Mentorship is more than just sharing advice—it’s about empowering individuals to unlock their full potential. Livonia Mosipha, a Lead Scrum Master at Absa, has taken this philosophy to heart, mentoring countless professionals, particularly women in STEM and young professionals, as they navigate their careers. With a wealth of experience in IT and a deep commitment to personal development, Livonia’s journey as a mentor is both inspiring and impactful.
The Journey to Mentorship
“What inspired me to take on the role of a mentor is my own desire to grow and help more professionals—especially women in STEM—advance in their careers,” shares Livonia. Her journey began in 2020 when she attended Masterclasses on Personal Mastery, which ignited her passion for guiding others. With over a decade of experience in IT roles like Software Development, Business Analysis, and Scrum Mastering, Livonia felt equipped to start mentoring.
In 2021, she volunteered as a mentor at Absa, and by 2022, she became a certified coach and started volunteering through Coaching@Absa. Livonia expanded her influence further by joining the Women in Tech South Africa Chapter in 2024. This year, she is looking forward to expanding her portfolio through GrowHer Mentorship Programme at Absa – impacting more eager young professionals in reaching their potential. She emphasizes, “Mentoring focuses on sharing wisdom and guidance based on experience, while coaching empowers individuals to discover their solutions through focused, goal-oriented conversations.”
What Makes a Great Mentee?
Intentionality and eagerness are qualities Livonia values most in her mentees. “A mentee who approaches the relationship with a clear purpose and enthusiasm is invaluable,” she explains. While she’s encountered individuals who lacked engagement, the truly rewarding experiences come from those who demonstrate a strong desire to apply knowledge and embrace growth.
Tailoring Mentorship to Mentees’ Needs
Livonia’s approach to mentorship is far from one-size-fits-all. She begins by understanding each mentee’s unique challenges and goals. “I develop a questionnaire to explore their current challenges, goals, and motivation,” she says. From there, she refines their objectives and creates a customized roadmap for growth, ensuring alignment with their core values and aspirations.
Overcoming Common Challenges
One of the most significant hurdles Livonia helps mentees overcome is Imposter Syndrome. “This feeling of self-doubt and fear of being exposed as a fraud is particularly prevalent among women,” she notes. To address this, Livonia created a three-part series on “Dealing with Imposter Syndrome,” where she equips mentees with strategies to acknowledge and reframe their thoughts. “We celebrate small wins and focus on progress over perfection,” she adds.
Success Stories that Inspire
A highlight of Livonia’s mentorship career was her involvement in the Emerging Leaders of the Public Service (ELIPS) program. “Three of my mentees were voted as Top Participants out of ten groups—a remarkable achievement,” she recalls. Their success was a testament to their dedication and willingness to step out of their comfort zones.
Livonia is particularly proud of her role in the #IAmRemarkable initiative, which empowers individuals to celebrate their achievements. “It’s not bragging if it’s based on facts,” she says, encouraging mentees to own their accomplishments confidently.
Continuous Growth as a Mentor
Livonia believes in the importance of lifelong learning. “I regularly read articles, follow thought leaders, and attend seminars to stay informed,” she explains. Active participation in networks like Women in Tech South Africa and Women in Tech Global keeps her connected to other mentors and emerging trends.
Emotional Intelligence in Mentorship
Emotional intelligence is at the core of Livonia’s mentoring style. “Self-awareness is key,” she emphasizes. Livonia prioritizes creating a safe space for her mentees by actively listening, showing empathy, and responding with compassion. “By honing these skills, I can foster trust and growth in the mentoring relationship.”
The Most Rewarding Moments
For Livonia, the most fulfilling part of mentoring is witnessing her mentees’ transformations. She recalls one mentee who balanced a demanding work environment with Honours studies and achieved distinctions in all four modules. “Her success reaffirmed that my approach—empowering her to find her own solutions—had a meaningful impact,” Livonia shares.
Advice for Aspiring Mentors
To those considering mentorship, Livonia offers this advice: “Start with self-reflection. Understand your values, passions, and the impact you want to have. Mentoring is a journey, and you won’t get it perfect the first time. Embrace the process, and remember that both you and your mentees will grow together.”
About the Mentor
Livonia Mosipha is a seasoned IT professional with over a decade of experience across industries such as Insurance, Mining, and Banking. She holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Information Technology Management and certifications including SAFe® Product Owner/Product Manager, AWS Cloud Practitioner, and Certified Life Coach. Livonia is a Lead Scrum Master at Absa and an active member of Women in Tech South Africa. She is passionate about empowering professionals, particularly women in STEM, through mentorship and coaching.
