Reverse Mentorship – Why women need to learn from the next generation
A new twist on Mentoring – every time I mentor or coach someone I always feel as if I got more than I gave – I say this to myself, but I think it’s time I shout this into the universe.
Mentorship has long been framed as a top-down relationship—seasoned professionals guiding the younger, less experienced. But what if we flipped the script? What if the younger generation had just as much, if not more, to teach us?
Welcome to reverse mentorship, a concept that challenges the notion that wisdom only flows in one direction. In reality, younger women—whether fresh out of college, early in their careers, or leading innovative startups—hold insights, perspectives, and skills that more seasoned professionals need. And when we create space to learn from them, we’re not just investing in
the future—we’re ensuring that we stay relevant, adaptable, and ahead of the curve.
Why Reverse Mentorship Matters More Than Ever
Women today are breaking barriers in ways that weren't possible even a decade ago. They're building businesses in industries that didn't exist 15 years ago, navigating digital landscapes quickly, and reshaping how we work, communicate, and lead. Yet, despite our experience, many of us still cling to outdated leadership, networking, and decision-making frameworks.
We can do better.
Reverse mentorship isn’t about abandoning what we know—it’s about expanding our perspectives and evolving as leaders. It's about recognizing that while experience is valuable, staying teachable is even more important.
It’s not enough to acknowledge that younger women have valuable insights. We have to actively seek out their wisdom.
The strongest, most successful women I know don’t just mentor the next generation—they learn from them. They recognize that wisdom isn’t a one-way street and the future belongs to those willing to evolve.
So, let’s drop the notion that mentorship is only about giving advice. Let’s start asking, listening, and learning from the powerhouse women building the future.
Because the smartest leaders aren't just those who've been around the longest—they're the ones who never stop learning and growing.
