The Power of Mentoring: Hear from Our 2026 Women on Boards Mentors

“I wanted to become a Mentor because I know how valuable guidance, encouragement, and access to experienced perspectives can be when building confidence and progressing towards board-level opportunities. The programme is a meaningful way to support talented women who are looking to develop their leadership journey, while also contributing to greater diversity and representation in governance and decision-making. I was also drawn to the opportunity to learn from the mentees themselves and be part of a supportive professional community.”

“The most rewarding part has been seeing mentees grow in confidence and clarity about their goals. I’ve really enjoyed the open and honest conversations, sharing practical experiences, and helping mentees think through opportunities and challenges from a strategic perspective. It has also been inspiring to meet women from different sectors and backgrounds, all bringing unique strengths and ambitions to the programme.”

“I would absolutely encourage others to join. Mentoring is a rewarding experience that gives you the opportunity to make a genuine difference to someone’s professional development, while also reflecting on and developing your own leadership skills. You don’t need to have all the answers - being willing to listen, share experiences honestly, and support someone’s growth is what matters most. The programme creates valuable connections and is a positive way to contribute to building more inclusive leadership pipelines.”

“After more than 25 years in leadership and executive roles, I felt a strong desire to support more women in stepping into influential positions with both confidence and authenticity. Boardrooms need broader perspectives, more human leadership, and women who dare to lead in their own way. Becoming a mentor felt like a meaningful way to contribute to that shift while supporting other women on their journey.”

“What I’ve enjoyed the most is the honesty and depth of the conversations. It’s incredibly rewarding to support talented women as they navigate important career decisions, build confidence, and step into bigger opportunities. I also genuinely value the sense of community and shared ambition within the programme.”

“I would absolutely encourage it. Mentorship is not only about giving guidance - it’s also a way to learn, reflect, and grow yourself. Supporting other women in their leadership journey is both meaningful and energising, and programmes like this create important spaces for connection, representation, and long-term impact.”

“I wanted to be a mentor because I deeply believe that when women rise into leadership and board positions, they do not only transform companies, they transform cultures, economies, and future generations. Throughout my career, I have often been one of the few women in highly regulated and traditionally male-dominated sectors, and I know how powerful guidance, representation, and strategic support can be. Mentoring is a way of opening doors, accelerating confidence, and helping more women occupy the spaces where important decisions are made.”

“What I enjoy the most is the quality and depth of the conversations. It is incredibly rewarding to support talented women who are intentionally preparing themselves for greater impact, governance responsibilities, and leadership influence. I also value the mutual learning that naturally happens during the mentoring journey, it is always an exchange of perspectives, experiences, and growth.”

“I would say to others: absolutely do it. Mentoring is not only about giving back — it is also about contributing to a more balanced, conscious, and diverse leadership ecosystem. The impact of one conversation, one piece of encouragement, or one strategic insight can be far greater than we imagine. Supporting another woman’s journey into leadership is one of the most meaningful ways to create long-term change.”

“I have experience as a mentor since 2017 at Barcelona Activa LIDERA project, and additional experience with GBSB Malta, ESADE Ideas Booster Lab, Toulouse Business School, ITES HUB, as well as PWN previous mentoring sessions. Being a mentor and guiding women towards a better future is what I enjoy doing the most.”

“I love the fact that the relationship we establish with mentees is a long-lasting, unbreakable bond that lingers even after the business sessions are over. We could say that we become linked to one another, almost like family.”

“I would say to others: don’t think twice and go for it! You can only improve your skills, and you also become part of an exciting women-led community.”

“I wanted to contribute to increasing the presence and confidence of women in governance and leadership roles by sharing perspective and experience gained throughout my own professional journey. I also believe that thoughtful mentoring can help accelerate clarity, self-awareness, and strategic confidence at important career transition points. For me, mentoring is a meaningful way to give back to a professional community while supporting the development of future board leaders.”

“What I have enjoyed most is creating a space for thoughtful reflection and honest conversation with someone navigating an important professional transition. I value the opportunity to share perspective from my own experience while also being intellectually challenged by the mentee’s ambition, questions, and evolving thinking. It has been rewarding to support someone in clarifying their direction and strengthening their confidence through dialogue rather than prescription.”

“I would encourage experienced leaders to participate, especially those who enjoy supporting others through reflection, challenge, and perspective-sharing. Mentoring does not require having all the answers; often the greatest value comes from helping someone think more clearly and approach decisions with greater confidence and self-awareness. It is also important to establish clear expectations and boundaries from the beginning so that the relationship remains constructive, respectful, and sustainable for both mentor and mentee.”

“I wanted to be a mentor because I believe leadership becomes stronger when more women step into positions where important decisions are made. Not symbolically, but meaningfully. Board roles require not only competence, but judgment, perspective, emotional steadiness, and the ability to navigate complexity. I wanted to contribute to that level of leadership conversation and support women stepping into those environments with greater clarity and confidence in their own thinking. Sometimes women simply need someone who reminds them that they are ready before they fully feel ready themselves. I want to be that person.”

“The most meaningful part has been the depth of the conversations. Mentoring creates a space where people can speak openly about ambition, doubt, confidence, visibility, and the real human side of leadership. I have enjoyed seeing how much clarity and confidence can emerge when someone feels truly listened to.”

“To anyone thinking about joining as a Mentor, I would say: do it if you genuinely care about people and leadership. Mentoring is not a one-way experience. You give your perspective and support, but you also grow through the conversations, the trust, and the different life experiences you get to witness. It’s meaningful work and it also changes you as a mentor.”

“I wanted to become a mentor because I believe in supporting women as they prepare for and step into board roles. Throughout my career, I have navigated complex leadership environments across multiple geographies, where access to guidance, sponsorship, and honest feedback has been critical to progressing into senior and governance positions.

This programme offers a structured opportunity to share experience, challenge self-limiting assumptions, and help women strengthen their confidence, judgment, and board-level presence.”

“What I’ve enjoyed most so far is the quality and openness of the discussions. I particularly value the opportunity to help translate broad board ambitions into practical and credible next steps, grounded in the mentee’s profile, strengths, and experience.”

“To others thinking about being a mentor, you do not need to have all the answers to make a meaningful contribution. Creating a space for honest discussion, perspective, and constructive challenge can already have a significant impact. It is also a genuinely enriching experience for the mentor.”

“Navigating my own way to boards was hard - not because I lacked the credentials, but because I didn't fit the mould. That experience stayed with me. Boards don't just need more women; they need women who bring something genuinely different. This programme is a direct, personal way to act on that belief - as is Athena Board Solutions, which I co-founded to connect exceptional women with boards that are ready for them.”

“I’ve most enjoyed how much I've learned. This has been a genuine peer exchange, not a one-way street. Seeing different paths, different perspectives, different ways of navigating the same landscape - that's been the real gift.”

“I’d say: come for the giving, stay for the growing. The women you'll meet are remarkable - and the conversations will challenge you as much as they inspire you. Don't hesitate.”