Why Mentoring Matters
For the past three years, I’ve had the privilege of being a mentor through the Australian Institute of Health and Safety (AIHS) mentoring program. My journey began with a fleeting moment of imposter syndrome—a sense of doubt about whether I was truly equipped to mentor others. However, I quickly realised that mentoring isn’t about being perfect or having all the answers; it’s about being a trusted guide to help others unlock their full potential.
In this role, my focus has been on listening, providing objective advice, offering feedback, and giving encouragement. Unlike traditional teaching or coaching, mentoring is about building a relationship of trust, where growth happens organically as mentees navigate their personal and professional journeys.
The Two-Way Street of Mentorship
One of the most surprising and rewarding aspects of mentoring has been how much I’ve gained from the experience myself. Reflecting on decades of navigating the health and safety industry, I’ve found great satisfaction in using my insights to help others set ambitious goals, refine their skills, and tackle challenges. This process has also been revelatory for me, helping to consolidate my own goals and direction. Mentorship is truly a two-way street: a dynamic exchange that is as fun as it is fulfilling.
Through the AIHS program, powered by the excellent online platform Mentorloop, I’ve consistently been matched with mentees who align closely with my background and interests. This thoughtful pairing process makes it easy to connect and build rapport, ensuring a productive and enjoyable relationship for both parties.
Seeing Mentees Thrive
One of the greatest joys of mentoring has been watching my mentees grow in confidence, purpose, and direction. Their journeys haven’t always been smooth—career paths rarely are—but the resilience and progress I’ve witnessed have been inspiring.
Take, for example, one of my mentees, Jane Yannicos, a Safety and Wellbeing Partner. Reflecting on her experience, Jane shared:
“Participating in the AIHS Mentorship Program has been a truly valuable experience, particularly due to the guidance and support I received from my mentor. Her down-to-earth and practical approach made the program not only insightful but also directly applicable to my day-to-day work as an OHS professional.One area where Sue’s mentorship was particularly helpful was stakeholder engagement and leadership. As I transitioned into local government, Sue helped me navigate the complexities of working across various directorates and levels within Council. She shared practical strategies, drawn from her real-world experience, for building strong relationships and collaborating effectively. I received actionable feedback and was encouraged to reflect on how I could improve my approach to coaching others, engaging leaders, and developing solutions tailored to the organisation’s needs.”
Hearing feedback like this reaffirms the value of mentorship and motivates me to continue contributing.
The Mentor’s Perspective
As much as I’ve helped my mentees overcome challenges, pivot careers, and embrace new perspectives, their growth has inspired me to set meaningful goals for myself and my business. Mentoring allows me to reflect inward, refining my own skills and ambitions as I support others in doing the same.
The Value of Mentorship
A mentor can provide career and professional insights that are often hard to gain through formal training. Whether you’re navigating career transitions, exploring leadership roles, or honing specialised skills, having someone with experience in your corner can make all the difference.
For anyone considering becoming a mentor, especially those within the AIHS, I wholeheartedly recommend it. It’s not just a way to earn professional development points—it’s an opportunity to give back to the profession, learn from younger professionals, and foster growth in yourself and others.
As I look ahead to 2025 and beyond, I’m excited about continuing my mentoring journey. It’s a truly rewarding experience, one that builds stronger professionals, meaningful connections, and a brighter future for our field.
Are you ready to be a mentor or mentee? Explore the AIHS Mentoring Program today and see how you can contribute to shaping the future of the health and safety profession!
