The Power of Mentorship and Integrity in Career Development

 

Career development isn’t a solo journey; it’s a winding path made smoother by those who walk alongside us, guiding, challenging, and supporting us. One of the most powerful tools for growth is mentorship. And one of the strongest foundations for a meaningful and successful career is integrity.

I was fortunate to have a supervisor who didn’t just assign tasks but took the time to mentor me. It wasn’t an overnight transformation. But once I made my ambition clear, once I showed my commitment, my supervisor opened doors I didn’t even know existed.

There was one particular moment that stands out. I was invited to a high-level industry meeting, one where, honestly, I felt like I didn’t belong. But I was eager to learn, and I had consistently delivered my work with dedication and care. That invitation wasn’t just about the meeting; it was a recognition of my potential and an opportunity to stretch.

From there, my supervisor continued to support my growth: teaching me the inner workings of the energy industry, recommending me for an industry conference, and encouraging me to align my academic work with real-world issues. The research topic for my Master’s degree was shaped by insights from that conference, with practical recommendations that emerged from real gaps identified during the event.

That’s what mentors do. But here’s the truth: mentors show up when you do. They offer their time, wisdom, and support when they see your drive, your “why.” Once your purpose is clear, being a mentee becomes a journey of mutual growth and impact.

Finding a mentor isn’t always a formal process; it often begins with genuine curiosity and the courage to reach out. One of the most effective ways to find a mentor is by putting yourself in environments where experienced professionals gather. Industry conferences, professional networking events, and webinars are great starting points. These spaces are not only rich with knowledge but also full of potential mentors who are often open to guiding driven individuals.

Another valuable avenue is joining professional organizations or associations related to your field. Many of these organizations offer structured mentorship programs or networking forums where you can connect with seasoned professionals. And in today’s digital age, platforms like LinkedIn can be powerful tools. Reaching out to someone whose career path you admire, with a thoughtful message expressing your goals and interest in learning from them, can open unexpected doors. What matters most is that your approach is sincere and respectful; mentorship is built on trust and mutual interest, not just convenience.

Once you've connected with a mentor, nurturing that relationship is key to making it meaningful and productive. A good mentorship dynamic is built on clear communication and mutual respect. Setting specific goals early on helps establish direction. When both you and your mentor know what you’re working toward, whether it’s career advancement, industry insight, or personal development, you can focus your conversations and make the most of your time together.

Regular communication helps maintain momentum. This doesn’t mean constant check-ins, but consistent and intentional interactions, whether through monthly meetings, phone calls, or even emails. Being open to feedback is equally important. One of the greatest benefits of mentorship is honest insight, and sometimes that means hearing things that push you outside your comfort zone. Embrace that discomfort; growth often lives on the other side of it. Lastly, always express appreciation. Respect your mentor’s time, show gratitude for their guidance, and follow through on advice or action steps you’ve discussed. It shows you're committed, not just interested.

My own experience with mentorship has shaped my career in ways I couldn’t have imagined. One of the biggest lessons I learned is that opportunity often follows preparation. My supervisor, who later became a mentor, only began to invest deeply in my growth after seeing my consistency, drive, and clarity of purpose. I made it known that I wanted to grow, and once that ambition was on the table, they supported me in meaningful ways; teaching me the intricacies of the energy industry, recommending me for professional events, and giving me a seat at the table even before I felt I belonged there.

Another important lesson was that mentorship is a two-way street. It’s not about waiting to be taught; it’s about showing initiative, asking questions, and putting in the work. The more I invested in the relationship, the more I got out of it. One conference I attended through my mentor’s recommendation even helped shape my Master’s research topic, offering real-world relevance to academic goals. Perhaps the most powerful realization was that mentorship is about alignment. When your values and goals align with your mentor’s experience and insights, the relationship becomes not just supportive but transformative.

If mentorship is the compass guiding your career, integrity is the ground you stand on. Integrity isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being consistent in your words, your actions, and your values. It’s about choosing what’s right, even when it’s hard. Especially when it’s hard.

In the workplace, integrity builds trust. It’s what earns you respect in the boardroom, loyalty from teammates, and credibility in your industry. But integrity isn’t just about how others see you, it’s about how you see yourself.

When you cut corners or compromise your principles, you may gain in the short term, but you lose something much more important: your reputation, your self-respect, and often, your future opportunities.

Career development is more than climbing a ladder; it’s about becoming the kind of person others want to work with, learn from, and trust. Mentorship accelerates your growth. Integrity sustains it.

