That experience taught me loads, including how the other people in the (class)room will always see you differently from how you see yourself; and how I could never stop running in the corridors.
But as I’ve grown in experience as a leader, there’s another thing I learned early on as a teacher that I reflect on more and more: “You never really understand something until you try and teach it to someone else.”
That’s why mentoring – doing it, not just receiving it – has become an increasingly large and valuable part of my working life.
The benefits of having a mentor are, I hope, pretty obvious. Like having some time in the busy, deadline-driven, always-on work environment to stop and think about yourself. To ponder “what do I really want to be doing?” and “what makes me happy and fulfilled?” as well as “what am I good at, and how can I use those qualities even better in future?” To get tips, guidance and insight from people who’ve trodden the leadership path before you and to benefit from their expertise and experience. And to express ideas, thoughts and doubts in a completely safe and supportive space.
All of that is absolute gold dust. And it’s why I seek out opportunities to learn from the pioneering women who blazed a trail before me and my incredibly wise and talented peers within Women in Advertising and Communications Leadership (WACL). But what I’ve come to realise from mentoring the next generation of female talent is that being the mentor teaches me just as much as being a mentee does.
Of course, a mentor should always approach any session with a giving mindset. It’s all about the mentee, it’s not about you. Your role is to listen actively, to be led by them, to use your experience to guide, explore and help your mentee in the way that works best for them. But it’s also true that giving time and thought and space to these emerging female leaders gives me so much in return.
And not just the things some people might expect – like what’s good on TikTok right now, or whether they are really giving an unfiltered version of their lives through their BeReal activity.
Just like it was for me as a teacher or a parent, really listening to and talking with people who haven’t been on the planet as many years as I have, helps me think about all kinds of things in new ways. When I was teaching and a parent of young children, that often meant questions like: how to tie your shoelaces; or whether flowers get sad when they’re cut; or why Hamlet says “to kill a king and marry with his brother”. And interestingly, helping answer those questions taught me important leadership lessons. Like how there are many ways to do the same thing, so finding the one that works best for you is important. And how not knowing the answer to every question is absolutely fine, as we can explore it together to work out what we both think. And how yes, he just blamed the woman without many of us even noticing. Why is that?
These days, one of the big lessons I’ve learned from my mentees is that role models matter. The next generation needs people in positions like mine to model what good leadership looks like: leadership that’s driven by empathy, humility, vulnerability, integrity and collaboration. And that means that women of my generation must avoid taking the path of least resistance, “channeling your inner white bloke” to fit in with a dominant culture.
The women I’ve mentored have also taught me that many younger women simply aren’t as willing as my generation was to put up with a system that’s not working for half the population as well as it should, as this article also demonstrates. I find this such a powerful lesson, and it gives me even more impetus to create much-needed change in my industry for all marginalised groups – both in our workplaces and in the work we produce.
But maybe one of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned from each one of my mentees is that (just like with brands I work with) exploring your own personal “why” as well as your “what” is disproportionately important.
I’ve witnessed how powerful it is, how energised, focused and liberated people I mentor are when they really connect with why they do the work they do. And as well as being incredibly inspiring, that helps me reconnect with my “why” too.
So, if you want to keep on growing, my advice would be don’t just get a mentor.
Be a mentor too.
Lori Meakin is a working mum and Founder of Joint, a successful creative business, which makes me the exception rather than the rule.
May
15may10:0011:00Legal Essentials | Supporting Women at Work
15/05/2025 10:00 - 11:00(GMT+01:00)
89% of working women say their health issues negatively affect their work, but only 1 in 3 feel supported by their employer. It’s no longer
It’s no longer enough to raise awareness, organisations must take legally informed, practical action to support women’s health in the workplace.
Join me and Hannah Strawbridge, Employment Lawyer, for this session where we’ll uncover the top legal risks employers face and how to avoid them when it comes to menopause, menstrual health, fertility, pregnancy, and more.
You’ll gain:
A clear understanding of the legal risks around women’s health
Insight into the practical steps you can take
Discover how you can to turn awareness into action
Date: Thursday 15th May 2025
Time: 10:00 – 10.45am
15may16:0016:45Empowering Pupil Wellbeing | Free Primary Stars Webinar & Resources
15/05/2025 16:00 - 16:45(GMT+00:00)
Join us on Thursday 15 May 2025 for a free, live webinar designed to help teachers confidently support pupil self-esteem, emotional wellbeing, and mental resilience. Hosted
Hosted during Mental Health Awareness Week, this session features expert insights from the Mental Health Foundation, Dr Claire-Marie Roberts (Performance Director at Coventry City FC and Chartered Psychologist) and Ruth Elborn (Education Mental Health Practitioner and former teacher).
You’ll discover:
16mayAll DayEmpower Female Founders Conference
16/05/2025 All Day(GMT+01:00)
Kraken Technology Centre
Pariser Building, 168AA, Sackville St, Manchester M1 7JR, M1 7JR
Empower Female Founders is a unique event designed by female founders for female founders,
Equipping them with the tools needed to overcome challenges and achieve success in their entrepreneurial journeys.By providing a supportive community and sharing experiences, Empower Female Founders aims to empower women to redefine their potential, amplify their impact, and thrive in their sector.
