LEARNING FROM EACH OTHER

Feon Ang (a managing director at Linkedin) has mentored Letitia Ng (a programme manager at Linkedin) through Young Women’s Leadership Connection (YWLC) programme. We ask them about their mentorship journey.

How would the both of you describe your mentor/mentee relationship?

FEON: I got to know Letitia in 2019 through the YWLC mentorship programme. Then, she always came prepared with questions and showed she was keen to invest in her own growth.

LETITIA: Feon has been a big role model for me not just in terms of my career, but also as a person. I’m really grateful that we have a candid relationship where we are able to tell each other “hard truths” when thinking through a decision or giving feedback.

How have you benefitted from mentorship?

LETITIA: When I first met Feon, I was at a loss as to where my career should go. Feon took the time to understand my career goals and connected me with some people from her leadership team. Overall, the mentorship experience has helped to chart a career path, while inspiring me towards the kind of impact I want to have in the future.

FEON: Being a mentor has helped me to stay grounded. Conversations with my mentees are not a one-way exchange – instead, they constantly inspire me with their passion and resilience in the face of adversity as they work towards their dreams.

Why do you think female mentorship is so important for women?

FEON: Although progress has been made in closing the gender gap, there are still fewer opportunities for women than men in the workplace. Women need to support, inspire and connect with one another to better navigate challenges. I would encourage all women to reach out to their peers or junior team mates – even by simply providing a listening ear, you may be able to help someone better understand their challenges, and that is often the first step towards more positive outcomes.

LETITIA: Mentorship is important for everyone. As cliched as it may sound, women tend to be more hesitant in asking for advice than men. Personally, having a mentor like Feon has helped me to broaden my horizons, learn by example, and build my confidence.