“Sometimes, all we need is just one person who believes in us and who will never give up on us.“
– Jocelyn Soriano
IN every career journey, challenges are a given, and the same goes for every company. These challenges show up as uncertainty, rising expectations, or the struggle to balance personal aspirations with workplace demands. When you add internal stakeholder dynamics into the mix, things get even trickier. Let’s be real: everyone has their own agenda, and competition can feel relentless. Sometimes it feels like you’re trying to survive in an environment where decisions shift overnight and priorities change even faster.
Today’s workplace is shifting at a pace we’ve never seen before. Technology is reshaping roles, globalisation is raising the bar, and authenticity matters more than ever. This creates a landscape that is rich with opportunity, but also filled with obstacles, especially for young professionals who are still finding their place.
Many grapple with unclear direction because they’re unsure where their strengths truly fit. Others face high pressure, with expectations from bosses, clients, and peers weighing heavily on their shoulders, often stifling creativity. Then there’s the challenge of decision-making in isolation, where, without support or guidance, even the smallest choices can feel overwhelming.
When you’re in these moments, it’s easy to think you need to push through on your own and that grit alone will carry you across the finish line. But the truth is, grit isn’t always enough.
What often makes the difference is mentorship.
A mentor is more than a guide. They’re a sounding board, a voice of reason, and sometimes the person who helps steady your thoughts when everything feels blurry. They give you space to express your worries, explore your ideas, and find clarity. Mentorship isn’t about giving instructions; it’s about helping you see the bigger picture.
Mentorship offers three powerful things:
- Perspective – the ability to look beyond today’s problems;
- Confidence – knowing someone believes in you enough to push you forward; and
- Connection – access to networks, insights, and opportunities you may not reach alone.
Looking back, I’ll admit: I didn’t truly understand the value of mentorship when I first entered the working world. At that time, I believed hard work alone could solve everything. But experience changes your lens.
As I progressed through communications, branding, and now marketing and strategic development, I found myself facing challenges I didn’t anticipate – from crisis communication to cultural nuances, from maintaining authenticity to navigating internal politics. And in all those moments, mentors made the difference.
Over time, I also realised something important: it’s not about having just one mentor. You need different guidance at different stages, be it technical, strategic, or personal. One mentor may help you with your craft, another with your career trajectory, and another with your life perspective.
But above all, trust is key, because mentorship requires vulnerability. It’s very much like the social penetration theory, through the reciprocal process of self-disclosure. You open up, they open up, and the relationship deepens.
I am truly blessed that throughout my humbling journey, I’ve met mentors who have left strong footprints in my life. One mentor taught me that setbacks aren’t failures but opportunities to recalibrate. Another reminded me to embrace discomfort and friction, because they are simply part of the role you’re in. And another left me with a lesson I find incredibly valuable: don’t take things personally; people will say and share what they want. The way you respond says more about you than their words ever will.
These insights didn’t just shape the way I work, but they shaped my confidence, resilience, and understanding of who I am as a professional.
At the end of the day, whether we like it or not, challenges will always be part of the journey. They test us, stretch us, and shape us. But with a mentor by your side, those challenges become less daunting and far more meaningful. Mentorship offers a safe space to reflect, recalibrate, and move forward with intention.
Essentially, mentorship isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about walking together through uncertainty, sharing wisdom, and building confidence. In today’s fast-changing world, that kind of companionship isn’t just helpful; it’s necessary.
Challenges are inevitable. But with mentorship, growth becomes unstoppable.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune. The writer can be reached at Shirley.suat@gmail.com.