In May 2025 we will welcome 100 female founders to this one of a kind event in Manchester.
Empower Female Founders is far from your traditional conference set up. We’ve spoken to our community of Female Founders and we know what’s needed is practical action, answers to the important questions and to gain knowledge from those who have been there and done it.
The day will be built around fast-paced workshop sessions and collaboration providing the opportunity not just to learn but to connect with female founders sharing the same journey.
Our focus is on building confidence, developing a growth mindset, and providing a supportive community that empowers women to overcome challenges and achieve success.
The day will be built around panels featuring Female Founders sharing what’ it’s really like to be a Female Founder, an opportunity to ask fellow Female Founders for their advice as industry experts, celebrating and reframing the narrative around success and ambition.
There will also be an Action learning workshop on Growth Mindset led by Empower Co Founder Beckie Taylor and a fast-paced knowledge share sessions providing the opportunity not just to learn but to connect with female founders sharing the same journey.
09:00 Registration and Networking
09:30 Welcome from Beckie Taylor, Co-Founder, Empower
09:45 Panel : What it’s REALLY like to be a Female Founder
10:30 Action Learning – Female Founder Mindset
11:30 Coffee and Networking
11:45 Panel : Ask The Experts
12:30 Morning Close
12:30 Lunch & Networking
13:30 Welcome Back, Beckie Taylor, Co-Founder, Empower
13:35 Knowledge Share Session
15:15 Coffee and Networking
15:30 Panel – Celebrating Success and Ambition
16:15 Thanks and closing remarks
16:30 Cocktails and Mocktails
18:30 Close
19may18:0020:30The Future of Fairness in Leadership and Business | WBS
19/05/2025 18:00 - 20:30(GMT+01:00)
WBS at the Shard
London, SE1 9SG
This is your chance to engage in powerful dialogue and spark meaningful change in your professional sphere. After the panel discussion, network with peers from across industries
After the panel discussion, network with peers from across industries over drinks and canapés, against the vibrant backdrop of London.
This event is held annually in collaboration with our partners We are the City, Women Engineering Society, Forte, City Women Network and 30% Chair; We are delighted to welcome a distinguished line-up of keynote speakers:
Dr Dawn Eubanks – Associate Professor of Behavioural Science & EI and Panel Chair
Rukasana Bhaijee – Global Head of DEI at the Financial Times. A DEI leader with over 13 years of experience across media, technology, professional services, and higher education. Formerly led DEI for Google’s EMEA tech division and consulted at EY, Rukasana brings deep expertise in strategy, race equity, and inclusive culture change.
Geraldine Gallacher – CEO of the Executive Coaching Consultancy, author of Coaching Women: Changing the System, Not the Person, and City Women Network Board member.
Mark Swain – WBS Client Director & Executive Coach, and Fellow of The Learning and Performance Institute. With over 20 years experience in leadership development Mark has developed a framework supporting Women in Strategy.
Ben Evans – New Business Director, AtkinsRéalis, ED&I Advocate and Warwick MBA Alumnus (2013)
Together, they’ll share their invaluable insights, strategies, and real-world experiences in fostering fairness and driving success in today’s dynamic and changing corporate landscape.
Key Topics Include:
Whether you’re a mid-career professional, an established leader, or an entrepreneur passionate about shaping the future of fairness, this event will leave you inspired and equipped to make a lasting impact.
Free
21may12:0013:00Master the Art of Incredible Interviews | WeAreTheCity & City CV
21/05/2025 12:00 - 13:00(GMT+01:00)
WeAreTheCity & City CV are thrilled to present a
Do interviews leave you feeling uneasy, underprepared or unsure of how to showcase your best self? Are you stuck in a loop of missed opportunities, wondering how to stand out and seal the deal? You’re not the only one. On average, people apply for 27 roles before they land just one interview.
But don’t worry – you’re in the right place. Whether it’s been years since your last interview, you’re chasing a promotion or new role, or simply trying to stay sharp, this free one-hour masterclass will give you the edge to win your next role. Your interview isn’t just a conversation – it’s a marketing pitch where you’re the product. Discover how to demonstrate your value, convince employers you’re the best investment they can make, and leave them thinking, “We’d be foolish not to hire you.”
In this jam-packed session, Victoria McLean, Founder & CEO of City CV, guides you through the art of wowing interviewers. With a proven track record of helping people at all career levels secure their dream roles, Victoria brings decades of expertise, countless success stories and award-winning career strategies to the table.
What you’ll learn:
Looking for more career support? Explore our Career Resources page. Ready to take the next step? Browse the latest opportunities on our Job Board and find your perfect role today!
23may10:0012:00Online* Pelvic Floor Recovery Workshop FREE | Karen Ellis - Postnatal Recovery Expert
23/05/2025 10:00 - 12:00(GMT+01:00)
With former Midwife, Karen Ellis. *Available on replay. Exactly how to rebuild strength in your pelvic floor after pregnancy. All the information you should have got from
All the information you should have got from your midwife about how to recover your pelvic floor PROPERLY after having a baby and how to exercise SAFELY so you can smile with excitement and enjoy the moment when your toddler takes your hand and pulls you towards the bouncy castle instead of the feeling of dread taking over as you decline their invitation.
You are a mum who;
And so you can have dry knickers!
Free