The Navitas Mentoring program: stories from a mentor pair

Hear from mentor/mentee team, Atra Bromand and Shelby Feldman about their experiences in the award-winning Navitas Mentor Program.

Now in its second year, the Navitas Mentoring Program was designed to connect colleagues from all over Navitas by providing a structured framework for one-to-one mentorships that allow both mentors and mentees to benefit from shared learning and experience and the transference of knowledge and skills.

Run in partnership with Women and Leadership Australia, the bespoke global program aims to build the skills and capabilities of mentors across Navitas so that both mentor and mentee are set up for success. In addition to helping to advance the careers of women at Navitas, the mentoring program meets our broader Diversity, Equity and Inclusion goals to provide opportunities for colleagues to learn from the experience of others.

In its first year of operation, the program was awarded the 2023 Mentorloop Impact Award! Each year the Mentorloop Impact Awards evaluate hundreds of programs from industry associations, non-profit communities and corporate organisations from all over the world. The award-winning programs demonstrate the key criteria that sets impactful mentoring programs apart: a shared philosophy of mentoring, scale of opportunity and accessibility, positive participant engagement and satisfaction and overall working towards a culture of mentoring that supports diversity, equity and inclusion for organisations, industries and/or communities.

We spoke to one mentor and mentee pair about their experiences in the program. Read on to hear from mentor, Atra Bromand, Global Inside Sales Team Leader, EMEAA and mentee, Shelby Feldman, Student Recruitment Manager, Murdoch Dubai.

What inspired you to register for the mentoring program?

Atra: I wanted to seize the opportunity to engage with colleagues across Navitas in a fresh and meaningful way, build connections, and gain insights into their unique roles and perspectives, enriching my overall experience within the company.

Shelby: The opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions with colleagues—especially those I might not otherwise collaborate with—was a major draw. Connecting with someone who brings a different background and perspective adds depth to professional development.

Why did you choose to be a mentor or mentee?

Atra: Being a mentor allows me to share my expertise with others and foster their growth. It provides a valuable opportunity for self-reflection as I consider my own experiences and how they can benefit someone else. Moreover, mentoring sharpens my leadership skills by improving my communication, active listening, and adaptability to meet each mentee’s unique needs.

Shelby: Regardless of how ‘far’ I may be in my career, there is always room for continuous growth and learning, and the value of hearing from those with more experience, especially when they can offer insights that challenge my thinking and broaden my perspective, is paramount. Having a mentor allows me to refine my approach to leadership, decision-making, and career progression in ways I might not have considered on my own.

What is it like connecting with someone from a different part of the organisation and a different country?

Atra: It’s a chance to delve into areas you may not typically engage with, fostering a broader understanding of our collective mission and enhancing your overall perspective on the organisation.

Shelby: It’s been a great way to understand the organisation from a broader lens, beyond just my region and role. Learning how different teams approach challenges and opportunities in their markets has been both insightful and refreshing.

How has your relationship grown and changed over time?

Atra: Collaborating with Shelby has been a truly rewarding experience. She possesses an innate ability to connect with others, making our teamwork both enjoyable and productive. Throughout our time together, we’ve encountered numerous enriching learning opportunities, allowing us to grow professionally and personally. I believe our partnership has evolved significantly, as we’ve continuously exchanged valuable feedback and engaged in thoughtful discussions. This ongoing dialogue has deepened our understanding and strengthened our collaboration.

Shelby: Our conversations were natural, beginning with a few key points to touch on and evolving organically as our rapport grew. Atra is nothing short of amazing and her methodical approach and feedback is greatly appreciated. What began as structured check-ins became dynamic conversations filled with learning opportunities, feedback, and discussions on challenges, alternative strategies, and new perspectives throughout.

What is one key thing you have learned during your time in the program?

Atra: Being a mentor is not merely about supplying answers or offering ready-made solutions; rather, it involves guiding the mentee through a process of exploration and reflection.

Shelby: The importance of asking “why.” Atra has helped me break down my thoughts by questioning not just what I do, but why I do it, why I enjoy it (or perhaps why I don’t), and more. This process helped me develop a more analytical mindset and a stronger sense of purpose in my work.