By Cynthia Matarutse
IN a world obsessed with hustle culture, viral job titles, and the next big thing, one quiet force continues to shape careers in ways that no algorithm can predict: mentorship.
It’s not flashy. It doesn’t trend on social media. But for those who have experienced its magic, mentorship is the career superpower they did not know they needed — until it changed everything.
From confusion to clarity: a personal crossroads
A few years ago, I stood at a professional fork in the road. One path led to a startup with dazzling promises and a charismatic pitch deck. The other? A quieter, more stable role at an established company with a proven track record.
The startup sparkled. The established company whispered.
I was torn — until I turned to my mentors.
Their advice was simple, yet profound: “Look beyond the glitter. Stability matters. Culture matters. Growth matters.”
That conversation did not just influence my decision — it transformed my trajectory. I chose the quieter path, and in doing so, found the space to grow, learn, and eventually become a seasoned mentor myself.
Why mentorship isn’t optional anymore
Mentorship is not a corporate perk — It’s a necessity. In today’s fast-paced, often isolating professional world, mentorship offers:
l Perspective: Mentors help you see beyond your blind spots. They have walked the path, or they know someone who has walked that path and can illuminate yours.
l Confidence: Having someone believe in you — even when you are unsure — can be the push you need.
l Strategic choices: Mentors help you think long-term, not just about your next job, but your career arc.
l Emotional support: Sometimes, you just need someone who gets it. Mentors offer empathy, not just expertise.
The art of building trust
For any mentorship relationship to thrive, trust is essential—yet it is often misunderstood. According to renowned researcher and author Brené Brown, trust is not built through grand gestures, but in small, consistent moments. In her work on vulnerability and human connection, Brown introduces the BRAVING framework — a practical model that breaks trust down into seven actionable components:
B – Boundaries
Trust begins with clarity and respect for personal limits. It means knowing what is acceptable and honouring those boundaries.
R – Reliability
Being dependable and consistent. Trust is earned when people follow through on their commitments repeatedly.
A – Accountability
Taking responsibility for mistakes, offering sincere apologies, and making amends. This reinforces trust through honesty and ownership.
V – Vault
Keeping confidences. Trust requires that confidential information remains private, and that we do not share what is not ours to share.
I – Integrity
Choosing courage over comfort and doing what’s right over what’s easy. It’s about living your values, not just stating them.
N – Non-judgment
Creating a safe space where people can ask for help or express themselves without fear of criticism.
G – Generosity
Interpreting others’ actions and intentions in the most generous way possible. Giving the benefit of the doubt fosters deeper connection.
Brown emphasises that trust is a deliberate, ongoing practice, and the BRAVING framework offers a clear guide to cultivating it in every relationship — including mentorship.
Recently, I began mentoring a young woman in our graduate traineeship programme. Bright, curious, and full of potential, she was also understandably nervous. What I discovered was profound: before any real growth could occur, she needed to feel safe — not judged, not rushed, simply heard.
Once trust was established, transformation followed. She began to share her fears, her dreams, and her doubts. That vulnerability became the foundation for real progress.
As a mentor, I am continually reminded of the importance of trust — and how Brené Brown’s insights offer a powerful lens through which to nurture it.
Other golden rules of mentorship
Whether you’re guiding someone or seeking guidance, here are additional the dos and don’ts that make mentorship meaningful:
DO:
l Listen more than you speak.
l Ask thoughtful questions.
l Be consistent and dependable.
l Share your failures, not just your wins.
l Celebrate progress, no matter how small.
DON’T:
l Assume you know it all.
l Rush the relationship.
l Give advice without context.
l Ignore emotional cues.
l Treat it like a checklist.
The ripple effect
Mentorship is not about having all the answers. It’s about showing up, being real, and walking alongside someone as they figure things out.
It’s the quiet conversation that helps someone choose stability over hype. It’s the gentle nudge that turns fear into confidence. It’s the shared story that reminds us we’re not alone.
So if you have ever benefited from a mentor, consider becoming one. And if you are seeking for clarity in your career, don’t go it alone — reach out, ask questions, and let someone guide you.
Because sometimes, the best career decisions don’t start with a strategy — but with a simple conversation.
Matarutse is head of Audit, Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe