Leading a team for the first time? Let’s get you a mentor

The Her World Mentorship Programme is back for its fourth edition! This year, we’re looking for first-time managers and leaders who want support navigating the transition into a leadership role.

Leadership doesn’t come with an instruction manual — and for women, the challenges are often nuanced and deeply personal. At this stage of your career, a mentor who understands what you’re facing, or has been in your shoes, can offer far more value than a generic rulebook ever could.

That was the experience of Joanna Hioe, a 35-year-old researcher who was transitioning from academia to industry when she joined last year’s mentorship programme.

“I think that was what I needed more: not someone’s path to follow, but someone to help me have the courage to carve my own, assessing the practical risks involved,” she says, adding that she’d received valuable support from her mentor, Gloria Arlini, CEO of Generation Singapore, who asked the right questions and helped her find clarity during the process.

Successful applicants to the Her World Mentorship Programme 2026 will embark on a six-month journey, where they will be matched with a seasoned leader as their mentor. Participants will also be invited to exclusive events — including fireside chats and networking sessions — designed to foster meaningful connections, shared learning, and professional growth.

Last year, 11 mentees were matched with eight mentors, including C-suite leaders from diverse industries. The programme also featured a launch event, a mid-point panel discussion on career growth with mentors from previous editions, and invitations to the Her World Women of the Year gala dinner.

For Natalina Chan, a regional marketing manager mentored by tech industry veteran Novita Jong, the programme provided much-needed guidance during her transition from stay-at-home mum back to full-time work.

“We also explored topics on growth with balance, setting boundaries, and provided tools and resources to support my current challenges at the workplace,” she shares. “I felt very blessed to have her support my growth and health goals - both physically and mentally. We even signed up for a fun workout class together!”

Keen on joining the 2026 cohort? Applications are open until March 2, 11.59pm. Interviews and selections will take place in March and April, with the programme running from June to December 2026.

Limited slots available — up to 15 applicants will be selected.