Success and happiness at work are two of the most important drivers that always guided my career journey. In search of those, I have always landed opportunities where I could learn, grow and expand both mind and heart. I strongly believe that happy people at work excel in delivering results, share their knowledge and experience with an open heart and help others grow, with passion and compassion. Over my 25 years' experience, I have been very lucky to practice across different geographies and cultures and I have become in return a more rounded and mature business leader, able to navigate complex challenges, flex my style when needed and lead teams to professional and personal success. And while at it, I have developed a robust sense of self which kept me grounded and on the right course, aligned with my inner values. I have been successful, and I have successfully failed at times, becoming a bit better and a bit more rounded every day. It is an ongoing journey as learning and expanding never stops. This keeps me happy and energized.

What can mentorship contribute to a person's career?

As I have had great mentors during my career and I have been privileged to act as a mentor myself for the last few years, I believe that best mentors are helping and shaping mentees into becoming great leaders and confident captains of their own journey. The mentor-mentee relationship can often be a life and career-changing experience impacting both parties. There is something special about that space a good mentor-mentee relationship creates. A safe haven for reflection, a space that allows for the big and sometimes "forbidden" questions to be heard and talked about without judgement. A trust that allows us to become vulnerable while cocooned in a safety net, so we can get to the essence of our motivations, ambitions, desires and struggles. A mentor is above all a honed listener, a sparring partner who, through sharing perspectives and experiences brings hope, inspiration and facilitates growth and self-confidence. I will always remain grateful to my mentors and I'm very thankful for the opportunity to be part of this program and share my journey with others. It is my time to give back and grow further while at it.