This is the question we posed to the women leaders: Was there a mentor who played a significant role in building your confidence? Give 1 or 2 examples of how the mentor helped you.
Mentorship plays a defining role in shaping leadership journeys, offering guidance, encouragement, and valuable lessons. Several women leaders credit their success to the unwavering support of mentors who helped them navigate challenges, build confidence, and embrace opportunities. Their stories highlight the transformative impact of mentorship on professional growth and resilience.
Think like a Decision Maker
This deep impact of a mentor is something Megha Garg, Deputy Head L&H Global Valuation Team, Director/ SVP at Swiss Re, can relate to. Early in her career, she worked under a director who would later become a lifelong mentor. At the time, she was an Associate at Swiss Re, occupying one of the most junior positions and focused on producing results through pre-defined models. Look at the pivotal moment that changed her entire perspective on work.
Just a month into her role, she presented a complex pricing analysis to her director. The client had requested a discount, but the supporting data was inconclusive. Instead of simply reviewing her work, her mentor posed an unexpected question: “If you were in my position, what decision would you take?” The question was a turning point. It instilled a newfound confidence in Megha and transformed her approach. How? From that day on, before handing over any work, she would pause and ask herself: “If I were in their position, what decision would I make, and why?” This kind of thinking helped her anticipate and address the unspoken needs of stakeholders.
Another defining moment came to Megha when the same mentor gave her the opportunity to present to his leadership team. Nervous and unfamiliar with the audience, she walked in – only to accidentally spill a tumbler of water on a senior leader’s desk. For a moment, she froze. But her witty mentor immediately diffused the situation, saying: “We hire her for her brilliance at work, not for her hand-eye coordination. Clearly.” The tension broke, her nerves faded, and she delivered a compelling presentation. Yes, a mentor can turn a situation 180 degrees.
Board of Advisors
Whenever she faces critical crossroads in life, Kripa Krishnamoorthy, SVP, Talent Strategy – Asia, at Synchrony, turns to her personal ‘Board of Advisors’ – a trusted circle of 4-5 mentors. They provide her the perfect mix of honesty and encouragement, and help her navigate moments of self-doubt.
She once found herself overwhelmed as she had to juggle work, parental care and family responsibilities. She was at the point of exhaustion and was ready to walk away from corporate life entirely. Her mentor steered her during the crisis and advised her to take a sabbatical. This was a turning point, where she reflected on her true aspirations and realized that she didn’t have to choose between career and personal life; rather work-life integration was possible. She recalls: “That pause gave me clarity, reaffirming my belief that stepping away wasn’t the only answer.” Guess what this episode did to her confidence.
A similar theme of mentorship shaping one’s path is evident in the journey of Lakshmi Prasanna Susarla, Executive Director at Wells Fargo. She is extremely grateful to all her managers. She acknowledges that each of them always felt that she could do more than what she was offering in that role. Quoting her words, “I am extremely grateful to all my managers. Each of them always felt that I could do more than what I was offering in that role. All of them are my mentors.”
Likewise for Abhishikta Chadda Munjal, CRO at IIFL Home Finance, her confidence stems from the unwavering support of her mentors – both at home and in the workplace. Her father and her husband have been her pillars of strength, guiding her through life’s challenges, and making her stronger each time.
On the professional front, she considers herself fortunate to have had superiors who believed in her, especially during moments of self-doubt. Their mentorship played a crucial role in shaping her resilience, and pushed her to face challenges head-on. She recalls: “Whenever I felt uncertain or lacked confidence, they offered valuable advice, encouragement, and support.”
This steady guidance helped her navigate difficult situations and also infused her with the courage to embrace new opportunities. Their belief in her abilities fueled her own, and inspired her to continuously grow and take on bigger challenges.
Be Creative & Logical
For Poonam Tandon, Chief Investment Officer at IndiaFirst Life, mentors have shaped her ability to navigate the fast-paced financial markets. Her journey in financial markets began under the guidance of her first manager – a mentor who not only taught her the fundamentals but also instilled in her a deep passion for the markets. More than technical knowledge, he shaped the way she approached problem-solving, encouraging her to think creatively, make quick yet logical decisions, and stay composed even when market trends turned against expectations. “In financial markets, you must think fast and act faster. But logic should always guide your actions,” she avers.
Another invaluable lesson she learnt and carries forward is the importance of clear and transparent communication with senior leaders. Keeping them informed about market positions and expectations has helped her earned their trust and also set realistic goals. “Credibility is built over time, and honesty in communication plays a crucial role in that,” she emphasizes.
See the Potential Within
Paulomi Desai, Chief People Officer at Niwas Housing Finance, too found her leadership journey shaped by mentors who instilled confidence in her at crucial moments. One mentor, in particular, played a defining role in helping her navigate the unique challenges of being a woman in leadership. “He encouraged me to own my space, trust my decisions, and take risks without hesitation,” she recalls. His guidance reaffirmed an important truth to Paulomi – mentorship is about advice and also about validation, especially in moments of self-doubt.
Like many professionals, Paulomi often questioned her abilities and choices, wondering if she was on the right path. Having a trusted mentor provided reassurance and helped her recognize strengths she hadn’t fully acknowledged. “A mentor is a guiding force who not only offers direction but also helps you see the potential within yourself,” she reflects.
Yes, mentors are special as they bring about a 180 degree turn from diffidence to confidence.
