A leg up as we climb

March 8 is International Women’s Day—a time to celebrate women’s achievements and push for more opportunities for them. One of the best ways to help women succeed is through mentorship. A great mentor challenges, guides, and supports the mentee, helping her grow in ways she never expected. In today’s page, we’re shining a light on mentor-mentee pairs, and the difference they made to each other. Their stories show how mentorship—whether traditional or reverse—can open doors, build confidence, and create lasting impact. Indeed, having the right support can change everything.
A good mentor challenges you
Mentor

"One of the key aspects of mentorship is fostering an environment where mentees feel empowered to take risks and embrace challenges. From the time that I joined Microsoft and started working with Sheenu, it was evident that she possessed a unique blend of strategic thinking and leadership potential. As her mentor, my role has been to provide guidance, challenge her perspectives, and support her through various career transitions. Sheenu’s commitment to paying it forward by creating space for emerging women leaders and championing their voices is truly inspiring. She embodies the essence of mentorship by not only advancing her own career but also ensuring that others feel seen, supported, and empowered. As Satya Nadella often says, “Our mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.” Sheenu’s journey reflects this mission, and I am proud to have been a part of her growth and success," said Puneet Chandok, President, Microsoft India And South Asia.
Mentee

"When we start out in our careers, there’s this rush—this hunger to do everything, learn everything, and prove ourselves at lightning speed. It’s exciting, but it can also feel like navigating a maze without a map. That’s where mentorship comes in. A good mentor doesn’t just guide you; they challenge you, ask the tough questions, and hold up a mirror when you need it the most. They’re also your biggest cheerleaders, seeing potential in you before you even realise it yourself. Mentorship has been the cornerstone of my career progression over the last two decades. I’ve gone from being an account executive to leading strategy for Microsoft India & South Asia. My mentors have been with me through the journey. One piece of advice that has stuck with me is: “Growth and comfort do not coexist.” It has completely changed the way I think and navigate complexity and uncomfortable situations," said Sheenu Sekhri, Strategy Head & Chief Of Staff, Microsoft India And South Asia.
A mentor can demystify workplace dynamics
Mentor

"I believe that a mentor serves as an invaluable compass in a mentee’s professional journey. Through insightful discussions and strategic questioning, I helped them clarify their career goals and create actionable roadmaps with clear milestones. As a mentor I was able to provide organisational insights, helping the mentees understand workplace dynamics and build relationships with key stakeholders. When mentees encounter business challenges, I was able to offer fresh perspectives and problem-solving approaches, to help mentees develop effective solutions. This mentoring experience was personally rewarding as I contributed to developing and growing future leaders at Amazon," said Srikant Sree Ram, director, Amazon Fresh, India.
Mentee

"My mentors have played a very significant role in my leadership journey at Amazon, influencing both my professional and personal growth. Mentors have helped me think beyond constraints, often challenging my perspective and helping me build strengths that did not come organically to me. A mentor provides a safe space for development and that has been valuable for me. The Amazon Catalyst Program connected me to mentors at different points of my leadership journey and I also learnt a lot from the experiences of my peers in the same program. The program starts with a structured connection plan, including resources, training, and actionable steps for both mentor and me to work towards my goals. The mentoring experience has been instrumental in my ongoing development as a leader at Amazon. It is awesome to be a part of a program that creates impact at such a large scale!" said Bhumika Joshi, senior manager, product management, Amazon India.
Mentoring is a two-way learning process


"Mentoring, in my experience, is a two-way learning process. Chitra, a key leader in the group industrialisation team, has been focused on implementing the group’s guidelines and blueprint for Industrialisation. During our discussions, I was able to share insights from my experiences across multiple business units, industrialisation delivery center setups, and client interactions, which helped her refine the blueprint with more practical data points. Our conversations also covered topics like ecosystem complexity and change management, primarily through experience-sharing, and this exchange continues to this day. Through this process, I’ve also gained valuable knowledge from Chitra, particularly around new industrialisation models driven by Gen AI. Mentoring has truly been an enriching experience," said Harinder Singh Chatrath, Evp, Global Enterprise Package Based Solutions India Leader, Capgemini.
Mentee

