In the IT industry women are stepping up, gaining more visibility, and building influence, and mentorship is becoming more than just career advice – it’s a form of advocacy. For Carmen Hargroves, Corporate Director at technology group Zinia, mentoring women in tech is both a responsibility and a privilege.
“As women in tech, we don’t just need to be good at what we do – we need to show other women that it’s possible,” Carmen explains. “Being a mentor means sharing not just our technical knowledge, but your hard-earned lessons. It’s helping other women see possibilities where they may have only seen barriers.”
As Women’s Month shines a spotlight on female empowerment and solidarity, Carmen believes mentorship plays a pivotal role in building future-ready teams and more inclusive workplaces. “Representation matters. When women see other women in leadership, they begin to believe it is possible for them too,” she says. “Most of us didn’t get here on our own. Mentorship is how we honour those who helped us – by paying it forward.”
Carmen has mentored dozens of women, guiding them through the challenges of a male-dominated industry. She views mentorship not as a side activity, but as a core leadership function – one that can transform culture and career trajectories alike.
Carmen’ Top 5 Mentorship Tips
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Lead with active listening
Mentorship starts with listening and understanding your team – their goals, challenges and strengths. When people feel truly heard, they’re more likely to trust your guidance and open up to meaningful growth.
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Model growth and vulnerability
Your team needs to see that you’re growing too. It builds trust and psychological safety. By being open about your own journey, you show that leadership is a process, not a destination.
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Set intentional development goals
It’s not just about giving advice. It’s about helping shape your team’s path. Clear goals create direction, accountability, and a sense of progress that fuels confidence and motivation.
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Create visibility
Women and underrepresented team members are often overlooked. Mentorship includes sponsorship – creating opportunities for them to be seen. Advocating for your team in the rooms they’re not yet in is one of the most powerful things a mentor can do.
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Build feedback into culture
Regular, constructive feedback improves confidence. Aim to create a space where feedback is a tool for growth, not criticism. Feedback should empower, not diminish. When done right, it becomes a mirror for development, not a magnifying glass for flaws.
As companies across South Africa push toward more inclusive leadership, Carmen’s message is clear: mentorship is not optional – it’s essential. It’s how women leaders multiply their impact and help build a more equitable, empowered future.
“When you lift others up, you don’t lose your place – you extend your legacy,” she says. “That’s the true power of mentorship.”
