Mentor Spotlight: Maryna Stiahailo on the Ripple Effect of Authentic Leadership

When asked about essential resources for women in tech, Maryna recommends a dual approach that combines personal development with community building:

"One resource I highly recommend to women in the tech industry is the book 'Lean In' by Sheryl Sandberg. It offers honest insights about leadership, career growth, and navigating challenges unique to women in male-dominated fields. Beyond that, I also suggest becoming part of professional communities, which provide mentorship, networking, and career development opportunities. Combining personal development through books with real-world support systems can make a huge difference in building confidence and accelerating a tech career."

This combination approach—internal development supported by external community—reflects Maryna's understanding that sustainable career growth requires both personal foundation and professional ecosystem.

Maryna's motivation to mentor stems from her own transformative experiences:

"I was inspired to become a mentor because I believe deeply in lifting as we climb. Throughout my journey in tech, I experienced firsthand how powerful mentorship can be — having someone who believes in you, offers guidance, and reminds you that you belong makes all the difference. I want to be that support for other women, helping them navigate challenges, celebrate their wins, and realize their full potential."

What energizes her is witnessing the long-term transformation that mentorship creates:

"What I find most rewarding is witnessing the transformation — seeing a mentee step into a role they once doubted they could reach, advocate for themselves with confidence, or become a mentor to others. It's an incredible feeling to know you've helped spark that growth, and it reinforces my belief that mentorship creates a lasting ripple effect, changing not just individual careers but the entire industry for the better."

One of Maryna's most impactful mentorship experiences illustrates how addressing psychological barriers can unlock technical potential:

"One of the most impactful moments in my mentorship journey was working with a young woman who was early in her tech career and struggling with impostor syndrome. She was talented but hesitant to apply for a leadership role she was clearly qualified for. Through our sessions, we focused on building her confidence, reframing her self-doubt, and preparing her for the opportunity."

The breakthrough came when capability met confidence:

"Eventually, she not only applied but got the promotion — and later told me that our conversations were a turning point for her belief in herself. Seeing her lead with such confidence and then start mentoring others was incredibly powerful for me. It reminded me that mentorship isn't just about advice; it's about helping someone realize their own strength, and watching that empowerment ripple outward."

This story captures Maryna's core insight: the most effective mentorship doesn't create dependency—it builds independence that multiplies across the industry.

Maryna's own professional development has been significantly enhanced through her mentorship practice:

"Being a mentor has helped me grow both personally and professionally in ways I didn't fully expect. Personally, it has strengthened my ability to listen deeply and empathize, which has made me a more patient and thoughtful communicator. I've learned that sometimes the most powerful support you can give is simply creating a safe space for others to share their challenges and ambitions."

The professional benefits have been equally substantial:

"Professionally, mentorship has sharpened my leadership skills — especially in areas like coaching, giving constructive feedback, and seeing potential in others. It's also pushed me to stay current in my field, because mentees often bring fresh perspectives and new questions that challenge me to keep learning. Mentorship has made me a better leader, a more empathetic colleague, and a lifelong learner."

For those considering their first mentorship role, Maryna offers encouragement that emphasizes authenticity over perfection:

"I would say: absolutely go for it. You don't need to have all the answers to be a great mentor — what matters most is showing up, listening, and being willing to share your experiences honestly. Mentorship isn't about being perfect; it's about being real, supportive, and helping someone else see possibilities they might not yet see for themselves."

She also highlights the reciprocal nature of effective mentorship:

"Also, mentorship is a two-way street — you will learn and grow just as much as your mentee will. It's one of the most rewarding and meaningful ways to give back, strengthen your leadership skills, and help shape a more inclusive future in tech. If you're considering it, you're already on the right path — just take that first step."

When discussing why mentorship matters, Maryna articulates a vision that extends beyond individual career advancement to systemic industry transformation:

"I believe mentorship is important because it accelerates growth, builds confidence, and creates opportunities that might not otherwise exist. In industries like tech, where women and underrepresented groups can sometimes feel isolated, mentorship provides crucial support and guidance."

She emphasizes the multiplicative effect of well-structured mentorship:

"A mentor can help someone navigate challenges, see their own potential more clearly, and take bold steps they might not have taken alone. Mentorship also creates a ripple effect — when you lift one person up, they often go on to lift others. It's a powerful way to build a more inclusive, supportive, and innovative industry. Simply put, mentorship changes lives — and not just for the mentees, but for the mentors as well."