“Sometimes all it takes is one person believing in you before you fully believe in yourself.”
This Women’s Month, we’re celebrating something that often happens quietly, away from client meetings, campaign launches and boardroom presentations.
Mentorship.
Over the past year, some of South Africa’s most respected women across media, marketing and advertising have dedicated their time, experience and hearts to mentoring the next generation through the inaugural Her Collective Mentorship Programme.
What began as a simple idea—to connect experienced leaders with ambitious women—has become something far more meaningful.
Thirty mentors.
Thirty mentees.
Hundreds of conversations.
Countless moments of growth.
And perhaps most importantly, a growing community proving that success becomes even more meaningful when it’s shared.
More Than Career Advice
While many people think mentorship is about career guidance, the voices of this year’s cohort tell a very different story.
For Cara Woods, Sales Manager at Tractor Outdoor, the impact reached far beyond professional development.
“Being part of Her Collective has been one of the most valuable development opportunities of my career. Through the support of my mentor, Elaine, I developed a level of confidence in myself that I didn’t realise I was missing. The mentorship helped me develop the confidence, communication skills and self-belief needed to step into a leadership role.”
For Fundiswa Mashabane, mentorship created courage where self-doubt once lived.
“Her Collective has genuinely changed the course of my career and personal life. Through my mentor’s support and belief in me, I found the courage to say yes to opportunities that once felt out of reach. I attended Cannes, started freelancing and, most importantly, grew in confidence.”
For Sibulela Bolarinwa, the greatest lesson was finding her own voice.
“My mentor encouraged me to step into my confidence, embrace my abilities and recognise the value I bring to every space I enter. I now feel more confident, self-assured and prepared to navigate my career with purpose.”
For Yvonne Moyo, the programme reinforced something many professionals forget.
“Growth doesn’t have an expiry date. Being paired with Celia Collins has been one of the most generous gifts of this year. Her Collective strengthened my confidence as a leader, expanded my perspective and reinforced the belief that I deserve a seat at the table.”
Each story is different.
Yet every story points to the same truth.
Sometimes all it takes is one woman believing in another woman to unlock potential that was already there.
The Mentors Were Changed Too
One of the most inspiring outcomes of the inaugural cohort is that the mentors often describe themselves as receiving just as much as they gave.
Valentine Gaudin-Muteba, Managing Director of TRACE Southern Africa, reflected:
“Being part of the Her Collective mentorship programme has been an incredibly rewarding experience. It reminded me just how powerful mentorship can be—not only for the mentee, but for the mentor as well. When women support women, we don’t just build careers; we build a stronger, more inclusive industry.”
For Katharine Liese, Commercial Director at dentsu, the experience reinforced why mentorship matters.
“Watching my mentee grow in confidence, find her voice and recognise her own value reminded me of the difference that support and encouragement can make. Her Collective is more than a mentorship programme—it is a reminder that none of us achieves success alone.”
Bianca Sidelsky, Group Strategy & Innovation Director, described mentoring as a full-circle moment.
“The focus was entirely on helping other women grow, succeed and thrive. Through mentoring an incredible woman, I found myself growing alongside her. Being able to give back felt like a genuine full-circle moment.”
Sturea Hickley, CEO & Co-founder of Ardent 4 Africa, reflected on the privilege of seeing resilience unfold.
“Working with Khaya has been an absolute privilege. Watching her choose growth, invest in herself and embrace new opportunities despite life’s challenges has been incredibly inspiring.”
The programme reminded every mentor that leadership isn’t only measured by results.
It’s measured by the people you help grow.
A Ripple Effect Across an Industry
The success of the inaugural Her Collective Mentorship Programme can’t simply be measured by the number of meetings held or mentoring hours completed.
Its real impact is found in the women who now lead with greater confidence.
The businesses that have been launched.
The promotions earned.
The international opportunities embraced.
The difficult conversations that are no longer avoided.
The women who now know they belong at the table.
This is what happens when experienced leaders intentionally invest in the next generation.
Today’s mentees become tomorrow’s mentors.
Today’s conversations become tomorrow’s leadership.
And today’s acts of generosity become tomorrow’s stronger industry.
As we celebrate Women’s Month, we celebrate every mentor who opened a door, every mentee who stepped through it, and every conversation that reminded another woman of her own potential.
Because when women invest in women, everyone rises.
About Her Collective
Her Collective is a South African community dedicated to empowering women across media, marketing, advertising and communications through mentorship, connection and professional development.
The inaugural mentorship programme paired 30 mentors with 30 mentees, creating meaningful relationships that continue to shape careers, build confidence and strengthen the industry.
Learn more at www.hercollectiveco.com and follow Her Collective Co on LinkedIn. Applications for the second mentorship cohort will open soon.
Currently exploring sponsorship opportunities, if you or your company are interested please contact kirsty@hercollectiveco.com.
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