Mentoring Matches: Seeing the wood for the trees
Aleta Viljoen originally started her business, Pretty Pink Potato, when she found there was no vegan substitute for her favourite treat – pavlova. She now creates Veringue®, plant-based meringues, and is taking part in our mentoring programme to help her develop a clear sales strategy. Aleta has been matched with Deborah Turner, a passionate champion for women in business who successfully runs two diverse businesses; a property advisor and a personal styling consultant.
Aleta on Deborah
What were you hoping for?
For guidance, support (practical and moral) and feedback. To check my strategy and help me see the wood for the trees. When you’re so involved with your business it’s sometimes difficult to get an objective perspective.
What were your first impressions?
Deb is immediately approachable. Pragmatic, dynamic and down to earth. She is a great listener and grasps a situation immediately. She asks the right questions.
What did you talk about?
We spoke about a specific challenge I’m currently facing. Deb immediately got to work on finding a solution. She summarised the meeting and suggested I work through a few items before our next meeting. She promptly followed through on an issue we discussed as promised.
Best thing about your mentoring partner?
Deb is supportive and responsive with an infectious positive energy and a wealth of experience. Everyone needs a cheerleader in their corner, and it is a great feeling knowing Deb is out there keeping it real and keeping me accountable.
Describe your mentoring partner in three words
Supportive, knowledgeable, and effective
What is one thing will you be taking from your time with your mentoring partner?
Sometimes the challenges of a business seem Sisyphean, but Deb is an excellent role model. Or dynamo. I’ll get back to you on that! There have been a couple of times that I have struggled since our first meeting but then I thought of what Deb has achieved, and it immediately provided that extra boost of energy I needed.
Will you be meeting again?
Next meeting in the bag!
Deborah on Aleta
What were you hoping for?
I was hoping to help Aleta to become clearer on her aims for her business.
What were your first impressions?
That Aleta was so passionate about her product and had complete belief in the product. At the same time, she felt overwhelmed by all the things she thought she ‘ought’ to be doing.
What did you talk about?
We spoke about how to break down what really needed to happen next. Splitting it up into small crucial steps to move forward.
Best thing about your mentoring partner?
I thought Aleta had real passion, drive, and resilience. As well as being fun and very interesting!
Describe your mentoring partner in three words?
Passionate, tenacious, and positive
What one thing will you be taking from your time with your mentoring partner?
How significant it is to set milestones to move forward.
Will you be meeting again?
Yes definitely!