Taking a refreshing walk while connecting and learning from inspiring women? We at #impact think it can’t get better than that.
We sat down with Stefanie Myers who runs Mentor Walks Hong Kong. We feel inspired by their vision that is all about Women Supporting Women. The concept is simple. Mentors share their stories of career success (and failure!) with mentees during a casual morning walk. In this interview, Stefanie shares why asking questions and following your instinct are so important for making an impact and how Mentor Walks offers an opportunity to connect with women who you may otherwise not get a chance to meet.
Mentor Walks Hong Kong: Women Supporting Women
If I ever publish an autobiography, this would be its tagline:
I came, I saw, I walked!
You are based in Hong Kong, what do you love about the social impact community there?
In Hong Kong, there is a spirit of support among the community, referrals and sharing of information and resources which is fantastic. There is a sense that everyone wants to contribute and make a difference.
Tell us more about your vision for Mentor Walks Hong Kong and why you started this platform?
Mentor Walks connects experienced executive women with aspiring professionals for a one-hour walk and talk in the fresh air. My vision is that Mentor Walks Hong Kong becomes a supportive network for women at a decision crossroads, seeking advice on a next step or need to work through a business challenge.
Mentor Walks can act as a source of inspiration and a chance to connect with women who they may otherwise not get a chance to meet. The Mentors are diverse – in experience and sectors – and that diversity is a real strength. Because it’s designed as a one-off, bite-sized mentoring occasion, it also empowers the Mentees to take ideas and solutions away from the walk and development them further.
Mentor Walks offers both Mentors and Mentees something they can’t get through formal programs. By matching on the day and keeping an informal setting, everyone can be more open, more vulnerable and that helps a lot in mentoring context. In addition, walking is so good for you and in a city where a lot of people work indoors, we should all take advantage of an opportunity to get in some daily exercise!
I got involved with Mentor Walks first in Shanghai. I loved the simple but powerful spirit of the platform and the way it brought people together to give in an accessible and fun format.
Best way to start the day: A walk in the fresh air PLUS valuable advice from a mentor. Photo Credit: Mentor Walks Hong Kong
Was there a certain moment when you decided, that you wanted to build something from scratch?
I was talking with Mentor Walks China Founder, Michelle Garnaut, in October 2016. I worked with Michelle to set up Mentor Walks in Shanghai. I shared different things I wanted to do in Hong Kong and she suggested I set up Mentor Walks here. My initial reaction was, “it’s too hot!”. I’m glad she gave me the support to get it up and running. After a year of experimenting and building a community of support, I’m ready for the next step for Mentor Walks Hong Kong.
Who inspires you personally?
I was always inspired by fearless female trailblazers, big thinkers and adventurers. People who are willing to live life on their own terms. Women especially like Maya Angelou, Ita Buttrose (an Australian media icon) and of course, Mentor Walks China Founder, Michelle Garnaut (CEO M Restaurant Group, Shanghai Literary Festival).
We can understand why Stefanie feels inspired by Maya Angelou and other female trailblazers.
Do you measure your impact?
Mentor Walks impact is felt from the individual level – each woman that attends (Mentor or Mentee) tells me that they get a lot out of their time walking. From some it’s a new solution to a business challenge, for others, the courage and motivation that comes from hearing from someone that has ‘been there, done that’.
Even at the experimental stage last year we had more than 150 women join walks in Hong Kong alone, so I feel proud to have personally played a small role in helping them with their personal development. Mentor Walks are also held in Beijing, Shanghai and Australia, so our impact is spreading.
This year in Hong Kong we are increasing our impact by partnering with other like-minded women-focused organisations for walks and increasing our fundraising partnerships. Watch this space!
What do you wish you would have known before starting out?
So many things! I feel the entire process of setting up last year was an experiment so I am trying to adapt and shift to incorporate ideas coming from the community, as well as be more professional in my approach to managing the organisation.
What is the craziest thing you did so far to market your organisation?
This is the first year I am doing more substantial marketing – so, nothing too crazy yet but I will report back!
How will you sustain your organisation?
This is a great question and one that is on my mind as I look to grow and scale. I am looking at social enterprise as a model to provide an avenue for other services and offerings to support running the walks.
Gorgeous Hong Kong views included. Mentor Walks Hong Kong.
What gives you the worst sleepless nights right now?
Making sure I’ve not forgotten to invite someone!
What was the most memorable moment working on Mentor Walks Hong Kong?
I received a luke-warm reception from one of the Mentors, a very experienced woman who I was keen to have involved and supportive. Needless to say, I was disappointed she wasn’t as a big fan of the walks as I was.
A few weeks later I received an email from her, with a trailing note from her mentee telling her what an incredible impact Mentor Walks had had on her, that she made some big decisions, landed a new (dream) job and was so thankful. Firstly, I was incredibly happy for the mentee – that’s exactly the type of thing Mentor Walks is about. Secondly, I was really encouraged and thankful to the woman for sharing it and her confession that she now believes in the power of Mentor Walks!
If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring change-makers, what would that be?
Hmmmm, my answer is a two-fold – 1) Ask questions, 2) follow your instinct. A lot of people may have ideas of what you should do – and there are some great ideas – so you definitely need to be curious and ask questions of your community. But you are ultimately the one that knows what the impact you are trying to make and will deliver it so you need to follow your instinct in terms of what you provide.
What could everyone do RIGHT NOW to make the world a better place?
Mentor Walks is focused on women helping women, so for me, I think the world would be a better place if each of us did what we could to help another woman in a way that will make an impact on her life – mentoring, spending time, giving money, being a support!
Where can we follow you?
www.mentorwalkschina.com @MentorWalksHongKong on Facebook
Search for our 2018 events on Eventbrite (also listed below)
- Friday, March 2, (7:45am-10:00am)
- Friday, April 20, (7:45am-9:00am)
- Thursday, May 17, (6:15pm-7:30pm)
- Thursday, Sept 20, (6:15pm-7:30pm)
- Friday, October 26, (7:45am-9:00am)
