May 1 2024
Reflections on My WACL Mentoring: Growth, Bravery, and Ambition
Over the past few months, I have had the privilege of participating in mentoring sessions through WACL (Women’s Advertising Communication Leadership) in London. These sessions connected me with accomplished women in the advertising and marketing industry, including Nishma Patel Rob, Anne-Marie Costelloe, and Avril Gallagher, who work at major organisations like Google, BBH, and BNPP. As a young woman navigating a career in sometimes more male-dominated environments, I found these discussions to be incredibly valuable in building confidence, honing leadership skills, and developing my career trajectory.
Key Takeaways from My Mentoring Experience
1. Always Look for Opportunities to Grow
Career development requires active effort and the right support. Growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone and embracing challenges. The fast-paced advertising industry demands adaptability and resilience, making it essential to set clear career goals and actively seek opportunities rather than waiting for them. Identifying your passions and aligning them with your work can be a powerful motivator in pushing your career forward.
2. Being Brave and Owning What You Do
Confidence and self-ownership are crucial in standing out. Taking full responsibility for your work and consistently reflecting on your progress fosters improvement. Embracing mistakes as part of growth and making informed judgment calls even when uncertain are essential to career development. Taking risks and stepping outside your comfort zone lead to meaningful progress, while self-reflection ensures you stay on track.
3. Being Ambitious
Ambition is about proactively working toward your goals while contributing value to those around you. Showcasing your skills with confidence and identifying how you can support others helps you stand out. Defining a vision and creating a structured plan to achieve it ensures career progression. While gratitude for your current position is important, it shouldn’t prevent you from striving for the next step. Maintaining a balance between reflecting on your journey and planning for the future keeps you moving forward with energy and enthusiasm.
4. The Value of Mentoring
Mentorship is a personal experience, but the lessons gained from these conversations are universally valuable. These discussions have helped shape my career goals and encouraged me to approach challenges with greater confidence, resilience, and ambition.
A huge thank you to Nishma, Anne-Marie, and Avril for their invaluable insights and to WACL for facilitating this experience. I highly recommend this opportunity to any woman in the industry seeking guidance, motivation, and personal growth. Investing in mentorship is investing in yourself, and the rewards are immeasurable.