So, seek out that mentor. Show up with purpose. And no matter how high you rise, keep your integrity intact. Because at the end of the day, your skills will get you noticed, but your character will define your legacy.

Why I’m Still Learning – Even After Landing My “Dream Role”

The Moment That Lit a Fire in Me

I’ll never forget the day a Senior Manager told me, “You’re not relevant in the petroleum sector.” I was just an intern with no formal qualifications in the energy sector, and those words cut deep. I cried. I doubted myself. But then something shifted. Instead of shrinking, I made a decision: I would become undeniable.

That moment ignited a hunger in me. I enrolled in an Honours in Energy Studies, and suddenly, doors began to open. But I didn’t stop there. I’m now pursuing a Master’s in Sustainable Energy because I’m not just here to fill a seat; I’m here to contribute, to lead, and to innovate.

Landing the Title Was Just the Beginning

When I finally stepped into my middle management role, I realized something no one prepares you for: The learning doesn’t stop when you get the job; it accelerates. Middle Management is the engine of any organization. You’re the bridge between Senior Leadership and Operational Teams, ensuring targets are met, strategies are executed, and people are empowered. It’s exhilarating—and exhausting. You have to:

• Think beyond your comfort zone (because the easy decisions rarely move the needle).
• Make tough calls that align with the company’s goals (even when they’re unpopular).
• Lead with empathy (because titles don’t inspire people—connection does).

But here’s the secret: My technical skills got me the role. My soft skills keep me thriving in it. The Two Soft Skills That Changed Everything:

1. Kindness – The Unexpected Superpower

Early in my career, a colleague went out of their way to make my life difficult. Then, one day, they needed my help. I could’ve said no. I could’ve held a grudge. Instead, I helped them—without hesitation. Their response? “I never thought you’d help me after what I did to you.” That moment taught me that kindness isn’t weakness. It’s strength. People remember how you treat them, especially when they least deserve it. Now, as a manager, I lead with kindness—not because it’s easy but because it builds trust, loyalty, and a team that’s willing to go the extra mile.

2. Resilience – Borrowed from the Running Trail

As a Comrades Marathon runner, I’ve learned that progress isn’t linear. There are hills, cramps, and moments when quitting feels easier than pushing forward. My career has been the same. There are days when the pressure feels overwhelming, when imposter syndrome creeps in, or when a project fails. But just like in running, I’ve learned to:

Embrace the discomfort (it means you’re growing).

Adjust my pace (not every problem requires a sprint).

 Keep my eyes on the finish line (even when the path isn’t clear).

Resilience isn’t about never falling—it's about always getting back up.

The Truth About “Dream Roles”

They’re not destinations. They’re launchpads. If you’re waiting for the day, you finally feel “ready,” you’ll be waiting forever. The most successful people I know—in the energy sector, in business, in life—are the ones who never stop learning.

So, here’s my challenge to you:

• What’s the next skill you’re adding to your toolkit?
•  How will you use it to push your industry forward?

Because relevance isn’t given, it’s earned. And the moment you stop learning is the moment you start becoming obsolete.

 

Your Turn

Have you ever been told you weren’t “relevant”? How did you respond? Let’s swap stories in the comments.

  

Networking – Building Connections That Last

In both life and career, the power of a strong network cannot be underestimated. Having the right people in your circle can uplift you, open doors to new opportunities, and provide guidance when you need it most. I’ve learned that career growth isn’t just about skills and experience it’s also about the relationships you build along the way.

Throughout my journey, I have met incredible people who have introduced me to opportunities I would not have accessed on my own. As I consistently shared my ambition of becoming an energy expert within my network, someone suggested that I register for an Honours in Energy Studies, explaining how it would align with my goals. Without my network, I may never have considered this option or realized its impact on my career. This is the power of surrounding yourself with people who genuinely support your growth.

Networking isn’t always about attending formal events it can happen in the most unexpected ways. In 2024, I attended an Organizational Change Management course in Denmark. During the course, the facilitator asked for a volunteer to collect money for the group's weekly lunch. We were a group of 23, and I immediately saw this as an opportunity not just to help but to connect with every participant. By stepping up for a simple task, I created a natural space for networking. Everyone got to know me, and I was able to build meaningful relationships that lasted beyond the course.

Today, I see the impact of these connections. I’ve built relationships in the industry, and through my network, I continue to be introduced to exciting opportunities. What’s even more fulfilling is seeing people come to me for ideas or hearing that someone was referred to me because of the connections I’ve nurtured.

