Exclusive Interview with Forward Ladies for National Mentoring Day

It’s time to celebrate those special individuals, the ones who got you to where you are now. It’s the people who motivated us, criticised us, supported us and guided us, in hope that we get to where we wanted to go. National Mentoring Day was created to highlight the importance of mentoring in all forms, focusing on how rewarding it is for everyone involved.

We wanted to reflect on the support within the industry and how this can drive individuals and businesses to succeed. We had a chat with Griselda Togobo, Business Mentor and CEO of Forward Ladies, who Cohorted are proud to be partnering with. Here Griselda gives us an insight into her journey and experiences in both life and business.

Where did you first find the inspiration for Forward Ladies?

My mother was denied education because she was female, and so I grew up seeing the injustice. My mum also defied the odds and did some amazing things, where my uncle (who was educated) didn’t do as well. Equality is one of my core values, everyone should be respected and given the same opportunities, Forward Ladies is the vehicle to do that.

If you could travel back 5 years what advice would you give to your younger self?

I worry too much, so I would tell myself to worry less. I would invest more time in relationships and the people around me. I will also tell myself to have more confidence in myself and my abilities. I don’t need to be anyone else to be successful, I can be myself.

What would you say is your greatest accomplishment?

My family, my kids. My son Mak and my daughter Eli. Work is work but family is everything and always will be.

What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?

It is better to be respected than to be liked.

… and the worst

Keep your head down and eventually someone will notice your hard work. That’s not true- you have to be visible and vocal about what you want and what you are doing.

What are your top 3 tips for women trying to excel in their career?

-Courage is needed for everything, everyone knows that stepping out of your comfort zone is scary. Take the leap before you are ready.

-Have confidence in yourself and your abilities. You are worth it! Believe in your self worth and what you are capable of.

-You should never fly solo. Never eat lunch alone, invest in networks and communities around you. Those are the people who keep your grounded and fly your flag.

Who is your biggest role model?

My mother!! She is incredible! She defied societal norms. She was before her time.

What is the one quote you live by?

You are never too small to make a difference. No action is too small. Every day, you do the best with what you have. The most important move is the next move.