YWLC is back with its second iteration of the Peer Mentorship Program, bringing together 60 participants to embark on a 9-month group mentorship journey.
Building on the success of the pilot run in 2023, this year’s program will continue to be centered around the philosophy that everyone has something to give (be a mentor) and something to learn (be a mentee). Participants are allocated to a “Learning Pod” which brings together 4-5 individuals in a safe environment to share their challenges and learn from the diverse perspectives of others.
New additions to the program this year based on learnings from the pilot include a journal for participants to reflect and celebrate their journey together, and workshops targeted at topics top of mind for participants.
On 30 September 2024, participants came together for their commencement workshop.
The day began with an Opening Address by Samantha Gwee (Head of Business Development at The Executive Centre). Samantha candidly shared about her challenges in juggling work and personal commitments and how she was empowered to keep all her plates spinning by relying on her supportive tribe. Her tribe, which also includes colleagues from her workplace, allowed her to navigate various transitions in life, including her transition into motherhood over the past few years. Samantha ended on a positive note, encouraging participants to support and grow together.
Participants were then taken through an overview of what to expect on the 9-month journey ahead, and also a guided intention-setting exercise which challenged them to reflect on what the key challenges they want to tackle during the program and why it is important to them. Participants were also encouraged to start a vision board to visualise their life “in their wildest dream” to influence their behaviour and actions to drive the change they wish to see from within.
To provide participants with insights on how to make the most of the program, a learning pod from the pilot run, consisting of Vivian Sim, Kelly Ong and Lynette Lee, was invited to share about their journey together and the impact it had on them. The trio shared about their initial apprehension towards the program but quickly realised that the experience was fulfilling and enriching. The golden rule here was a commitment they had towards each other and their fellow Learning Pod members to show up regularly and form a strong support system that they could lean into. Personal anecdotes were also shared on how the program allowed them to navigate tough personal and work situations. Their open sharing left participants with actionable tips on driving success in the coming months.
The event wrapped up with participants breaking into their Learning Pods.The journal came in handy to facilitate meaningful conversations which included participants sharing their personal and professional goals as well as their goals and intentions with each other.
This was the start of an amazing and fruitful journey and the morning ended on a high note for the participants.
Acknowledgements
A huge thank you to The Executive Centre for being our venue partner and for hosting us at their co-working space at One Raffles Quay for the event.
Speakers: Samantha Gwee, Vivian Sim, Kelly Ong, Lynette Lee
Organising Committee
Urmila Baskaran, Rachel Lee Jia Yi, Audrey Kum, Yeoh Wan Qing, Lynette Lee, Debbie Ooi, Rachel Goh, Philline Cheng, Andrea Yiap, Claire Tang, Jillian Chan
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