The key to effective networking is being intentional, adding value, and staying engaged. It's not just about meeting people—it’s about maintaining relationships, offering support, and allowing your network to grow alongside you.

How have your networks shaped your career? Let’s share and grow together.

 

Imposter Syndrome: Career Growth is Rarely a Linear Journey

 

Career growth is rarely a straightforward climb. It’s often filled with detours, setbacks, and moments of doubt. The path to success is anything but linear, and I’ve learned this first-hand. From being told that my qualifications were irrelevant to eventually landing my desired job, every twist and turn in my career journey has shaped the person I am today.

Unsurprisingly, research suggests the average person changes careers 5–7 times throughout their lifetime. Career growth isn't just about climbing a ladder; it’s about adapting to change, learning new skills, and embracing transitions with resilience.

Looking back, my career trajectory has been full of bumps and breakthroughs. One fundamental chapter was my internship, which led to my first permanent role as an Admin Clerk. While it wasn’t my ideal job, I saw it as an opportunity to learn and grow. I dedicated myself to mastering new skills and building relationships with my colleagues. Within months, I received a promotion to Personal Assistant.

This experience was one of many that taught me the importance of hard work, dedication, and resilience. I embraced every role as a chance to build skills, even if it didn’t align perfectly with my end goals. The more I invested in myself, the more opportunities opened up.

There was a moment when I had to confront a defining question: should I stay in a stable, comfortable role, or should I take a risk and pursue my passion? I chose the latter, and I’ve never looked back.

That decision wasn’t easy. It was riddled with self-doubt and fear of failure, feelings that many people experience when faced with a career change. I struggled with imposter syndrome during this time, questioning if I was worthy of success in a new field. But I chose to lean into those fears, push beyond my comfort zone, and focus on my strengths. It wasn’t about being fearless it was about taking the risk and trusting that I could learn and grow along the way.

As I continued my journey, I realized the value of stepping beyond my comfort zone, confronting my doubts, and seeking out opportunities that challenged me. Despite the discomfort, I recognized it as a sign of growth. The journey wasn’t about perfection but progress, learning from failures, and continually pushing myself to evolve.

My next step was to pursue a postgraduate degree to stay competitive and open new doors. Although life didn’t go according to plans with my initial degree, I adapted and found a program that aligned with my career goals. It was a tough challenge, but it proved to be one of the best decisions of my life, giving me new insights, skills, and opportunities to advance in my career.

The road to becoming an Analyst, a role that allowed me to break into the energy sector field, was filled with challenges. I faced self-doubt, skepticism, and the pressure to prove myself. However, I refused to let those barriers hold me back. I pushed forward, focusing on building my skills, learning from others, and seeking mentors to guide me along the way.

Looking back, I realize that becoming an Analyst was not the final destination; it was simply a stepping stone on the path to my ultimate goal. I understood that career growth is not always linear, and the journey is shaped by overcoming obstacles, learning from failure, and celebrating wins along the road.

I will continue to share more on this journey in future posts, including how I acquired a BSc Honours in Energy Studies and finally secured a middle management role. But if you find yourself facing a moment of doubt or considering a career shift, I encourage you to trust in your abilities. The path may not always be linear, but with resilience and a willingness to grow, you can create opportunities for success.

The Unexpected Journey

 

As I sat in the waiting room, nervously fiddling with my resume, I couldn’t help but reflect on the path that had brought me here. Growing up, I admired the professionalism and grace of receptionists, the way they maintained calm in the face of disruption, effortlessly managing unpredictable situations. It seemed like a perfect role for me, and that vision guided my educational choices, ultimately leading to a Diploma in Office Management and Technology. But life has a way of rewriting even the best-laid plans.

While starting my B-Tech program in Office Management and Technology, I received an unexpected call for an internship interview. My excitement was quickly replaced by nerves, but I resolved to give it my best shot. On the day of the interview, as I sat waiting nervously, a familiar face from University approached and struck up a conversation. I admitted that I didn’t know much about the organization and that’s when he handed me a document. “You’ll need to know this for the interview,” he said. I glanced down at the cover: The Petroleum Products Act. My heart started racing. I hadn’t studied this before, hadn’t even heard of it.  Yet, there I was, scanning through the pages, trying to absorb as much as I could before being called in. At that moment, I felt completely unprepared. But there was no turning back. I took a deep breath, straightened my posture, and walked into the interview room determined to do my best.

