Joanna Embling and Cathy Stewart
Mentee:
Cathy Stewart, Woods Bagot
Mentor:
Joanna Embling, former equity partner Cushman &
Wakefield
Cathy Stewart, former National Chairman of Women in
Property and architect with Woods Bagot, is hugely appreciative of
the role her mentor has played.
"I first became involved in mentoring when I joined Women in
Property. The programme was too good an opportunity to miss. I
registered, trained and then looked for both a mentee and a
non-architect mentor.
"I had been at Bristol conference 2003 and I remembered how
impressed I was with the chairman, Joanna Embling from Cushman
& Wakefield. She seemed to have all the qualities I aspired to,
among them being she is respected throughout the industry, is
eloquent in what she says and has excellent leadership and people
skills. I didn't know Joanna but I eventually plucked up the
courage to ask her at the Leeds conference. I need not have been
concerned. She was delighted to be asked and immediately went on
the training day.
"Our mentoring relationship has lasted over 3 years. Joanna has
always been there for me, given sound advice, encouraged me when in
I was in doubt and even facilitated additional training for me
during my office as National Chairmen.
"Joanna has been an invaluable sounding board since we started
the mentoring [scheme.] She was instrumental in advising me through
one of the most difficult decisions of my career - to move or not
to move? I did move and now I am Director of Education &
Science (Europe) for Woods Bagot - the right decision for me.
Joanna is a great friend to have…. I recommend this
programme to anyone and everyone."
Joanna Embling, Cathy's mentor, believes there is much
to be gained for both of you.
"I was immensely flattered to be asked to be a mentor - so don't
be afraid to ask. I am always happily surprised that
intuitively people want to help. Being Cathy's mentor,
I gained as much if not more than she did from the
process - everyone benefits - mentor and mentee. Helping
Cathy consider her move to Woods Bagot made me think about what
qualities are important from both an employer's and employee's
perspective.
"If you want to demonstrate to your employer that you are ready
for more responsibility, become a mentor and ensure they know about
it. The classic 'win win'."