- How Masentle Siwela transitioned from a mentee to a mentor and why she’s passionate about guiding others.
- The essential qualities she looks for in mentees and how she adapts her approach to their unique needs.
- Her expert insights on overcoming career challenges, building confidence, and making a lasting impact in the workplace.
Mentorship is more than just guidance—it’s about unlocking potential, fostering confidence, and creating opportunities for growth. Masentle Siwela, a business analyst with a background in journalism and media studies, understands this better than most. Through her mentorship work with the IIBA South Africa Chapter and the Mentorship Boardroom, she has dedicated herself to helping others navigate their careers.
Becoming a Mentor: A Journey of Paying It Forward
Masentle’s mentorship journey began in 2019, though she didn’t realize it at the time. Working as a business analyst in an insurance company, she was assigned a mentor—someone who, through his work ethic and dedication, inspired her deeply. “His unwavering support and guidance shaped my growth, both professionally and personally,” she recalls.
What started as workplace guidance soon turned into something more. When she was later tasked with mentoring a new colleague, she embraced the role wholeheartedly, determined to pass on the same level of support she had received. This experience ignited a passion for mentorship that led her to take on official mentoring roles with IIBA South Africa and the Mentorship Boardroom in 2024.
“I believe what I offer as a mentor goes beyond just business analysis. Individuals from various fields can benefit from my experience and support, no matter where they are in their journey,” she says.
What Makes a Great Mentee? The Qualities That Matter Most
For Masentle, mentorship is a two-way street. She carefully chooses mentees based on their mindset, approach, and willingness to learn. “I look for qualities like initiative, curiosity, and a strong desire to improve,” she explains.
In business analysis, the ability to ask the right questions and adapt quickly is critical. Masentle is drawn to individuals who take ownership of their development, even when faced with challenges. “If I sense a genuine passion for learning—whether it’s through their questions or their approach to problem-solving—I know they are someone I can invest in.”
Tailoring Mentorship: A Personalized Approach
No two mentees are the same, and Masentle adapts her mentoring style to suit each individual’s background, personality, and career goals. “Some mentees need more structure and guidance, while others thrive on autonomy,” she explains. By assessing their strengths and areas of improvement, she ensures her guidance is practical and effective.
Given her busy schedule, flexibility is key. She utilizes online meetings and asynchronous communication to maintain engagement while allowing mentees to learn at their own pace.
Navigating Career Challenges: Common Struggles and Solutions
One of the biggest obstacles Masentle encounters among mentees is a lack of confidence. Many professionals hesitate when managing client relationships or tackling complex projects, fearing they’ll make mistakes.
“I encourage mentees to see challenges as opportunities to grow, especially when they make mistakes,” she says. She openly shares her own experiences, helping them break down problems and find solutions. Resilience and confidence, she believes, are skills that can be built over time with the right support.
A Success Story: Making a Lasting Impact
One of Masentle’s most rewarding mentorship experiences involved an intern on a 12-month contract. Struggling to adapt to their role, the mentee needed guidance on stakeholder management, business analysis artifacts, and presenting to senior leaders.
Through months of mentorship, the intern gained confidence and refined their skills. The result? They were offered a permanent position—not just in their company, but elsewhere as well.
“The pride they felt, and the impact it had on their confidence, made it all worth it,” Masentle says. “Seeing them take ownership of their career and knowing I played a part in that journey is incredibly fulfilling.
Continuous Learning: How Masentle Stays Ahead
Masentle understands that mentorship is a lifelong journey. To stay relevant and effective, she prioritizes continuous learning.
“I regularly attend IIBA South Africa events, webinars, and volunteer in various initiatives,” she says. “I also read up on new methodologies in business analysis and engage with my peers.”
Feedback from her mentees is another crucial tool for growth. Self-reflection, she believes, is key to refining her mentoring style and ensuring she remains impactful.
Emotional Intelligence in Mentorship: The Key to Meaningful Guidance
Great mentorship isn’t just about professional advice—it requires deep emotional intelligence. Masentle cultivates self-awareness and empathy by practicing active listening and reflecting on her own responses.
“There have been moments where empathy has been tested, especially when mentees are under stress or facing setbacks,” she admits. Her approach? Creating a safe space for open discussions while guiding them toward practical solutions.
Defining Boundaries: The Importance of Clear Expectations
Balancing mentorship with a full-time career requires clear boundaries. From the beginning, Masentle establishes mutual expectations with her mentees. “I set mutually agreed-upon goals, timelines, and communication methods,” she explains. “I also make it clear that while I am here to guide them, they are ultimately responsible for their growth.”
This structured approach ensures that mentorship remains productive, supportive, and focused.
Advice for Aspiring Mentors: How to Start
For those considering mentorship but feeling uncertain about where to begin, Masentle offers simple but powerful advice:
“Start small and be intentional. Don’t worry about having all the answers—what matters is the willingness to listen, share your experiences, and help others see their own potential.”
She emphasizes that mentorship isn’t just about providing answers—it’s about helping mentees discover their own paths through thoughtful guidance.
The True Reward of Mentorship
For Masentle, mentorship is more than a responsibility—it’s a passion. Seeing her mentees succeed, whether through promotions, skill development, or newfound confidence, is the ultimate reward. “It reminded me that even though mentorship can sometimes feel like a slow, incremental process, the impact can be huge,” she says. “That’s why I dedicate time to it, despite the challenges of balancing a full schedule—I get to help others reach their potential.”
About the Mentor
Masentle Siwela is a business analyst specializing in the health industry. With qualifications in Business Analysis and Journalism & Media Studies, she combines analytical skills with strong communication expertise. Passionate about mentorship, she actively supports aspiring professionals through the IIBA South Africa Chapter and the Mentorship Boardroom. When she’s not working or mentoring, she pursues her love for digital marketing by contributing as a trainer.
