The unspoken truths of career breaks: What our mentors and mentees wish they knew

At this year’s mid-point check-in for the Her World Mentorship Programme, the energy at Mandala Club was electric. It served as a vibrant reminder that it’s okay to pause, to restart, and to carve out a path that feels right for you. Now in its third edition, the programme has taken on a more intimate, more necessary focus: to support women in the often-daunting journey of re-entering the workforce.

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Kicking off with clarity and courage

Opening the evening was Her World’s Editor-in-Chief Elizabeth Lee, who set the tone with a message that was both grounding and hopeful. She spoke to the idea that a career path doesn’t have to be linear and that each person has the right to choose when and how to return.

The keynote speaker for the evening, Bipasha Minocha, group chief marketing officer of EtonHouse International and a mentor from the inaugural 2023 cohort, offered a stirring reflection on how ambition can take different shapes at different stages of life. “Stop competing with others,” she said. “Stop competing with yourself, including your previous selves.” Her words landed gently but firmly as a timely affirmation for those grappling with the guilt or uncertainty that often accompanies career breaks.

Lessons from the panel

Moderated by former PR expert Beatrice Tok, who is herself currently on a career break, the panel discussion brought together women from across the corporate and editorial spheres. 

Her World’s contributing deputy editor Amelia Chia encouraged attendees to “be brave and don’t be afraid of the future,” while Roselin Lee, vice president of human resources at Shiseido Asia Pacific, urged the audience to consider what authenticity really means in the workplace: “Ask yourself: what actually makes you happy?”

Rounding out the panel was Gloria Arlini, CEO of Generation Singapore, who spoke to the importance of honouring your current season of life. “If you’re done with your chiong stage, it is okay to take a step back… whether that means starting a family, caring for someone else, or simply protecting your mental health.”

Together, their stories illuminated a truth often left unsaid in conversations about success: that growth doesn’t always look like hustle, and that pressing pause can be an act of courage, not weakness.

A room full of powerhouses

The event also welcomed back familiar faces from past editions. Past mentors like Lynette Tan, CEO of Space Faculty, and Sabrina Ho, founder of Half The Sky, alongside mentees from last year’s STEM-themed programme, Kathleen Koh and Pritiba Nanasekaran. 

Also in attendance were representatives from the Young Women’s Leadership Connection, including Abigail Laureen Sy and Adreena Lau, as well as the Clé de Peau Beauté team, including Celeste Ng and Elaine Low, whose ongoing partnership continues to add elegance and substance to every gathering.

Reflections to take home

As the evening drew to a close, one truth came through strongly: re-entering the workforce can be a powerful act of clarity and courage, especially when fuelled by support, self-awareness, and the freedom to define success on your own terms.