Wola Joseph-Condotti 
We often think of mentorship in corporate terms. Structured programmes, matching platforms, career roadmaps. Yet, the most powerful mentorship experiences are often the most unstructured. The chance conversation that shifts perspective. The kind nudge that sparks courage. The seasoned executive who, in passing, says “I see you”, and means it.
In today’s noisy, fast-moving world, mentorship is less about hierarchy and more about presence. And presence, (real, intentional presence) is a gift.
Mentorship is Not a Title. It is a Choice
One of the greatest misconceptions we carry as leaders is the belief that mentorship must be formalised to be effective. I carried this belief for so long. But I soon realised that mentorship is not a board appointment. It is not something you get added to your resume.
Mentorship is a posture. A decision to be available, even when busy. A willingness to guide, not because it is convenient, but because you have walked the road and others should not walk it alone.
Some of the most defining moments of my career came not from workshops or official mentorship pairings, but from leaders who looked me in the eye, asked how I was really doing, and listened without rushing to advise. They showed up. Not with answers, but with time. Not with applause, but with attention.
That is mentorship.
Why Presence Matters
Younger professionals (especially women) are navigating complex terrain. They are juggling ambition with expectations. They are questioning whether their voices belong in rooms that look nothing like them. They are wrestling with imposter syndrome, negotiating visibility, and trying to lead with authenticity in industries still learning to make space for them.
And what they need is not always a grand lecture or a 5-year plan. They need someone who says:
“Here is how I navigated that.”
“I have been there and you are not crazy.”
“You are doing better than you think.”
They need presence over performance. Authenticity over answers.
Even Busy Leaders Can Mentor
Yes, we are busy. Our calendars overflow with meetings, deadlines, travel, and decisions. But mentorship does not require hours. It requires intentionality.
A 10-minute check-in. A thoughtful voice note. A recommendation sent via WhatsApp. A coffee that says, “I am not here to fix you. I am here to witness your growth.”
In this age of curated mentorship events and flashy titles, let us not forget that the quiet, consistent investment of presence still transforms lives.
Legacy is Built in the Lives You Touch
One day, someone will mention your name in a room you never entered. Not because you were the CEO. But because you were the one who helped them believe they could be. Your legacy will not be defined solely by your titles, but by how many others you lifted as you climbed.
Mentorship is not charity. It is stewardship. In the words of Maya Angelou, “When you learn, teach. When you get, give.”
We are not just here to succeed. We are here to seed success in others.
A Biblical Reminder: Elijah and Elisha
In 1Kings 19, God instructs Elijah to anoint Elisha as his successor. But Elijah did not just pour oil and disappear. He allowed Elisha to follow him, observe him, serve alongside him. When the time came for Elijah to depart, Elisha asked for a double portion of his spirit and received it.
True mentorship is not just about succession. It is about impartation. Not just skills, but mindset. Not just tactics, but identity.
Final Thoughts
To every woman in leadership, I urge you:
Be a mentor, even if no one gave you a guidebook. Be a presence, even if you cannot be a program. Be intentional, even if your time is tight.
Because in a world where everyone is trying to be seen, sometimes the greatest gift you can give… is to truly see someone else.
Wola Joseph-Condotti is the Group Managing Director/CEO of West Power & Gas Limited. A Harvard-trained lawyer and passionate advocate for faith-driven leadership, gender equity, and energy transition in Africa, she writes from the intersection of power, purpose, and personal growth.