Sometime ago, six Mentees from the seventh batch of The Comms Mentoring Programme shared their stories of impact. With over 100 Mentees in this batch, we are excited to share stories from six more. What was the experience of being mentored by senior professionals like for these mentees? What were their biggest takeaways from the programme? Today’s article covers all this and more.
Vivian Godonu
Participating in the Comms Mentorship Programme (CMP) has been nothing short of a transformative experience, one that has profoundly shaped my career in Corporate Communications. This programme, with its unique blend of structure and personalisation, stands out as a beacon for professional growth and development.
From the very beginning, all through the seven weeks, the programme demonstrated an exceptional level of organisation and thoughtfulness. The initial sessions were designed to establish a solid foundation, immersing us in essential Communications best practices. These were not mere lectures; they were vibrant, interactive sessions filled with real-world examples and dynamic discussions that made the meetings come alive.
The highlight of my mentorship journey was being paired with Sandra Amachree, Head of marketing Communications at Nigerian Breweries PLC, a seasoned and highly respected professional in the field. Sandra’s mentorship was nothing short of inspirational. Our one-on-one meetings were a perfect mix of strategic brainstorming and practical, hands-on activities. Sandra’s ability to dissect complex Communications challenges and offer actionable insights was remarkable. She encouraged me to think critically, push my boundaries, and approach problems with a creative mindset.
Sandra’s feedback was always constructive and aimed at fostering my professional growth. She didn’t just tell me what I wanted to hear; she challenged me, pushing me to refine my skills and expand my horizons.
The Comms Mentoring programme emphasised the importance of continuous learning. Access to a vast array of resources, including cutting-edge presentations, webinars, and workshops, ensured that we stayed updated with the latest industry trends and innovations. This commitment to ongoing education has been instrumental in keeping my skills sharp and relevant.
The programme also fostered a strong sense of community. Engaging with fellow mentees and mentors during webinars and group discussions was incredibly enriching.
Participating in The CMP, under the guidance of my mentor, Sandra Amachree, has been a pivotal experience in my career. It has equipped me with advanced skills, a strategic mindset, and a supportive network, all of which have been instrumental in my professional development. This programme is not just a step forward; it’s a leap, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to any Communications professional looking to elevate their career.
Lameck Makula
As a young professional navigating the dynamic field of Communications, I had the privilege of participating in the Comms Mentoring Programme (CMP) as a Mentee. This transformative experience has left an indelible mark on my personal and professional development.
When I first entered the programme, I was eager to learn and grow, but admittedly a bit overwhelmed by the breadth of the Communications industry. My Mentor, Nelson Opany, a seasoned Communications expert, quickly put me at ease with his warm and approachable demeanour. From our very first session, he demonstrated a genuine interest in understanding my aspirations, strengths, and areas for improvement.
One of the most valuable aspects of the CMP was the personalised guidance my Mentor provided. He took the time to deep dive into my current projects and responsibilities, offering insightful feedback and practical strategies to elevate my performance. Whether it was crafting a compelling press release, navigating a sensitive stakeholder interaction, or fine-tuning my personal brand, his expertise and mentorship was instrumental in boosting my confidence and competence.
Perhaps the most transformative aspect of the CMP was the opportunity to engage in open, honest conversations with my Mentor and other mentees and experts in the Communications field across Africa. They created a safe space for me to voice my doubts, fears, and aspirations, without judgment. Through these meaningful dialogues, I gained valuable insights into navigating the complexities of the Communications field, managing workplace dynamics, and achieving a healthy work-life balance.
Beyond the tactical elements of Communications, I also got useful insights into the importance of cultivating a holistic, strategic mindset. They encouraged me to think critically about the broader landscape, anticipate emerging trends, and align my efforts with organisational objectives. This forward-thinking approach has significantly enhanced my ability to make data-driven decisions and contribute meaningfully to my team’s success.
