WOB MyMentoring in Action

Rhonda Arnott - B2B Lawyers

March 2010

Rhonda Arnott established and now manages a successful boutique commercial legal practice that has been operating for over ten years in Melbourne.  As a Women on Boards subscriber, Rhonda had attended the professional development workshops and then decided to join the WOB WAY mentoring program for a more tailored direction.

“In running my own practice I have advised a broad range of Boards, committees, directors and senior management. I saw the next step in my career was to sit on the other side of the fence. To be more involved in the decision making process of an organsation and to oversee the implementation of those decisions. Also, a Directorship would help me develop as a legal advisor by more intimately understanding my client’s perspective.”

Through the relationship with her mentor, Dianne Jacobs, Founding Principal of The Talent Advisors and a former equity partner at Goldman Sachs JBWere, Rhonda worked on a strategy to progress from a solicitor to a Board member.  The mentorship allowed Rhonda to clarify her motivations for seeking a board position, identify skills gaps, hone in on the types of Boards she was interested in and focus on her networks.

“With Dianne, we broke the process down into smaller tasks, so the strategy of going from an adviser to a board member does not seem so overwhelming,” Rhonda said.

 “To see a broad goal translate into achievable steps, and ultimately workable actions, is immensely satisfying,” Dianne said.  

“It’s given me confidence and reassured me that I’m on the right track,” Rhonda said.

Both Rhonda and Dianne understood the boundaries and expectations of the mentoring program.

“A good mentoring relationship is when the Mentee takes responsibility for their own development; has realistic aims for what can be achieved; brings real situations, issues and development needs to the agenda; reflects; challenges intelligently; is prepared to be challenged; and will implement actions and discusses progress,” Dianne said.

"Whilst having a mentor is a good sounding board and is very supportive, they cannot get the position for you and you must be prepared to undertake the work,” Rhonda said.

Rhonda and Dianne are continuing their relationship through the mentoring program.

“If becoming a Board member is something that you have thought about or envisaged yourself doing there is no set career path to achieving that.  Everyone achieves it in a different manner.  Having a mentor helps you focus on your personal situation and provides support,” says Rhonda.