Self-belief was also reinforced for Subha Venkataraman, Managing Director – Global Head, Procurement & Third Party Management Program Execution at Citi, through the trust placed in her by mentors. She attributes her growth to the guidance of remarkable mentors. “I am who I am today because of their guidance,” she reflects. A defining moment came when, 4-months pregnant, she was entrusted with a significant role despite her upcoming maternity leave. That decision was quite a turning point – it clarified to her that abilities matter more than circumstances, which then instills unshakable confidence. Even today, she values mentors who act as sounding boards, help her recognize blind spots, and uplift her during challenging times. The icing on the cake is that her mentors celebrate her achievements and encourage her forward.
Reverse Mentoring
For Aditi Mukherjee, Chief People Officer at NCDEX, varied life experiences and professional interactions shaped her leadership journey. Having worked with some of the best employer brands, she has engaged with cross-functional seniors, industry influencers, members of the Board of Directors and in the personal front, her upbringing in missionary schools, her grandparents, both freedom fighters and community builders, influenced her thinking. The guidance she received wasn’t always direct – much of her learning came from observing their styles, decision-making approaches, and abilities to navigate uncertainties. One of the most valuable lessons she has gained is to view situations from multiple perspectives.
The diverse exposures infused a lesson in Aditi that leadership isn’t just about experience; it’s about adaptability. Aditi believes in learning from every generation including Gen X, Millennials, Gen Z, and now Gen Alpha. What has become a game-changer for her is reverse mentoring, where younger generations offer her fresh insights that are crucial in today’s fast-evolving world.
Guess who is her biggest reverse mentor? It’s her son. He constantly challenges her thinking and introduces her to new ways of looking at the world.
Aditi thinks that age is just a number. She explains: “A true leader can embody Gen Z’s curiosity and Baby Boomer’s wisdom as long as they remain open to learning,” she affirms.
See the Long-Term Potential
Rashmi Murthy Krishna, Head of Institutional Business Governance and Controls, Group Capability Centre, ANZ Bengaluru, credits much of her career growth to the invaluable mentorship of one of her previous managers Ramkumar Rajagopalan. Now retired, he is a visionary leader who has shaped the careers of many young professionals. “His unwavering commitment to work and passion for nurturing talent are truly inspiring,” she shares. Over nearly 2 decades, his guidance helped her transition from an analyst role to senior leadership.
A defining moment came when Rashmi, a young mother to a 6-month-old, contemplated to accept a 2-week international assignment. Ram’s independent perspective helped her see the long-term potential of this opportunity. “Trusting his belief in me, I took the leap, and that experience soon led to a year-long global assignment.” That exposure shaped her ability to navigate different cultures, strengthen stakeholder relationships, and set an example for young mothers striving for career growth.
Executive Presence
Shweta Srivastava, Chief Human Resource Officer at SATYA MicroCapital, flags imposter syndrome as a challenge that many professionals, including herself, face in leadership roles. Having a mentor – a senior industry leader – was pivotal in helping her recognize her strengths and step into bigger challenges with confidence.
One of the most valuable ways her mentor supported her was through candid and constructive feedback, refining her leadership style. Early in her career, she often hesitated to speak up in executive meetings, unsure if her insights carried enough weight. Her mentor encouraged her to reframe her thinking, emphasizing that leadership is about vision and impact, not just tenure or title. They coached her on executive presence, helping her communicate ideas with clarity and conviction.
A turning point came when she was assigned a high-stakes project requiring bold decision-making. Initially inclined toward caution, she was pushed by her mentor to embrace calculated risks. That guidance and reassurance empowered her to lead decisively, and the project’s success reinforced her ability to navigate complex challenges with confidence.
Shweta reflects: “Their mentorship not only helped me grow as a leader but also instilled in me the ability to lead with clarity, conviction, and strategic foresight.”
The Eklavya Model
Priya Prasad, CHRO at Indostar Capital, never had the experience of formal mentorship, but she found invaluable lessons in observing her supervisors. “Mentoring is not just about showing the way – it’s about guiding by walking alongside you,” she reflects. Early in her career, a department head taught her a powerful lesson: knowing what to do is important, but knowing what NOT to do is just as crucial. “That has worked like a magical wand for me in tough situations,” she shares.
Beyond technical skills, she imbibed invaluable qualities from senior leaders – empathy, active listening, attention to detail, and the courage to make tough decisions. She learned to bring rhythm to chaos, think creatively, and foster teamwork. These lessons, gathered over time, have shaped her leadership approach and the way she supports her team today.
Likewise for Smitha Sudheendra, ED, Chief Operating Officer – Wealth Business, JM Financial. “My biggest mentor was myself,” she avers. She focused on self-improvement, pushing herself to be a better version daily. Through extensive reading, attending workshops, and practicing articulation, she honed her confidence and leadership skills, shaping her journey toward growth and leadership.
Mentoring Forward
Let’s shift the lens from being mentored to mentoring. Openness to learning and mentoring is a defining characteristic of Kirti Gulaati, EVP – Branch & Affluent Banking at Yes Bank. She often sees reflections of her younger self among those she works with, and this drives her to mentor and support them, sharing the lessons she has learned from her own experiences and mistakes.
She sees true leadership as not just giving direction but rather instilling confidence in others. She is committed to creating an environment where her team feels empowered to take initiative, make decisions, and grow both personally and professionally. She fosters a culture of trust, encouragement, and continuous learning, and thereby helps individuals recognize their potential and step forward with confidence.
Rashmi concurs: “Mentorship isn’t just about receiving guidance; it’s about paying it forward, so the impact ripples across teams, industries, and society at large.” As a leader, she ensures now this perspective continues to inspire future generations.
The Bottomline
These anecdotes and the transformations showcase the confidence building impact of mentors. Enlightened women know that mentorship is not just about receiving – it is about playing it forward so that future generations benefit from the same wisdom and encouragement.
smriti@glocalinfomart.com manoj@bankingfrontiers.com
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