Sometimes growth doesn’t come from a course, a promotion, or a big career move.
Sometimes it comes from a single sentence, said at exactly the right time.
Across Novuna, mentoring is creating moments like these for our colleagues. Quiet breakthroughs. Shifts in perspective. Realisations that change how people see themselves, their confidence, and their impact.
Here are a few of those mentoring moments, shared by our colleagues in their own words.
“It’s not low confidence, it’s people-pleasing.”
Laura Wetherald, Senior HR Advisor, used mentoring to help her reframe something she’d been trying to tackle for years.
“I requested mentoring for ‘low confidence’, but after a contracting session, my mentor said, ‘It’s not low confidence, it’s people-pleasing.’ That moment completely changed everything.”
Laura realised she’d been solving the wrong problem and that insight unlocked real change.
“I now feel ten times more confident to challenge in my own way, and I understand my worth isn’t determined by agreeing with people for fear they’ll dislike me.”
Sometimes mentoring isn’t about adding something new; it’s about realising what’s already there.
“Imposter syndrome isn’t a weakness; it’s protection.”
For Ashley Moon, Collections Team Leader, a conversation about imposter syndrome changed how she relates to self-doubt.
“My mentor explained that imposter feelings aren’t a weakness, but a form of protection. Our mind is trying to keep us safe.”
Instead of fighting those feelings, Ashley learned to acknowledge them and move forward anyway.
“I now thank it and move on. That shift has helped me trust my abilities, speak up more confidently, and believe that I deserve to be where I am.”
Mentoring helped turn uncertainty into self-belief and confidence into action.
“Commitment that turns ambition into action”
For Marie Watson, Customer Experience Advisor, the turning point wasn’t a single comment; it was sustained belief and structure.
“The moment that changed my mindset was seeing my mentor’s commitment to supporting me to achieve my aspirations.”
Through a documented learning journal and ongoing guidance, Marie gained clarity on her goals and the steps to achieve them.
“The advice and support opened opportunities that wouldn’t have come to light before. I was guided to other areas to develop, showcase my skills, and demonstrate my capabilities.”
In Marie’s case, mentoring turned ambition into momentum.
“You don’t need all the answers.”
One sentence reshaped how Carla Travis-Martin, Fleet Compliance Manager, viewed leadership.
“You don’t need to have all the answers. You just need to know how to create the environment for other people to succeed.”
That insight lifted pressure and reframed her role.
“It helped me approach challenges with more confidence and less self-criticism and strengthened how I support my team.”
Mentoring doesn’t just develop individuals; it helps to shape better leaders.
“Seeing the colour through the black and white”
It was mentoring that helped Shazad Iqbal, Customer Care Officer, expand his approach to complex situations.
“My mentor helped me see that things aren’t always black and white. Sometimes, customers we perceive as acting fraudulently may be victims themselves.”
That broader lens has strengthened his judgment and problem-solving skills.
“I now approach situations with a more balanced view, which has really helped me develop in my role.”
“Just believe in yourself.”
For Sarah James, Deputy Team Manager, mentoring focused on interview confidence and self-belief.
“My mentor helped me realise I give strong explanations, but I don’t always emphasise my role or impact.”
Through mock interviews and honest feedback, Sarah shifted her mindset.
“I repeated my mentor’s words, ‘just believe in yourself,’ during my last interview. And it really helped.”
Sometimes the right encouragement makes all the difference.
Why mentoring matters
These moments may look small on the surface, but their impact is lasting.
Mentoring at Novuna isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about:
- Creating space to reflect
- Asking the right questions
- Challenging assumptions
- Building confidence, capability and belief
Because when people are supported to grow, they don’t just develop skills, they find their voice.
Ready to create your own mentoring moment?
Development at Novuna isn’t one-size-fits-all. Whether it’s mentoring, coaching, on-the-job learning or formal programmes, we’re committed to giving our people the time, support and opportunities to grow.
Explore Your Development at Novuna to find out how we support learning, confidence and career progression.
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