The interview room was as intimidating as I’d imagined. After a few introductory questions, they asked about the petroleum industry. Despite my limited preparation, I took another deep breath and began to speak. I said, “the Liquid Fuels Charter aims to empower historically disadvantaged South Africans in the petroleum and liquid fuels industry. It sets a target of 25% ownership, control, and sustainable presence of HDIs across the industry value chain.” I paused, gathering my thoughts. “The Charter also emphasizes procurement, employment equity, capacity building, and fostering an inclusive culture. It’s a comprehensive approach to transformation.” Silence filled the room. I held my breath, unsure if I had made an impression. Then, one of the panel members smiled and, with a twinkle in his eye, said, “Mmmh, our jobs are at stake here.” Laughter followed, breaking the tension. Relief washed over me, I had done it. I had not only survived the interview but also earned their respect.

Looking back, I realize that those frantic moments spent studying the Petroleum Products Act were crucial. It was a test of resilience, adaptability, and quick thinking. Sure, I may not have fully understood all the distinctions of the Act, but I had demonstrated something equally important: my willingness to take risks, learn quickly, and stay composed under pressure. That experience taught me that life doesn’t always prepare you for what’s ahead. Sometimes, you have to leap before you feel ready.

That internship marked the beginning of an unexpected journey. My childhood dreams of becoming a receptionist transformed into something far bigger, an aspiration to thrive in the energy sector. Over time, I found myself fascinated by the industry and how it aligned with my skills and growing interests. The road wasn’t always smooth. There were moments when I felt overwhelmed and considered giving up. But each setback pushed me to grow. I discovered that resilience isn’t about never falling, it’s about rising every time you do.

Reflecting on this journey, I’ve come to appreciate the many lessons along the way. Here are a few that stand out:

Be adaptable: Life will throw you curveballs. Being willing to learn and adapt is crucial.

Step out of your comfort zone: True growth happens just beyond the edge of comfort. Don’t be afraid to take risks.

Follow your passion: When you find something you’re passionate about, it fuels your drive and keeps you going.

Ask for help: You don’t have to do it alone. Seeking guidance when you’re out of your depth is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Every journey starts with a single step, and often, that step leads us in directions we never anticipated. My journey began with the dream of becoming a receptionist, but it took an unexpected turn that changed my life. Looking ahead, I’m excited to see where this path continues to lead. For now, I’m embracing the unknown, ready for whatever comes next.

 

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Welcome to a Journey of Elevation and Empowerment

Life is full of twists and turns, some expected others completely surprising. Along the way, we all encounter moments that challenge us to grow, adapt, and evolve. This blog is dedicated to those moments, offering a space where personal growth and career resilience come together to help you create the life you truly desire.

No one’s path is perfectly smooth, and that’s okay. The beauty of life lies in its ups and downs, in the lessons we learn as we navigate through uncertainty, and in the strength, we build by overcoming obstacles. Whether you’re seeking clarity in your career, trying to cultivate better habits, or looking for practical tools to take charge of your finances, you’ll find something here to inspire and guide you.

What You'll Find on This Blog

1. Actionable Strategies for Personal Growth

Growth starts with small, consistent actions. Here, you’ll find practical tools and exercises designed to help you reflect, set goals, and make meaningful progress. From guided journaling prompts to 30-day challenges, each post is crafted to encourage you to elevate your mindset and keep moving forward.

2. Career Insights & Resilience

Navigating a career isn’t always straightforward. Whether you’re transitioning into a new role, facing workplace challenges, or striving for a promotion, this blog offers tips, strategies, and real-world insights on staying resilient, confident, and ready for the next opportunity.

3. Inspiration to Keep You Going

Growth can be hard, and sometimes you need a reminder that you’re not alone. Through inspiring stories, motivational quotes, and thoughtful reflections, this blog is here to remind you that every step forward, no matter how small, is progress worth celebrating.

Why This Blog?

We are all striving to be better, whether it is as professionals, parents, friends, or individuals. But the truth is, personal growth isn’t always easy, it takes time, effort, and a lot of patience. This blog was created to be your companion in that process, offering encouragement and practical guidance without judgment.

Here, it’s okay to take things one day at a time. It’s okay to feel stuck sometimes. What matters is that you keep showing up for yourself, learning from each experience, and moving forward at your own pace.

Ready to Elevate and Empower Yourself?

This is more than just a blog; it is a community for anyone who believes in the power of transformation. Whether you are at the beginning of your journey or well on your way, there’s always room to grow, learn, and elevate to the next level.

Let’s walk this path together, one step at a time. Here's to becoming stronger, wiser, and more resilient every day.

With gratitude

Zanel Inno