Tania Johannisson, Founder & Managing Director at Amplific

What made you sign up as a mentor in the first place?

My decision to become a mentor was heavily influenced by my own early career experiences. I started working at 20 with no grand career ambitions, yet I found myself committed to a startup for nearly 15 years, during which it grew into a global leader. This journey was shaped by a mentor who believed in me more than I believed in myself. He provided invaluable guidance and challenged me to leverage my strengths, transforming me into a successful executive. This mentoring relationship, which also evolved into a deep friendship, inspired me to give back and support others in their professional growth.

What does mentorship mean to you?

To me, mentorship is a partnership where both individuals learn and grow. It’s like having a trusted co-pilot during a flight; while you’re responsible for navigating the plane, your co-pilot provides insights, helps manage the journey, and ensures a safe and successful flight. This dynamic isn’t about issuing commands but rather about exploring the route together, making adjustments as needed, and ultimately sharing in the journey's success.

What is the best part about mentoring a student?

The most rewarding aspect of mentoring is the reminder of how much we often take for granted. After years of working and building a career, many skills become second nature, and we might assume they are universally known. However, what seems obvious to us can be uncharted territory for someone just starting out. Mentoring allows me to see the world through fresh eyes again and reminds me that all skills are attainable with time and guidance.

What advice would you give to future mentors?

Mentorship is a purposeful endeavor that involves more than just providing guidance—it’s about genuinely engaging in someone’s growth and witnessing them discover their path. To prospective mentors, I would say: treat this role as a privilege. Be prepared to learn as much as you teach, and approach each mentoring relationship with curiosity and openness.