The value of mentorship: what a successful mentorship relationship looks like

CPA Alberta facilitates a robust Career Development Mentorship Program, built on matching the right mentor and mentee based on skillset, experience and diversity. The program allows mentees to connect with mentors who have diverse experience and knowledge in the workplace and community while at the same time allowing mentors to learn from the experiences and insights of their mentees to enhance their own leadership and communication skills. The success story of Brian Bale (mentor) and Adeniyi Olawuwo (mentee) is evidence that the program is a win-win for both mentor and mentee!

1. What does mentorship mean to you?

I have had good fortune and have been successful during my career. Mentorship is a way that I can give back and assist others. I can do this by providing coaching and guidance based on my experiences and networks that I have built up over the many years since I first became a CPA. 

2. Why did you decide to become a mentor?

I decided to become a mentor when I saw an article about the CPA Alberta Mentorship Program in Dividends magazine. The mentorship program seemed well structured, and I thought it would be a good way for me to use my experiences and networks to help someone with their CPA career. 

3. Describe your mentorship experience. 

The mentorship experience has been very rewarding. The CPA program did a good job of matching me up with a compatible mentee and the courses and structure the CPA program provided were excellent resources—they helped provide a terrific framework for the mentorship meetings. 

Most importantly, my mentee is a very motivated and capable individual who has great character and is a pleasure to interact with. 

4. What have you gained from being a mentor?

Being a mentor has been a rewarding experience. The CPA training was excellent; it has not only helped me with the CPA Alberta Mentorship Program, but has also provided a framework that can be used in other personal interactions . 

I have also had the opportunity to meet my mentee and establish a friendship which I hope lasts long after the mentorship program is completed. 

5. How did you work at developing a relationship with your mentee? 

I used the tools in the CPA Alberta Mentorship Program courses to develop a relationship. Fortunately, my mentee is quite personable, so building a relationship came naturally. One obstacle that we faced was that we live in different cities (I live in Edmonton while my mentee lives in Calgary) and so that, along with the pandemic, made face-to-face interaction difficult. I think it is much easier to build a relationship with face-to-face meetings; fortunately, since I do travel to Calgary from time to time, I was able to have a face-to-face meeting with my mentee. I definitely recommend face-to-face interactions for building relationships. 

6. How has the mentorship relationship impacted your professional or personal life?

I am retired from CPA professional life, but the experience has been very rewarding on a personal level. It has allowed me to give back through providing assistance to my mentee and it has also resulted in a new friendship. 

7. Would you encourage other CPAs to participate as mentors or mentees?

I would most definitely encourage other CPAs to participate as mentors and mentees. The CPA Alberta Mentorship Program is well structured, and the experience is very rewarding . 

1. What does mentorship mean to you?

Mentoring to me is a mutually beneficial and reciprocal learning relationship between a mentor and mentee, where they respectfully work collaboratively toward the achievement of mutually agreed goals helping the mentee to develop skills, abilities, knowledge, and capacities

2. Why did you decide to become a mentee?

I strongly believe learning is a lifelong process and whoever stops learning has stopped growing. I see mentorship as a great opportunity to learn.

3. Describe your mentorship experience.

My mentorship experience was incredibly beneficial for me. Learning from someone like Mr. Brian Bale, a former CFO of ATCO was not only professionally beneficial but personally rewarding.

4. What have you gained from being a mentee?

The gains from being a mentee include guidance and strong support from a senior professional with an enviable track record within the industry; excellent professional development opportunities; having a confidential and reliable sounding board for ideas, issues, and challenges; exposure to how corporate executives work and get things done; increased personal confidence; and an expanded network.

5. How did you work at developing a relationship with your mentor?

After the initial connection by CPA Alberta, I had to be deliberate and intentional in building the relationship. It was done by respectfully doing what we jointly agreed, asking for feedback, and being open to accept advice and other views.

6. How has the mentorship relationship impacted your professional or personal life?

It has impacted my professional and personal life positively. The mentorship relationship has transcended beyond professional life, as it has turned into a friendship where various aspects of life can be freely discussed.

7. Would you encourage other CPAs to participate as mentors or mentees?

I would surely encourage other CPAs to participate as both mentors and mentees. For mentors, it’s an incredible way of helping to contribute to the future of the profession by raising future leaders through knowledge sharing. For mentees, it is a fantastic way to learn what you probably will not find in any textbook.

Consider taking part in the CPA Alberta Mentorship Program and enjoy the many benefits derived from being either a mentor or mentee.

Registration for mentors and mentees in CPA Alberta’s 2023/24 Career Development Mentorship Program opens on May 1, 2023. Full details are available online here.