Maletsatsi and Irene share their transformative journey, highlighting the impact of supportive relationships on personal and professional growth.
In a world where guidance and support can be hard to come by, mentorship stands out as a beacon of hope and empowerment. In this article, we asked mentor, CFO Rofhiwa Irene Singo and her mentee Maletsatsi Marake four questions each to understand how their relationship has contributed to the success of their careers, respectively.
1. What have been the most important things you have tried to impart to your mentee, and why?
Irene : My mentoring approach is rooted in providing continuous and direct feedback. This allows me to guide my team and mentees through real-time improvements in their work. The key lessons I aim to impart are the importance of adaptability, attention to detail, and the value of continuous improvement. I believe that consistent feedback helps mentees refine their skills and ensures their development is an ongoing process.
2. How do you approach mentoring, and what are the key lessons you aim to impart?
Irene: I approach mentoring by providing continuous feedback, which I find particularly effective because it addresses areas of improvement immediately and reinforces positive behaviours. My goal is to instil a mindset of continuous improvement, adaptability and precision in my mentees. By keeping the feedback loop active, I can ensure that development is both consistent and impactful.
3. What have you learned from your mentee in the process? And how has it helped you as a leader?
Irene: Through mentoring, I’ve learned that each mentee brings unique perspectives and challenges that can broaden my own understanding. For example, while mentoring a professional in the banking sector, I gained insights into an industry different from my own, which helped me appreciate the broader context of financial services. These interactions have not only enriched my knowledge but also enhanced my ability to lead diverse teams by understanding the varied backgrounds and experiences they bring.
4. What do you think the current generation of business leaders could learn from those who are coming up?
Irene: The current generation of business leaders can learn a great deal from the fresh perspectives and adaptability of those who are entering the workforce today. Younger professionals often bring innovative ideas and a willingness to challenge the status quo, which can drive significant change and improvement within organisations.
1. What valuable lessons have you learned from your mentor, and how have they been useful in your development and career?
Maletsatsi: One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned from my mentor is the importance of relentless self-improvement. Continuous development can take many forms – whether through formal qualifications, leadership programmes, or professional CPD activities. My mentor exemplifies this by not only sharing opportunities, but actively encouraging participation. For example, she introduced me to the Women in Leadership Programme, which I recently completed. She ensured that I leveraged every available resource, including advising me to check the leave policy to secure study leave for international travel as part of the programme. This lesson has ingrained in me the importance of seizing opportunities for growth, and has significantly shaped my career trajectory.
2. Can you share a success story from your mentoring experience that you’re particularly proud of?
Maletsatsi: During the previous and current audit cycles, we faced significant challenges, and at one point, I began to lose hope, fearing I was letting my mentor down. However, my mentor brought renewed energy and optimism to the team. She didn’t just provide guidance; she was fully involved, staying with the team late into the night to assist with drafting and finalising management comments. She also recognised the stress I was under and invited me to a CFO Women’s Dinner, which helped lift my spirits. Through her unwavering support, we managed to obtain an unqualified clean audit twice in a row since my appointment. This experience taught me the power of resilience, teamwork, and the profound impact a mentor can have on a mentee’s success.
3. What have you learned from your mentor in the process? And how has it helped you develop?
Maletsatsi: My mentor has instilled in me the practice of reflection, even after achieving significant goals. She emphasises that after every achievement, it’s important to ask, “What’s next?” and in the face of setbacks, to seek guidance rather than retreat. I’ve faced challenges in resitting my ACCA final exams multiple times, and at one point, I considered putting my studies on hold. During our conversation, she reassured me that taking a pause is okay, but she also encouraged me to reach out when I’m ready to continue, offering to connect me with the ACCA network for support. This approach has taught me the importance of perseverance, seeking help when needed, and always keeping future goals in sight.
4. What do you think the current generation of business leaders could learn from mentees like yourself?
Maletsatsi: The current generation of business leaders can learn the importance of embracing change and leveraging technology from mentees like myself. My mentor frequently shares new trends, whether in accountancy or personal development, which has taught me the value of staying current and adaptable. My business writing, for instance, has significantly improved by incorporating AI tools into my workflow. Additionally, I believe in the principle of “lifting as we rise”. As a mentee, I also serve as a mentor to young professionals through both formal programmes, like the SAICA mentorship programme, and informal networks. Leaders can benefit from this mindset of continuous learning, embracing new technologies, and fostering a culture of mentorship at all levels.
