International Mentoring Day 2026: The lessons from mentors that have stayed with us

The HRO editorial team reflects on the quiet lessons from our mentors that have shaped confidence, perspective, and growth at work.

Feature by Umairah Nasir, with inputs by Tracy Chan, Sarah Gideon, and Priya Sunil.

International Mentoring Day, observed on 17 January each year, is a moment to recognise the role mentors play in shaping careers. While mentoring is often associated with structured programmes or formal guidance, its most lasting impact can come from simple conversations and everyday advice.

To mark the day, the Human Resources Online editorial team asked ourselves one reflective question:

What is one lesson from a mentor that quietly changed how you see yourself at work?

The responses show how mentoring often works beneath the surface, influencing how people think, speak, and carry themselves professionally.

Here is what our team has to share about the lessons that have stayed with us and that continue to guide us at work.

Umairah Nasir, Journalist

One lesson a mentor shared with me was that everyone has been new before, and everyone has made mistakes along the way. Hearing this helped me stop being so hard on myself at work. I realised that uncertainty and learning are not signs of weakness, but a normal part of growth. Instead of fearing mistakes, I began to see them as opportunities to improve and ask better questions. This shift made me more confident in speaking up and trying new things. It also reminded me that progress matters more than perfection, especially early in your career.

Tracy Chan, Senior Journalist

One important lesson I have learnt from my mentor — who is also my manager — is to measure success by my effort, not just the results, and to always trust and be true to myself.

My manager consistently encourages me to try, experiment, and explore new ideas. She gives me 100% confidence and trust in whatever I do. Her support reminds me that it’s not about how many tasks I can juggle or how big they are, nor about what the final outcome looks like — it’s about taking initiative, learning from each experience, and improving with every attempt.

This kind of mentorship has quietly shifted my mindset and changed how I see my role within a team. I have realised I don’t need to be the loudest or the fastest to contribute meaningfully. What matters is supporting one another, working collaboratively, sharing our experiences, and focusing on the bigger picture to create greater impact.

Sarah Gideon, Journalist

My mentor would be my mum. She inspires me everyday to lean forward with my heart, and to keep my head down and work hard. As I learnt to navigate my own choices and mistakes, she consistently taught me the importance of empathy, sincerity, and perseverance. A passionate and hardworking woman who loves deeply, she continues to guide me to give my best in everything I do, chase my dreams, and to live life to the fullest.

Priya Sunil, Deputy Editor

One lesson that has stayed with me is about being a better manager by resisting the urge to do everything myself. My mentor once reminded me that speed isn’t always the same as effectiveness. Instead of jumping in to make quick corrections or take on last-minute tasks, I learnt to see these moments as opportunities to share the load and build accountability within my team.

This shift is not only helping my team grow, but has also made me more mindful (slowly but surely!) of managing my own workload – balancing my responsibility to support others while ensuring I have the space to deliver on my own work. It’s changed how I see my role — from being the one who tries to fix everything, to being an enabler who helps others grow.

These reflections show that mentoring does not always change a career overnight. More often, it changes how people see themselves at work. A few thoughtful words can build confidence, shift perspective, or give someone the courage to take up space they once hesitated to claim.

This International Mentoring Day, let us pause to acknowledge the mentors whose quiet guidance continues to shape us long after the conversation ends. Their influence may not always be visible, but it is carried into meetings, decisions, and moments of self-belief every day.

Happy International Mentoring Day, everyone!