The Impact of Mentorship on my Career Growth and Success in Human Resources

Mentorship in HR wasn't something I intentionally sought out at the beginning of my career. In fact, when I look back on my 20+ years in the HR field, I realize that mentorship found me in the most unexpected ways. I didn’t go searching for someone to guide me; instead, I encountered strong women who, at different points in my career, listened, challenged, and empowered me -- often without me even realizing that they were mentoring me. These relationships, grounded in empathy, trust, and genuine concern, ultimately shaped the leader I am today.

Stumbling Upon Mentorship: My Unintentional Path

Looking back, I didn’t seek out a mentor as most might when they’re starting out. But what I didn’t realize at the time was that the women who crossed my path throughout my career -- some in HR, some in other fields -- were playing a mentorship role in my life. They didn’t give me formal guidance or sit me down for structured advice sessions. Instead, they listened to me, offered wisdom when needed, and shared experiences that opened my eyes to new perspectives. Their impact was subtle but incredibly powerful.

These women were strong, empathetic, and, most importantly, curious about me -- my thought processes, my aspirations, and my values. What made them stand out was the reciprocal nature of our relationships. They didn’t just give; they cared. They built relationships based on trust, confidence, and, above all, loyalty.

Mentorship is transformative. It's not just about advice but also about guidance, understanding, and sometimes a gentle nudge to help you see your potential.

The Challenges I Faced -- And How Mentorship Helped Me Overcome Them

In the early years of my HR career, I was driven, eager to succeed, and passionate about HR, but I lacked confidence in my abilities. I didn’t always speak up when I should have. The absence of a formal mentor at that time is something I regret, as I struggled to find my voice in a field that requires strong communication and leadership.

It wasn’t until later, as I entered my 30s and 40s, that I found a network of mentors -- particularly women -- who helped me refine my understanding of my worth, both as an HR professional and as a woman. These mentors helped me gain clarity about my priorities and values. They showed me how to embrace my capabilities, advocate for myself, and recognize my unique contributions to the workplace.

A Defining Moment: How Mentorship Changed My Perspective

One pivotal moment stands out when I think about the transformation mentorship brought to my career. It wasn’t a formal session or a career advice meeting -- it was a Book Club. A small group of women at my workplace, including myself, read "The Confidence Code" by Claire Shipman and Katty Kay. Although the book itself was insightful, what really shifted my perspective was the discussions we had.

As the only HR professional in the group, I brought my own lens to the table, but what struck me most were the stories and lessons shared by the other women. The relatability, the vulnerability, and the inspiration I found in those moments were life-changing. That was when I truly began to understand the power of mentorship. The discussions made me realize that mentorship wasn’t about one person giving advice -- it was about sharing experiences, supporting each other, and learning together.

Valuable Lessons and Insights Gained Through Mentorship

The mentorship I’ve received over the years has taught me many invaluable lessons. Here are the top insights that have shaped my career:

1. Be Curious and Seek to Understand: A great mentor always asks questions -- not just about your goals, but about how you think, interpret challenges, and approach decisions.

2. Find Your Voice: Use your voice not just for your career progression but to elevate those around you and your gender. Women must lift each other up, and mentorship is the vehicle for that.

3. Don’t Hold It In: It's okay to talk things out instead of letting trauma or frustration build up. A good mentor creates a safe space for dialogue.

4. Be Proud of Who You Are: There’s no room in HR for imposter syndrome. Embrace who you are -- your skills, your personality, and your unique approach to solving problems.

These lessons were not just pivotal for my personal development but were the bedrock on which I built my leadership skills. They helped me gain the confidence to take on new challenges and evolve into a more strategic HR leader.

How My Mentorship Relationships Have Evolved

The relationships I have with my mentors have evolved into something deeply meaningful. Most of my mentors never knew they were “mentors” in the formal sense. We didn’t sign contracts or set official meeting times, but the mutual trust and support were undeniable. Over time, these relationships grew stronger. Even now, when I connect with some of these women after a long gap, it feels like no time has passed.

The beauty of these informal, genuine relationships is that they’re not bound by rigid expectations. They have been sustained through trust, care, and mutual respect -- qualities that have also influenced my own approach to mentoring others in the HR field.

Once you’ve benefited from mentorship, remember: it’s your turn to give back. As women in HR, we have the responsibility -- and the privilege -- to lift each other up and help others find their path to success.

Mentoring Others: Giving Back What I’ve Learned

Now, as I mentor HR professionals at varying stages of their careers, I’ve come to realize how impactful mentorship can be from both sides. Whether they’re entry-level HR professionals or aspiring HR leaders, I find that I learn just as much from them as they do from me. In the past 10 years, as I’ve grown into leadership roles, I’ve had the privilege of guiding others who are looking to enhance their HR skills or take the next step into leadership.

What’s been most rewarding is helping others recognize their potential, just as my mentors helped me see mine. Mentoring others has deepened my understanding of HR and has continually reinforced my commitment to empowering the next generation of HR leaders.

Conclusion: The Transformative Power of Mentorship

Mentorship has been the cornerstone of my career in HR. It hasn’t just helped me navigate challenges or sharpen my technical skills; it has transformed the way I approach leadership, relationships, and career development. For those of you considering mentorship, I encourage you to embrace it -- not just as a tool for career advancement, but as an opportunity to build genuine, supportive relationships that will last a lifetime.

If you’re an HR professional looking to grow, find a mentor who can help you see your potential. Whether you’re just starting out or seeking to elevate your leadership skills, mentorship can be a powerful tool. As someone who has benefitted from incredible mentors, I now offer coaching and mentorship services designed to help HR professionals unlock their full potential.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career, I’d love to support you on your journey. Please reach out for a connection!

Cheers!

Natasha