When courage comes full circle

From HER Courage Leaders Summit to mentorship, memory and meaning.

Women’s Month might be officially over, but the energy from the HER Courage Leaders Summit 2025 hasn’t quite left me. And honestly, I hope it never does.

The event was more than just another summit. It was a full-day celebration of boldness, vulnerability, and the power of women who show up – not just for the world but for one another.

From heartfelt panel discussions to powerful moments of recognition during the HER Courage Awards Dinner, the day was filled with so many reminders of what leadership really looks like: Resilience, empathy, and courage in motion.

One of the biggest highlights for me was signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) under the Royal Visionary Society and Speakers Society, marking a beautiful new chapter in our journey of empowering speakers and thought leaders worldwide. It was surreal to formalise this commitment during such a meaningful occasion.

But the story starts earlier than that.

How I got to know Lilian Ong

I’ve known Lilian Ong, the founder of HER Courage Leaders Summit, for quite a while now. We crossed paths years ago – both of us on our own unique paths but always orbiting in the same empowering spaces.

What struck me about Lilian from the start wasn’t just her strength (though she has plenty of that) but her heart. Her commitment to helping women rise above their fears and stand tall in their truth has always been something I admired.

To see her vision materialise into something like HER Courage Leaders Summit – now with hundreds of attendees, diverse speakers, and an international presence – is genuinely inspiring.

It’s easy to talk about courage.
It’s harder to live it.
But Lilian? She walks the walk.

A day of meaningful conversations and celebration

The summit was held at NTUC @ One Marina Boulevard, and from the moment I arrived, I could feel the buzz. Not just from the crowd but from the energy – it felt like every woman (and every ally) in the room came with a purpose. To learn. To connect. To grow.

After the summit came the HER Courage Awards and Dinner at Parkroyal Collection Pickering – and what a beautiful experience that was. From the elegant setting to the incredibly moving stories shared on stage, the evening was full of raw, real moments.

This year also marked the 6th anniversary of Women of Courage Asia (WOCA), and you could feel the years of impact in the room. Lives touched, businesses started, and dreams reignited.

People often think of awards as just recognition.
But this felt like a reunion. A reminder. A spark.

And then… a familiar face in the crowd

There’s something about big, soul-filling events like these that tend to bring people back into your life.
That’s when I saw Elim Chew.

Now, if you grew up in Singapore in the early 2000s, you’ll know the brand 77th Street. I was obsessed with it in my teens. It wasn’t just a fashion label – it was a cultural movement. And Elim? She was the powerhouse behind it all.

So when I got the chance to meet her over 10 years ago, I was starstruck. This was someone I had looked up to for years – and here she was, in front of me, humble, grounded, and generous.

Fast forward 8 years ago, I ended up in a mentorship session with Elim during a time when I was struggling. I was deep in a situation with an investor from my MediaTech company, and everything felt… stuck. Heavy. Like I was suffocating under pressure and fear of making the wrong move.

Elim said something that changed everything for me:
“There’s nothing in this world that is permanent. And nothing indispensable.”

At that point, I was holding on to things I thought I had to keep. But her words made me realise – letting go doesn’t mean losing. It means making space for something better.

She didn’t gain anything from helping me. She just did. And she probably doesn’t even remember the weight her words carried for me – but I do.

That’s what real mentors do. They show up with heart. And sometimes, they save you from drowning without even knowing it.

What makes a great mentor (really)

Not all mentors are created equal. Some are transactional – there for the spotlight or because they look good on paper. But the ones who actually shift your life? They’re rare. They’re the real deal. And when you meet one, you know.

Here are the traits I look out for:

1. They give without expectations.
The best mentors don’t help you because they want something in return. They do it because they care. Because they see potential in you. And that’s the magic – they show up for your growth even when there’s no personal gain involved.

2. They tell you the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable.
A great mentor doesn’t just validate you – they challenge you. They’ll lovingly call you out when you’re stuck in fear, ego, or self-sabotage. It might sting at the moment but in hindsight? You’ll be thankful for it.

3. They don’t try to clone themselves.
They’re not interested in turning you into a mini version of them. Instead, they help you discover your voice, your path, and your unique brilliance. They guide you to grow into yourself – not their shadow.

4. They share their mistakes, not just their wins.
Mentors who only talk about their highlights reel aren’t mentoring – they’re performing. The best ones are open about their failures, lessons, and pivots. That’s where the real gold is.

5. They celebrate your success like it’s their own.
No jealousy. No gatekeeping. Just pure, genuine joy that you’re rising. That’s when you know you’ve got someone truly aligned with your journey.

How to be a great mentee (without being “that” person)

Let’s be honest – mentorship is a two-way street. You can have the best mentor in the world, but if you’re not showing up with the right mindset and energy, the relationship won’t grow.

Here’s how to be the kind of mentee people want to support:

1. Be coachable.
You don’t have to blindly follow every piece of advice – but come in with an open mind. Be willing to listen, reflect, and try new things. Growth only happens when you’re willing to stretch.

2. Take responsibility for your journey.
Your mentor isn’t here to build your life for you. They’re a guide, not a crutch. Own your process, your decisions, and your outcomes. That’s how trust is built.

3. Respect their time, boundaries, and energy.
Mentors are usually busy, and they’re helping you because they want to – not because they have to. So don’t be demanding. Come prepared, be concise, and always ask how you can make the best use of your time.

4. Give updates. Share progress.
Let them know how things are going – not just when you need help, but when things are working, too. It helps them feel connected to your journey and shows you’re applying what you’ve learned.

5. Express gratitude – often and authentically.
A sincere “thank you” goes a long way. So does sharing the impact they’ve had on your life. Whether it’s a message, a post, or a shoutout – acknowledging your mentor reinforces the relationship in a meaningful way.

It’s the people you remember

That night at the awards dinner wasn’t just about fancy dresses or clinking glasses. It was about remembering the people who made a difference – even quietly, even years ago.

It reminded me that we should never forget the ones who helped us grow. Even if we never get to repay them, the acknowledgement, the gratitude – it matters.

And speaking of people who matter…

My Rainmakers fam

Yes, I bumped into the Rainmakers fam at the event, too!
If you know me, you know I’m in a lot of communities and clubs (I like people, what can I say?) – but Rainmakers holds a special place.

They feel at home. Supportive, genuine, no fluff.
There’s actually a great little story about how I became part of the Rainmakers crew… but I’ll save that for my next post.

What’s next?

If you’ve ever wondered why I’m so obsessed with community or how I’ve built ecosystems like:

• Royal Visionary Society (now 1,000+ female founders in 18 months)
• Speakers Society (50 founding members, 100+ speakers connected in under 2 months)

Then, keep an eye out. I’m going to share the behind-the-scenes soon – the lessons, the mistakes, the systems, and the sparks.

And trust me… there’s a lot to share.

If this post resonated with you, leave a like, drop a comment, or share it with someone who needs a little courage reminder today.

Because, at the end of the day, courage isn’t loud. It’s consistent. It’s intentional. It’s yours.