b'After purchasing MG Electrical/Mechanical Services with her partner in 2016, Torchia Shyjak sought out mentorship to help her adapt to her new role.I actually set aside my entire first year in business, and that was my goalI was going to network and build that community for myself. I went to every event. I became the YES woman for one full year, said Torchia Shyjak. You cant expect people to come to youits your mentorship. You build your community, but I guarantee you that in turn, it will take on its own organic lifeform of itself.Finding a one-size-fits-all mentor proved challenging, but over time and connections, Torchia Shyjak cultivatedPhotos by Dan Harper Photographyrelationships and built herself a community of supportone she couldIts a confidence booster, Nadeauthey do, Bockstael explains. And call on for help and advice.explained. You realize you have theobviously, your own business is going BENEFITS OF BEING experience and knowledge to pass on. to benefit greatly.A MENTOR/MENTEEAs a woman working in ManitobasBockstael views being a mentor as anThe best mentorship is one that construction industry, having a mentoropportunity to invest in his people andworks for both the mentor and the can be extremely beneficial, especiallyensure that both his business and thementee. According to the panel, when considering women make up only fourgreater industry will benefit. cultivating a mentorship, discuss per cent of the construction industrysexpectations, respect each others time workforce. For many women workingYoure helping your professional staff,and, once youve been the mentee, pay in construction, having a trustedyour people, become better at whatit forwardbe a mentor to others.advisor can help them gain practical advice, encouragement and support, increase confidence in the industryand determine the next steps intheir career. According to Munro, the biggest benefit to being a mentee has been the years of trusted knowledge shes acquired from Bockstael. Ive been able to extract a lot of that experience. Hes always keen to share his lessons learned and to pass along some things hes been through to help guide our staffespecially his younger staffto develop and grow and avoid some of the hardships theyve experienced, Munro detailed.For Torchia Shyjak, the community- Build on what matters most.based and collaborative approach to support provided her with moreEarn the trust of clients, employees and partners.diverse ideas and shared experiencesGain a reputation that helps you qualify for bids.than having just one mentor. Face the challenges of general contracting head on.Mentor relationships can impact bothOur insurance and risk management specialists can the mentor and the mentee. Whilehelp. Lets build on your success.the mentee takes advantage of many learning opportunities, it may behubinternational.com/constructionsurprising to find out that there are also many advantages to being AdvocacyTailored Insurance SolutionsPeace of Minda mentor.Issue 1 Spring Edition 2020 BUILD MANITOBA 25'