International Mentoring Day: Unlocking Potential, Driving Progress
The 17th January marks International Mentoring Day, an annual global event that provides a valuable opportunity to reflect on the transformative power of mentoring, serving as a reminder of the positive impact mentors can have on both individuals and communities.
At GingerMay, we’re passionate about fostering growth and supporting career progression. Our involvement with initiatives like Bloom Network UK and mentoring within our team reflects this commitment. We believe our investment in mentoring is invaluable, creating opportunities for shared learning and mutual support that leave a lasting impact.
To mark International Mentoring Day, we gathered thoughts from some of our mentors and mentees who share how mentoring has shaped their journeys and why it remains vital, not only in the marketing and comms industry but across all careers and specialisms.
Mentors: Sharing Wisdom, Inspiring Growth
Our mentors share the impact mentorship has had on their own progression, and how this has inspired them to mentor others:
Delyth Hughes, Senior Account Director:
“Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to cross paths with incredible people who offered guidance, often without realising their profound impact. Their insights helped me navigate pivotal moments and now, with 25 years of experience, I’m eager to pay it forward. Work-life is more complex than ever and mentoring allows us to share knowledge and provide support during critical junctures.
“One defining moment for me came 15 years ago when a mentor helped crystallise my next steps in a single, powerful conversation. It was an eye-opener, solidifying my belief in the value of mentorship. Today, I’m proud to mentor others, whether offering guidance on career progression or being a sounding board. Watching people grow from entry-level roles to senior leaders is incredibly rewarding. If I could change one thing, it would be having had access to mentoring earlier—the confidence it brings is invaluable.”
Naomi Whittome, Senior PR & Business Director:
“Mentorship has been instrumental in shaping my career progression and personal life. I’ve benefited from natural mentors who invested time and energy into helping me adapt and grow. Now, I’m thrilled to offer similar support to others. Life is rarely linear and mentorship provides a framework to learn from both successes and mistakes.
“The real magic of mentorship lies in its ability to offer a new perspective, guiding individuals to unlock their own potential. It’s not about having all the answers—it’s about building confidence and fostering resilience.”
Amy Lawrence, Deputy Managing Director:
“Mentoring and coaching are invaluable skills that extend beyond the workplace. Whether it’s supporting a colleague, guiding a friend, or helping a family member, these skills empower growth. Working with Bloom UK has shown me the transformative power of mentoring—especially for women navigating the communications industry.
“The subtle distinction between coaching and mentoring makes all the difference. Coaching empowers individuals to uncover their own answers, while mentoring provides actionable advice and shared experiences. Both are vital tools that help people navigate challenges with clarity and confidence. Often, the most impactful moments happen spontaneously – a quick chat while making coffee or a word of encouragement can make a lasting difference.”
Mentees: Learning, Growing, Thriving
Mentees, both from the GingerMay team and further afield, share how mentorship is shaping their career paths and personal growth:
Sarah Holmes-Siedle, Marketing & Communications Manager:
“Over the past three years, my mentor – our CEO Victoria – has been a cornerstone of my career progression. Her guidance has taken me from a PR Account Manager to a Marketing & Communications Manager, a transition that has significantly shaped my growth. Her insights as a leader inspire me, while her feedback has honed my skills and deepened my understanding of business objectives. This mentorship has been instrumental in helping me thrive professionally and I’m immensely grateful for her time and support.”
Tamara Samuel, Assistant PR Manager, Boots:
“When preparing for my dream role, Victoria’s unwavering support made all the difference. She dedicated time to role-playing, offered candid feedback, and helped build my confidence. Her advice has not only shaped my career but also made me a more well-rounded professional. Despite her busy schedule, she always found time to help, and I couldn’t be more grateful for her guidance.”
Amy Dance, Bloom Mentee:
“Amy dedicated her time to be my Bloom UK mentor. She’s been a fantastic support, developing my professional PR skills beyond work at my current agency. During our monthly catch-ups, Amy shared valuable support and advice to guide me towards a promotion from Senior Account Executive to Account Manager. This ranged from leadership advice to writing and presentation skills. She helped me develop my presenting skills in particular by running through presentation decks, sharing tips and advice, and in-person practises.
“This has not only improved my confidence and communication skills but has been recognised by my colleagues, who’ve shared feedback on my improvement. Amy has really pushed me out of my comfort zone and developed skills which have been vital in moving from a junior role to a more managerial role.”
Mentorship: A Shared Journey
International Mentoring Day shines a spotlight on the relationships that drive growth, build confidence, and create lasting impact. At GingerMay, we believe in the power of mentorship to inspire change and foster progress, be that career progression or personal growth. Whether through formal programmes like Bloom UK or informal, in-the-moment conversations within the agency, we’re proud to celebrate the stories that highlight the transformative power of these connections.
By working with Bloom, a professional network dedicated to ensuring women have equal opportunities in the communications industry, we can spread our impact wider through the industry.
Bloom’s mission focuses on amplifying women’s voices to advance careers, drive industry change, and mentor the next generation. Members engage in events, panels, and workshops that address industry challenges and opportunities, fostering collaboration and inclusivity. Each member commits time monthly to mentor emerging female professionals and supports organisations like Beleve by providing skills, knowledge, and work experience placements.
Alongside our work experience and internship programmes, this empowers us to make a difference and shape the communications industry of the future.
We’re proud to share our own journeys with others and make a difference.
Find out more on how GingerMay makes a difference and supports its employees via flexible working on our blog.