Mentor Walks

This morning in Dubai, we had another inspiring walk with a group of ambitious women eager to discuss career questions that have been on their minds. Topics ranged from career development and progression, navigating the corporate dynamics, and building and growing a business—each conversation enriched by the wisdom and experience of our dedicated mentors, all within a supportive and empowering community. As we reflect on today’s walk, we are reminded of the remarkable strides women are making in Dubai’s workforce. With women now comprising almost 35% of the UAE’s total workforce in 2024 (vs 32.5% last year)*, the growing influence and leadership of women across industries in Dubai is looking optimistic. 💬 "I got so much out of the conversations and I've come away feeling really inspired. I've got a game plan and I can't wait for the next meeting." Thank you to our amazing mentors who are making an impact one walk at a time. Afsaneh Jalilzadeh, Pavneet Bajwa, Aruna Narayanan, Audrey Lemmert, Dr. Rubina Malik, Karen Ziegler, Shada Elborno, and Nicola M. Also for the ongoing support of Rola Abu Manneh and our Major Partner, Standard Chartered. 📅 Next Dubai walk: Thursday, 29 May 2025 🔗 Book now: https://bit.ly/3E212sx We are already looking forward to our next walk! Big thanks to our local team, Afsaneh Jalilzadeh, Pavneet Bajwa, Aruna Narayanan, Mélanie Lapointe and Divena Tulsani ., for all your hard work! #MentorWalks #DubaiWomen #CareerGrowth #WomenSupportingWomen #LeadershipJourney *Source: Finance Middle East

There’s nothing like having real conversations with experienced women about career questions, both big and small. This morning, Parramatta women from different professional backgrounds came together to gain career clarity and connect with a supportive community. 💬 One walk can have a meaningful impact: “It felt like a safe space for everyone to share their goals, and I noticed a lot of overlap with other mentees as well. Even though we came from different sectors, our values were aligned, which was really helpful. The environment was inclusive, and no one was left out. I wanted to gain insights into working and living abroad, and both the mentor and other mentees had experience in this area, offering me valuable tips.” - Parramatta Mentee, February 2025 Mentor Walks is more than just a networking event. It’s a judgment-free space where diversity, authenticity, and growth are celebrated. Our heartfelt thank you to our incredible mentors, Alphia Possamai-Inesedy, Melissa Irwin, Susan Skuodas, Annette McLaren, and Professor Graciela Metternicht MAICD for their support for our Parramatta community. Another big thank you to our Major Partner Westpac and our Support Partner Endeavour Energy (NSW). for your continued support. And we couldn’t do this without our hardworking local team, Alphia Possamai-Inesedy, Melissa Irwin, Helen Hamilton-James, Jade Jing, and Lucy Lin. Looking forward to our next walk! 📅 Next Parramatta walk: Thursday, 12 June 2025 🔗 Book now: https://bit.ly/4lFyDJR

There was fresh air and fresh perspectives at this morning’s Newcastle walk. As the sun rose, women walked together and shared meaningful conversations about purpose, career growth, and leadership ambitions. These topics can feel daunting to explore, but being in a small group with an experienced mentor made all the difference. 💬Navigating a career can be exciting—but also messy. “Currently, I feel like I'm losing connections, which leads me to withdraw more. It might be a good thing, though. It’s a chance to step back, reassess, and decide which way I want to go. I'm not sure what the next best step career-wise will be. I feel rather overwhelmed. I want to stay with my current employer, but I’m wondering what else I could do to progress and how I can thrive personally with more purpose in life.” Newcastle mentee, February 2025 This is why we walk, to create space for women to feel supported, guided, and empowered. And that’s what our Newcastle women walked away with today. A huge thank you to our generous mentors, Anita Hugo GAICD, Anna Starrett, GAICD, Catherine Wilkinson, Cherie Johnson GAICD, Christina Gerakiteys GAICD, Donna-Maree Vinci GAICD, FGIA, GCB.D, CEW, MACS (Snr), Jane Gray, Julie Rich, Lauren Eyles, Liz Nicol, Melinda Smith, Michelle White, Sharon Howes, and Sharon Smith who carve out time out of their schedules to make an impact on women one walk at a time. Another big thank you to our Support partner, NGM Group for your support. Thanks to our local team, Sam Martin-Williams FAICD FGIA, Bernadette Inglis, Kathy Rimmer, and Simone Mourtos, for building a wonderful Newcastle community 💫 📅 Next Newcastle walk: Thursday, 12 June 2025 🔗 Book now: https://bit.ly/3YpSa6G