"The highlight of my mentorship programme has been the opportunity to connect with Harinder, a senior leader and India country board member, who has provided invaluable guidance in my career development and aspirations. His mentorship has significantly enhanced my ability to anticipate and navigate complex ecosystems, a crucial skill for implementing global programs and driving change management within large corporations. Our discussions have been more than just one-sided advice; they’ve evolved into enriching two-way conversations that foster the exchange of valuable insights. The leadership lessons I’ve gained from him, along with his diverse perspectives on addressing challenges, have been instrumental in helping me successfully deploy the last-mile industrialisation operating model and manage global stakeholders across multiple business units and lines within the organisation," said Chitra Krishnamoorthy, Senior Director, Group Industrialisation, Capgemini.
Vidya’s had a profound impact on my career
Mentor
"I am deeply committed to empowering future women leaders at Tesco. As the lead sponsor of Tesco’s ‘Women in Technology’ pillar, I have mentored and championed numerous talented women, driving initiatives that foster leadership and inclusion. Through Women in Technology at Tesco, we have launched impactful programmes—speed networking, technology roadshows, fireside chats, and workshops—designed to equip women with the skills and confidence to advance their careers. Mentoring Rashmeet Kaur has been especially rewarding, and I hope my guidance inspires her and many others to thrive, lead, and shape a brighter future at Tesco and beyond," said Vidya laxman, director, Tesco Technology.
Mentee
"Vidya’s actionable insights and constructive feedback has had a profound impact on my career, shaping me into the professional I am today. The past six years at Tesco have been incredibly fulfilling. My journey is a testament to the organisation’s commitment to empowering women. It’s inspiring to see that 91% of our women colleagues feel confident about continuing their careers at Tesco, and 84% have reflected in our internal survey that they’ve had opportunities to learn and develop over the past year. This reaffirms Tesco’s dedication to foster an inclusive and supportive workplace where women can thrive," said Rashmeet Kaur, Software Development Manager, Tesco Technology.
You need someone to give harsh feedback sometimes
Mentor
"A good mentor doesn’t just make you feel good; they make you uncomfortable. Mine was brutally honest about my blind spots. Back then, I didn’t like it, but today, I see how those tough conversations, those dissections, those lessons shaped me. A mentor isn’t a sponsor; they won’t push your agenda. They challenge you, act as a sounding board, and show you that 99% of your problems aren’t unique someone has faced them before. The key is to listen with an open mind. I try to do the same for my mentees, like Suzanna, pushing them to see beyond their own limitations," said Lalitha Indrakanti, Ceo, Jlr Tbsi (Jaguar Land Rover Technology & Business Services India)
Mentee
"Lalitha empowers me in the truest sense; not by making things easy, but by pushing me into challenges I never thought I was ready for. She hands me tough assignments, stands by to guide me, but always lets me take the plunge. And, then there are days when she delivers the hardest feedback, the kind that stings. But, that’s what real learning is. She doesn’t just shape my skills; she shapes my mindset. With every challenge, she teaches me to trust myself, embrace discomfort, and grow beyond my own expectations," saidSuzanna George, People Partner, Jlr Tbsi.
I feel proud & privileged to be part of anjana’s inspiring journey
Mentor
"Mentoring Anjana has been incredibly rewarding, watching her transform from a determined technologist into a confident leader in the making. Having faced similar challenges, including balancing a career with motherhood, I connected with Anjana through trust, empathy, and shared experiences. My mentoring philosophy, inspired by Benjamin Franklin is: “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” Together, we focused on enhancing her technical expertise, networking, and aligning her career with her personal aspirations. Anjana’s relentless drive to learn and push her limits is remarkable. Our sessions were about building confidence and resilience, not just career strategies. Mentorship is a powerful catalyst, and I feel privileged and proud to be part of Anjana’s inspiring journey," said Poornima Aprameya, Md, Nordics Market, Communication, media & hi-tech industry, advanced technology centres in India, Accenture.
Mentee
"Coming from a non-technical academic background, I recognised the need to sharpen my technical expertise and business acumen to grow into a technical product leader. My mentor, Poornima, started as an informal sounding board and has now become a key career and life coach. Her guidance helped me master sales performance management and genAI tools and explore new industry domains, be more self-assured during client engagements, and build my network. Today, as I stand more confident, pursuing an executive MBA in product management, a step closer to my goal of becoming a product leader, I am deeply grateful for Poornima’s support," said Anjana Shriram, Application Development Lead, Advanced Technology Centres In India, Accenture.
Syed Helped Refine My Leadership Skills
Mentor
"Bharathi’s success in the Infosys Responsible AI Office is entirely her own, I merely provided the trust and space for her to thrive. She already had the potential, the expertise, and the drive to make an impact. I helped remove some early barriers, ensuring she had the autonomy to take decisions and lead with confidence. By trusting her judgment and creating an environment where she could thrive, she unlocked the immense value she was capable of delivering. Watching her step into her own leadership and drive meaningful outcomes has been very rewarding for me as well," said Syed Quiser Ahmed, global head Responsible AI Office, Infosys
Mentee
"With 22 years in the industry, my seven-year journey with learning to work deeply in the field of AI and automation began when Syed interviewed and onboarded me—not because I had all the required skills, but because he was confident that I would learn and upskill. His mentorship and trust, along with the support of a few other leaders at Infosys, helped me to grow, shape my journey in the field of AI and eventually hone my skills in responsible AI. His influence extends beyond technology—helping me refine my leadership, strategic thinking, and ability to build meaningful connections. I feel privileged to contribute to the Infosys Responsible AI advances alongside Syed. His mantra— "Expect 100% by default; anything less is an exception"—has set a high benchmark for excellence," said Bharathi Vokkaliga Ganesh, R&d Head Responsible Ai Office, Infosys
Reverse mentoring mutually fosters growth
Mentor
I’ve recently discovered the profound impact that reverse mentoring can have even on the most seasoned leaders. Ruchi Chauhan, my mentor, is a young data scientist and one of the future shapers at our organisation. During our monthly connections, I have discovered new aspects about people leadership, technology, and culture. This commitment gives an enhanced meaning to the revered guru-shishya parampara; it’s a holistic approach to learning and mentorship. I’d urge all leaders to be open to learning from the youngest members in the team. The insights they present can be an eyeopener in several ways and make you a future fit leader. Globally, we run an extensive programme for women called StepUp that offers mentorship to several colleagues," said Kalavathi Gv, executive director & head, global development centre, Siemens Healthineers.