As I reflect on my CMP experience, I am filled with immense gratitude. The guidance, support, and encouragement I received from CMP program, my Mentor and all the guests in our weekly meetings have been truly invaluable. I now approach my Communications responsibilities with a renewed sense of purpose and enthusiasm, armed with the tools and mindset to excel in this dynamic industry.
Mary Ikudehin
I was struggling in the Communications industry, feeling lost and uncertain. But everything changed when I joined the CMP. I was paired with an experienced mentor who understood me and my goals. There is one statement my mentor often tells me “grow like a tree not a flower”. This means staying relevant by being a lifelong learner, keeping up with global trends, and identifying market opportunities.
The programme offered a supportive community, industry experts, valuable insights, and networking opportunities. I gained a deeper understanding of the industry, learned to measure my career growth, and developed confidence to pursue my goals with purpose and passion. I discovered my strengths and weaknesses, gained a fresh perspective on my career, and learned to embrace challenges and view failures as growth opportunities. I also understood that a job isn’t a final destination, but rather a stepping stone
in building a career, and that adaptability is key to success.
Through this programme, I gained a newfound sense of direction and purpose in my career. I learned to approach my work with a growth mindset, constantly seeking opportunities to learn and improve. I also developed valuable skills in communication, leadership, and strategic thinking.
The mentorship programme was a career awakening that helped me unlock my potential, overcome doubts and fears, and find my voice. My journey with the Comms Mentoring Programme has been transformative, equipping me with skills, confidence, and support to achieve my dreams. Now I’m unstoppable!
Victory Osigwe
As an introverted person who believes she can figure everything out on her own with Google and any other information-dispensing AI at her disposal, joining a mentorship programme was the least of my plans. Apparently, from the sound of that, you can tell that it requires interaction with your mentor and any other mentee you’ll be paired up with. But a friend sold this idea to me so well that I’m sure she has a bright future in the sales industry.
After the first workshop , I knew I had made a mistake because why was Damilola Orenisile, the lead CMP Admin, telling us to turn on our video on a Saturday morning when you wake up looking like a natural disaster? But I decided to give this another chance during the week, without the “I shouldn’t be here” stance, and that was the best decision I’ve made so far this year.
I carefully skimmed through the resources shared by a speaker at one of the workshops, Toun Tunde-Anjous, and followed the instructions she gave to understand my personality better and my career path, and I can almost say I cried tears of self-discovery. After this, I looked forward to every session, and it was like The Comms Avenue took us on a journey of purpose discovery and career finding, but specific to the communications industry.
The programme’s structure and support system stood out. The meticulous organisation, with clear guidelines and milestones, ensured that every participant stayed on track and maximised their learning potential. The curriculum covered a wide array of topics, including Strategic Communication, Media Relations, Crisis Management, and Digital Communication. Each module was thoughtfully designed to build on the previous one, creating a cohesive and progressive learning journey.
The highlight of the programme was undoubtedly the mentorship component. I was paired with Sophia Kudjordi, a seasoned professional whose expertise and guidance were instrumental in my development. Sophia provided me with personalised feedback, practical advice, and real-world insights that are often missing from traditional education. Through our interactions, I gained a deeper understanding of the industry’s nuances and the skills required to excel in various roles.
However, the experience was not without its challenges. While I appreciated my Mentor’s dedication and the value of her insights, her limited availability due to her busy work schedule sometimes left me feeling less productive and more isolated in my learning journey. Despite this, I made the most of our interactions and supplemented my learning with the rich resources provided by the programme.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the CMP was the sense of community it fostered. I connected with fellow mentees from diverse backgrounds, each bringing their unique perspectives and experiences. In particular, Kumashe Yaakugh, the mentee I was paired with, became my accountability partner and one of my biggest inspirations this year. These connections enriched my learning experience and provided a support network that extended beyond the programme.
