Learn, Unlearn, Relearn: Livonia Mosipha on Mentoring From Both Sides

Livonia Mosipha is based in Johannesburg, South Africa, where she works as a Lead Scrum Master and Certified Leadership, Career and Life Coach.

Livonia takes part in the Women in Tech mentorship program as both a mentor and a mentee.

As a Mentor: Wishing She'd Had This Earlier

Livonia's motivation to mentor comes from recognizing what a mentor could have given her own career. "I realized that having a mentor earlier in my career could have accelerated my journey, which drove me to want to empower other women in tech to succeed and navigate their spaces." Coaching, she says, is where her passion lies. "The most rewarding part is seeing others build self-belief, step into their power, and grow."

A Mentee Who Stepped Into a Leadership Role

Livonia recalls a mentee who was elected to a committee, a step she would have previously avoided. "We had worked intentionally on public speaking confidence and how to position herself, and seeing that breakthrough was incredible."

How Mentoring Has Shaped Her

Livonia describes the experience as reinforcing her own coaching practice. "The mentorship experience has impacted me immensely, offering practical ways to grow as a woman in tech while deepening my journey in leadership coaching. The pairings have been fantastic, and the exchange has taught me valuable lessons, particularly around overcoming imposter syndrome, tracking progress, and coaching."

Her Advice to First-Time Mentors

Livonia encourages new mentors to go easy on themselves. "Don't be too hard on yourself; embrace making mistakes and learning from them. Remember that mentorship is a two-way street where you will learn just as much from your mentee. You don't need to know it all, just be willing to learn, unlearn, and relearn."

Why She Believes Mentorship Matters

Livonia frames mentorship as essential in a field where women remain a minority. "Everyone needs a mentor, a sounding board, and guidance while navigating the tech space, where women are still a minority facing challenges like the gender pay gap. You don't have to walk your professional journey alone, and along the way, you'll forge genuine friendships too."

As a Mentee: Wanting Someone to Hold Her Hand Through Growth

Livonia's own reason for seeking a mentor was tied to her ambitions as a leader. "I always wanted to grow, especially as a leader, and I knew that having someone to guide me and hold my hand could help accelerate my professional journey."

A Breakthrough in Stepping Back for Clarity

The clearest gain from the relationship was a shift in how Livonia approaches challenges. "A major breakthrough has been learning how to approach challenges by taking a step back to gain clarity on my role and core responsibilities."

What Having a Mentor Has Given Her

Livonia points to the relationship as a space for working through workplace dynamics. "Having a mentor has provided a safe sounding board to unpack complex workplace dynamics, helping me build resilience, refine my leadership approach, and accelerate my growth with greater confidence."

Her Advice to Anyone Considering Becoming a Mentee

Livonia's advice echoes the same principle she gives as a mentor. "Go into the experience with an open mind, and be fully willing to learn, unlearn, and relearn."

When asked what mentorship has meant to her, she keeps it simple. "Guidance and support."

What She Recommends

When asked for a book, tool or resource recommendation, Livonia points to two titles: Atomic Habits by James Clear and The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra.

Follow Her Journey

Livonia shares more about her work on LinkedIn.