Reverse mentoring is a powerful, reciprocal exchange that mutually fosters growth. It has been a transformative experience that is grounded in open and honest conversations. My reverse mentee, Kalavathi GV, and I share personal and professional stories and insights. When I mentor her, we explore leadership, how to nurture and tap into the full potential of young talent, as well as exchange our perspectives, readings, and experiences. On the other hand, she has taught me that impact can be made at any stage and that the right teacher will always emerge when you’re open to learning. These discussions are shaping my outlook, growth, and broadening my network. I now feel a sense of significance and responsibility to represent and influence the organisation, driving change step by step," said Ruchi Chauhan, data scientist, growth and innovation center in diagnostics, Siemens Health.
A mentor will help you leverage your strengths
Mentor
"I had the privilege of guiding Aparna in a mentorship programme. Through this programme, I gained insight into her work, growth, and challenges. I coached her on expanding her network for broader visibility, connecting with multiple stakeholders, and deepening her functional expertise and ownership to drive business deliverables. This guidance helped her take on greater responsibilities, and I have seen her grow significantly over the past four years. Based in India, she now leads a global team, which shows her ability to add value to the business by going deep into functional areas. Aparna’s journey is an amazing success story, and I am happy to have been part of it. Additionally, she actively contributes to initiatives around mental well-being beyond her day job, which further shows her commitment and impact within the organisation," said Shyamala Popuri, MD, head, International Private Bank Technology, India, JP Morgan Chase.
Mentee
"Shyamala became my mentor through a mentorship program at JPMorganChase, profoundly influencing my career over the past four years. Her approachable nature encouraged open discussions about my goals. She helped me leverage my strengths and build a distinct professional identity, which has advanced my career. Shyamala helped me navigate the organisational landscape, providing visibility through key opportunities. In one such instance, Shyamala empowered me to lead a technology specialist program, which I successfully developed into a well-regarded initiative. Shyamala acknowledged my achievements and enhanced my leadership skills through informal events. As my role expanded, she involved me in cross-organisational projects, broadening my perspective and helping me develop cross-organisational solutions. Having a mentor like Shyamala has been invaluable to my professional journey," said Aparna Thangirala, executive director, India Head, portfolio research and analytics, JPMorganChase.
Pallavi helped me balance personal life & career
Mentor
"My Enrich (Wipro’s structured executive sponsorship programme for high-potential women leaders in senior level) journey has provided me with a platform to engage in open conversations about my career aspirations with various business leaders. With my sponsor’s support, I took on an elevated role through an internal rotation, expanding my exposure to different business units and regions, and building a stronger network within the organisation. Over the past year and a half, I have also sponsored and mentored high-potential women leaders at Wipro. These discussions have helped me reflect on my experiences, and have enhanced my leadership style, trust-building, and ability to influence others," said Pallavi Umrani, Vp & Sector Delivery Head , Wipro.
Mentee
My experience in the Enrich program has been profoundly rewarding, the program’s structure, featuring accomplished senior leaders as sponsors, is commendable and provides invaluable guidance in setting short-term and long-term goals. Pallavi’s mentorship has been transformative. She helped me navigate the balance between personal priorities and career aspirations, emphasising the importance of holistic decision-making. Her guidance encouraged self-reflection, clarifying my career aspirations and strengths. The opportunity to participate in her meetings provided invaluable exposure to different career paths. Pallavi’s mentorship has empowered me to approach my career with greater clarity and purpose," said Kiranmayee Muralidhara, consulting partner, product lifecycle management, Industry 4.0, Wipro.