Reflecting on my journey through the CMP, I am immensely grateful for the knowledge, skills, and relationships I have gained. This experience has enhanced my professional capabilities and ignited a renewed passion for the field of Communications. I am excited to take the lessons learned and the connections made into the next phase of my career.
Emma Omondi
Receiving that acceptance offer to the Comms Mentorship Programme, I was both nervous and excited. Being in the early stages of my career, I craved practical experience but felt lost in the sea of possibilities. That’s when CMP came in handy by pairing me with my Mentor, Rosemary.
Rosemary, a seasoned Senior Marketing and Communications Coordinator, exuded a quiet confidence that instantly put me at ease. Our initial conversations focused on understanding my vision as a communicator as well as career goals. She wasn’t just a source of information; she was a sounding board, encouraging me to explore different professional avenues and gently nudging me outside my comfort zone.
Rosemary offered constructive criticism, pointing out areas of improvement with a sharp eye but a warm tone. It wasn’t about tearing down my work, but about helping me refine it to a professional standard. The interaction boosted my confidence and equipped me with valuable Communications skills.
The mentorship programme was not all work and no play. Rosemary connected me with networking groups and introduced me to professionals in the field. This exposure opened doors I wouldn’t have found on my own. Perhaps the most significant takeaway, though, was the sense of community that The Comms Avenue fostered, It became clear that even in a competitive industry, communicators could support and inspire each other.
One of the most impactful moments came with the interactive sessions with seasoned professionals in the industry who inspired and provided mentees with valuable insights they had acquired through their career journey
The programme flew by, and as our final meeting approached, I felt a pang of sadness. However, it was quickly replaced by a surge of excitement due to Rosemary’s guidance that had equipped me with the skills and confidence to navigate the world with a clearer vision. More importantly, she had shown me the power of mentorship, something I hope to pay forward in the future.
This experience wasn’t just about acquiring new skills; it was about building a supportive network and fostering self-belief. The mentorship programme was a stepping stone along my career journey, and for that, I’ll be forever grateful for CMP’s invaluable guidance.
Toluwanimi Ajiboye
Have you ever met someone who made you see the bigger picture in your career? I have, and it happened during the CMP, where I was paired with a mentor who helped me realise the gold mine I was sleeping on in my career.
Before registering for this program, I was struggling to find motivation and considering a different career path. I stumbled upon the mentorship post on LinkedIn and hesitated. Given my experience under Marketing leads and my current role as a writer for a Marketing Technology platform, I questioned whether I needed another mentorship experience. Yet, something pushed me to apply.
Accepted into the programme, I was paired with a mentor whose achievements I quickly researched. From our first call, it was clear I was connected to someone with over 15 years of experience in the industry I was considering leaving. Her guidance and insights made everything make sense, and I felt incredibly lucky.
During our sessions, she shared numerous resources that opened my eyes to new strategies and techniques. She encouraged me to think creatively and always consider the audience’s perspective. One standout exercise was crafting a narrative for a hypothetical product launch, where her feedback was both constructive and inspiring.
Beyond our one-on-one meetings, the weekly meet-ups with other mentees were another highlight of the CMP initiative. These sessions provided a platform for sharing experiences, discussing challenges, and learning from industry veterans with decades of experience.
Two sessions stood out for me: one with Bright Okere, who explained brand storytelling, and another with Adedoyin Jaiyesimi, who discussed the practicality of being a Communications expert in the workplace. These interactions were invaluable and expanded my understanding of the field.
Reflecting on the past seven weeks, I am immensely grateful for the CMP and my mentor’s guidance. This experience has been a game-changer, equipping me with new skills, a broader network, and a clearer vision for my future in Communications and Marketing.
For anyone considering a mentorship programme, I wholeheartedly recommend it. The knowledge, support, and opportunities for growth are unparalleled, and the impact on your career can be profound. My journey with the CMP has been nothing short of inspirational, and I am excited to continue building on the foundations laid during this incredible mentorship.