Never just an ordinary morning on a Mentor Walks walk day ✨ At Auckland’s walk this morning, women from diverse industries and backgrounds came together for real conversations about career growth and challenges. As of 2024, New Zealand has been leading the way in female leadership representation globally, with 40% women in executive roles, compared to 5% in European and Asian countries*. With this growth comes the need for a community for guidance, support, or simply just a space to just be. This is why our walks matter—and this morning’s energy showed how women leave us feeling inspired and equipped with practical advice to tackle their next step, big or small. 💭”I used the information from my last walk, and have since hired a right hand for my business, allowing me to focus on building and growing my business.” Auckland Mentee. Our heartfelt gratitude for our Major and Founding partner, Westpac New Zealand, for your continued support in building a thriving community in Auckland. We are also very grateful for our mentors who graciously make time and generously share their lived experiences: Michele Teague GAICD, Amanda Frear, Tracey Walker, Kate Parsons, Liz O'Neil (FCA, CMInstD), Catherine McGrath, and Amanda Whiting. We couldn’t do this walk without our ever hardworking local team, Michele Teague, Tracey Taylor, Cathy Betty, and Lucy Sudbury. Thank you for all that you do! 📅 Next Auckland walk: Thursday, 12 June 2025 🔗 Book now: https://bit.ly/4llYmXg *Source: CEO World Magazine

No better way to celebrate Canberra’s 6th birthday than with the insightful walk we had this morning! 💫 Over the past few years, we’ve seen more women return for another walk with us. With a close to 30% return rate and a growing number of first-timers, we’re ecstatic to see more women taking meaningful steps toward their career goals. 💬 Our groups spanned diverse years of experience, conversations flowed from practical tips to common conversation themes, like when to consider looking for that next job, knowing when to move into new roles, to building strong businesses while navigating new experiences. These meaningful conversations wouldn’t be possible without our incredible mentors, who generously share their time and wisdom. A big thank you to Elke Einfalt, Gayle Milnes, Jenet Connell, Kate Ahern, Lavinia Tyrrel, Phillipa Leggo, and Dr Nadine White, GAICD. Another heartfelt thank you to our local team, Dr Nadine White, GAICD, Jenet Connell, and Casey Wilson for ensuring our walks are smooth and memorable from start to finish! 📅 Next Canberra walk: Friday 6 June 2025 🔗 Book now: https://bit.ly/4lFwjm7 #MentorWalks #CanberraWomen #BreakTheRung #WomenInLeadership #CareerProgression #FemaleMentorship #WomenSupportingWomen #NetworkingForSuccess #CareerGrowth #EmpoweredWomen

With the first quarter of the year already behind us, the days may feel like they’re flying by. As to-dos pile up, finding time to reflect and recharge can be a challenge. Mentor Walks offers you a chance to pause—just for an hour—to walk alongside inspiring women leaders and talk about what matters most. Whether you're feeling stuck on a decision or simply need some breathing room—we have a space for you. See the link to find out how it all works or better still register for an upcoming walk in your city here: https://bit.ly/4csxb9h Meet our Local Leaders and Local Coordinators who make what we do possible, across this month's upcoming walks: #Adelaidewomen Tanya Cole, Catherine Walsh, Hayley Bellchambers #Aucklandwomen Michele Teague GAICD, Tracey Taylor, Cathy Betty, Lucy Sudbury #Brisbanewomen Kanani Draper MBA, Rebecca L Hersant, Cissy Ma, Tayla Collier #Calgarywomen Lisa Wall and Liliia Kursaeva, MBA, Cert CIMA #Canberrawomen Dr Nadine White, GAICD, Jenet Connell, and Casey Wilson #Christchurchwomen Di Humphries, Charlotte Walshe, Katie Bacon and Mimi-Jean Crozier #Dubaiwomen Afsaneh Jalilzadeh, Pavneet Bajwa, Aruna Narayanan, Divena Tulsani . Mélanie Lapointe,  with the support of Rola Abu Manneh. #Hobartwomen Ruth Groom, Ally Bradley MBA, Erin van Maanen and Bree Franklin #Melbournewomen Mim Bartlett, Andi Pert, Amanda Pozzobon and Isabel Heiner #Newcastlewomen Sam Martin-Williams FAICD FGIA, Bernadette Inglis, Kathy Rimmer and Simone Mourtos #Parramattawomen Alphia Possamai-Inesedy, Melissa Irwin, Helen Hamilton-James, Jade Jing and Lucy Lin #Perthwomen ,Linda O'Farrell, Alison Terry, Holly Mahupuku, and Renee Kaczmarczyk #Singaporewomen Aliza Knox, Belinda Pervan (Hilberts), and Joey Lee #Sydneywomen Bobbi Mahlab, Adina Jacobs, Lauren Simpson, and Abi Carter  #Vancouverwomen Penny Swords, Laura Chodola, and Brittany Bartram #Virtualmentoring Angelina Eynon and Mika Perlada #Wollongongwomen Renee Whiteside GAICD FCPHR, Courtney West, and Jane Broadhead #mentoring #mentorwalks #mentoringworks #mentoringmatters #womensupportingwomen

