress Cycles: A Mission for Women’s Well-Being

Guest Blog by Emily Serebryany, Co-Founder, Female Leadership Evolution Institute (FLE) As a Co-Founder of the Female Leadership Evolution Institute, I have dedicated my mission to helping women understand stress cycles and avoid burnout. My journey began with personal experiences that highlighted the urgent need for this work. I am a two-time founder, and in

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Mentoring for Performance & Mentoring for Development

As professionals progress in their careers, mentorship plays a critical role in shaping their development. A mentor not only provides guidance and shares knowledge but also helps mentees overcome challenges and make decisions that align with their true aspirations. Two powerful approaches mentors can adopt are mentoring for performance and mentoring for development. Understanding when

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Mentorship: A Practice to Develop BRAVING Skills

Mentorship is a powerful tool for personal and professional development, offering a rich environment for building and refining trust through the BRAVING Inventory framework. BRAVING, an acronym coined by Brené Brown in her book “Dare to Lead,” outlines seven essential components of trust: Boundaries, Reliability, Accountability, Vault, Integrity, Non-judgment, and Generosity. Let’s explore how mentorship

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The Proactive Mentee: Maximise Your Mentorship Experience

Being a mentee is certainly not a passive activity. It requires developing an openness and willingness to ask for and receive new insights into yourself, and a commitment to taking action to realise and embody these insights. The more able you are to do this, the greater your experiences will be with your mentor, and

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The Greek Goddess of Knowledge and the Origin of Mentorship

What the Origins of the Word ‘Mentor ‘ Can Teach Us About the Meaning of Mentorship When we talk about mentorship, it’s essential to understand what the term truly means. To do this, I like to start by exploring its etymology, or origin. Mentorship originates from Mentor, a figure in ancient Greek literature. Homer’s The

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Setting Your Expectations As a Mentor

As a mentor, it’s crucial to engage effectively with your mentee and ensure that the purpose of your mentorship is being fulfilled. This often means receiving feedback and input from your mentee to know whether you are making a difference. In this blog, we will discuss how to set your own expectations and communicate them

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Navigating Key Concerns for Mentors and Effective Strategies

Mentoring is a journey of mutual learning and growth, benefiting both the mentee and the mentor. Mentors aim to provide value, foster open communication, and inspire action. However, moments of uncertainty may arise about our impact, difficulties in engaging in meaningful discussions, and challenges in motivating mentees to take action. This blog post delves into

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The Power of a Well-Defined Profile

Completing your profile isn’t just a formality; it’s a strategic step that can significantly impact the quality of matches you receive. Your profile is your digital introduction to potential mentors and mentees. It’s a snapshot of your professional and personal background, highlighting who you are, what you do, and what you seek to achieve through

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Mentors