The experience of being involved with a women’s organisation while at university gave Clinical Psychologist, Vanessa Burrett the push to shush any nagging doubts and apply as a mentee to our JOURNEY programme. In this interview she talks with us about how she found the process, and the clarity and value she gained from her mentor meetings.
KŌRERO with Vanessa Burrett
Mentee and Clinical Psychologist
Hello Vanessa! Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
Kia ora koutou!
Ko Tainui tōku iwi, ko Ngāti Hako tōku hapū, Nō Kirikiriroa ahau. Ko Vanessa tōku ingoa.
I’m Vanessa, my whānau come from the Hauraki area, and I’ve lived in Waikato most of my life. I currently work as a Clinical Psychologist for the Waikato District Health Board, with patients who are diagnosed with and having treatment for cancer.
What made you apply for a women-only mentorship programme?
During university, I’d been involved with governance for the YWCA and I remembered how enriching and strengthening it was to be involved in a women-only environment, where much of our focus was on empowering women.
Any hesitations about becoming a mentee?
I wanted to talk to someone external to my workplace, but who would be able to understand my role and concerns – I didn’t know where to look to find that so it went in the “too hard” basket.
I almost didn’t apply – thinking that I’d be wasting a mentor’s time, or my own time if it didn’t help. I was also cautious about being vulnerable and sharing my confusion and struggles with someone. I was blown away by the mentor I was matched with and it was one of the best things I’ve done!
How did you prepare for your first meeting with your mentor?
Before my first hui I spent some time reflecting on who I was, where I thought I wanted to head in the future, and what were barriers to me getting there. I had several things I could have had mentoring about so I wanted to be clear on what I wanted out of the process.
What would a meeting with your mentor usually look like?
We met monthly for about an hour at my mentor’s workplace. In our first meeting we got to know one another’s background and talked about what I hoped to get out of JOURNEY programme. Each meeting after that we would discuss what had been happening over the past month and sometimes there would be a specific exercise my mentor would take me through. There were usually some tasks that I was going to follow up with and it kept me accountable to know we would discuss those in the next session. The sessions were challenging at times, but I would leave feeling excited to explore and see what was next.
How has the programme changed your approach at work?
I have a different perspective and focus, and a stronger sense of my strengths/skills, and what I value in my work. This means it’s easier (still a work in progress) to “pick my battles” and choose where I direct my energy.
I’m also more aware of being vocal about and supporting mentoring opportunities when I can.
What has been the greatest benefit to being a mentee in the programme so far?
Through the process of JOURNEY, I got clarity on what I wanted from my career, felt validated for my experiences, and built strength in myself.
I also got a clear sense of “why” I am doing what I am – so when there are hurdles to jump, fear or doubt kicks in, I can come back to my “why”.
What would be your top tip for getting the most out of your mentoring?
Be clear about what you want to get out of the process. Be curious and as vulnerable as you can.
Netflix or no? Netflix AND Neon.
Dream vacay? Island holidays. I seem to just bliss out and relax once I arrive on an island.
Podcast picks? Dare to Lead by Brené Brown and crime podcasts.