🌅 Hobart, this lunchtime reminded us: small city, big ambition. Taking a quick break from their day, a group of driven, curious women came together to walk, connect and talk about what’s next in their careers. It was honest, energising, and full of clarity-building moments. ✨ Why does this walk matter? Because no one gets ahead alone. Because even in a smaller city, your network can be mighty. Because sometimes, one powerful conversation is all it takes to open a new door - or give you the courage to knock. 👟 Some women joined today’s walk with a decision on their mind. Others came seeking fresh energy or a spark of inspiration. And a few simply wanted to be surrounded by women who get it. In a country where the glass ceiling is still very real - especially for women outside the major metros - spaces like this are essential. We need more visibility, more community, and more women backing women in every postcode. 📍 Our next Hobart walk is coming up soon, and we’d love to see you there. Bring your questions, your ambition, and your walking shoes. You’ll leave with so much more. 📅 Next Hobart walk: Friday, 6 June 🔗 Book now: https://bit.ly/3Yfno0k A big thanks to Hydro Tasmania for your continued support and for helping Hobart women thrive in their careers. Thanks also to our wonderful mentors, Bess Clark, Penny Egan, Ruth Groom, Kate Huntington, Ningning Lyons, Lesley Mackay, Helen Ransom, Dr Rachel Baird, Salliann Beams (nee Briggs), and Ally Bradley MBA. Thanks to our local team - Ruth Groom, Ally Bradley MBA, Erin van Maanen and Breanna Franklin - for making our Hobart walks possible! #MentorWalks #WomenInLeadership #CareerGrowth #HobartNetworking #GlassCeiling #MentorshipMatters #SmallCityBigDreams

Women own approximately 34% of all small businesses in Australia * - a sign of progress but also a reminder that there’s still work to be done to achieve true gender equity in business. 🌿 This morning, as the sun rose over Melbourne's Botanic Gardens, women from across industries gathered for Mentor Walks - a space to connect, share insights, and gain real career momentum. Today’s conversations explored: 🔹 Navigating career transitions with confidence 🔹 Leading effectively in dynamic environments 🔹 Overcoming challenges unique to women in business There’s something electric about being surrounded by women who back each other - especially before 8am! 📍 Melbourne is one of our busiest walks - and for good reason. If you missed today, don’t wait to book the next one. 🔗 Secure your spot here: https://bit.ly/3E6IKWU A big thank you to our Premier Partners Coles Group and MECCA Brands for their continued support in empowering women through real connection and community. Another big thank you to our wonderful mentors for their time and generosity, Amanda Gome AM, Amber Benjafield, Vicky Au, Elisa Koch, Genevieve Hawkins, Jacqui Abbott, Jane Murray GAICD, Jane Hollman, Jenn ten Seldam, Kendra Vant, Kathryn (Kit) Vati, Leora Givoni GAICD, Mim Bartlett, Malia Forner, Divya Pasupuleti, Rebecca Kardos, Renece Brewster, Sabina Read, Sandra Sdraulig AM, Sarah Anderson, Stephanie Fahey, and Tammy Ryder.   * Source: Mums & Co, 202 #MentorWalks #WomenInBusiness #WomenInLeadership #MelbourneNetworking #CareerGrowth #MentorshipMatters

💻 One walk. Countless possibilities. No matter where you are. This morning, women from across countries, regions, towns and cities - joined us for our Virtual Mentor Walk. What makes this walk so powerful? ✅ No travel required ✅ Connect from anywhere ✅ Speak directly with an experienced mentor who can help you move forward In an hour, women shared challenges, asked questions, and left with fresh insights, clear direction, and a sense of connection that crosses borders. Whether you’re feeling stuck, growing fast, or just need a sounding board - this walk is for you. 📍 Our next virtual walk is coming up soon. If you’ve been waiting for the right time to join, this is it. 📅 Next Virtual session: Thursday 8 May 🔗 Book now: https://bit.ly/4cfhO3L A big thank you to our Premier Partner, Coles Group, for helping us make this possible. A huge thank you to the incredible Angelina Eynon, Alicia Aitken, Billie Jo Barbara, Cheryl Hayman FAICD FGIA, Cissy Ma, Dora Peake (FCPHR), Kathryn Maggs, Michelle Guthrie, Michelle Phipps FCPHR, PhD, Bec Sandford, Tracy Taylor, and Nina Ta, who make these conversations so impactful. Also importantly, to the women who show up, ask big and small questions, and support each other across time zones. #MentorWalks #VirtualMentoring #WomenInLeadership #CareerGrowth #AustraliaWide #MentorshipMatters

🌄 This morning in Christchurch, a group of women showed up early — not just to walk but to support one another. Mentor Walks is about sharing experiences, making space for honest conversations, and helping more women take steps toward the careers and lives they want. It’s simple but powerful — and we’d love to see more women here. If you’ve been thinking about a change, facing a challenge, or just needing a bit of clarity, you’re not alone, and this community is here for you. Our thanks to the incredible mentors, Charlotte Walshe, Dr Lucy Hone, Tracey Wilson and Di Murphy, who gave their time this morning, and to our Major Partner, Seequent, for helping make this possible. Let’s keep growing this circle, one walk at a time. ✨ An hour-long walk with a great mentor might be the most impactful thing you do this month. 📍 Our next walk is coming up - sign up here: https://bit.ly/3FQfJPQ   Thanks to our local team - Di Humphries, Charlotte Walshe, Katie Bacon and Mimi-Jean Crozier - for making Christchurch walks possible! #MentorWalks #ChristchurchWomen #WomenSupportingWomen #LeadershipStartsHere #MentorshipMatters