Over the past two years, I made a deliberate decision to step away from a permanent role and focus on building my social enterprise, The Resilient Journeys, alongside my consultancy, SDN Connect.

It has been one of the most rewarding transitions of my career.

A significant part of this journey has been coaching and mentoring individuals from diverse backgrounds.
This includes migrant professionals and women navigating complex career pathways. I am currently mentoring eight individuals through networks such as Professional Migrant Women, Australian Professionals of Colour, and Women in Transport. Alongside this, I deliver career coaching programs through The Resilient Journeys.

For me, mentoring is not a transactional engagement. It does not begin and end with a formal program. It is an ongoing relationship grounded in trust, growth, and continuity; walking alongside someone as they build confidence, navigate barriers, and step into new opportunities.

When Mentoring Transforms Lives

Last week, I received a message from one of my mentees that deeply reaffirmed why this work matters:

“I got the job… Thank you for helping me believe in myself again and prepare for the interview.

After a few knockbacks, I was doubting my ability. I’ve now broken the cycle and feel inspired to keep growing and creating impact.”

This is particularly important when working with migrant professionals, who often face systemic barriers, self-doubt, and a lack of access to networks.

The Other Side of Giving

However, alongside these rewarding moments comes a less visible, but equally important reality.

Recently, I had to say “not at the moment” to a mentoring request.

It was not an easy decision.

I am currently overseas in Fiji supporting my elderly father, while also managing multiple projects across both of my businesses. Every instinct in me wanted to say ‘yes’ to support, to guide, to give.

I often coach and mentor people online. While distance has never been a barrier, this time I recognised that my capacity was fully stretched, both emotionally and physically. I knew that without the capacity to fully show up, I would not be delivering the level of support my mentees deserve.

This is something many leaders, mentors, and community contributors experience.

The desire to help can sometimes come at the expense of our own sustainability.

This is where work-life balance and boundary setting become essential.

Why Balance Is Not Optional – It Is Essential

Balancing commitments is often misunderstood as a personal preference. In reality, it is a critical leadership capability.

Research consistently highlights the importance of managing workload, energy, and boundaries:

• The World Health Organisation recognises burnout as an occupational phenomenon resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.
• Studies published by the Harvard Business Review emphasise that overcommitment reduces effectiveness, decision-making quality, and long-term impact.
• The American Psychological Association highlights that sustained overload without recovery affects both mental well-being and professional performance.

For those engaged in mentoring, coaching, and leadership, this is particularly important.

When we overextend ourselves:

• Our presence becomes diluted
• The quality of our support decreases
• Our own well-being is compromised

And ultimately, the impact we are trying to create is weakened.

Sustainable Impact Requires Boundaries

There is a common narrative, particularly among those working in community, diversity, and inclusion spaces, that giving more is always better.

Equally, there is often a misconception that strong leaders always say yes.

It is about:

• Protecting the quality of your contribution
• Respecting your own capacity
• Ensuring longevity in the work you care deeply about

For those working in purpose-driven businesses, especially in diversity, equity, and inclusion spaces, this is even more important.

The work is deeply personal. The demand is constant. And without boundaries, burnout becomes inevitable.

A Reflection for Leaders, Mentors, and Changemakers

If you are someone who supports others, whether through mentoring, leadership, or community work,  this is an important reflection point.

Closing Thought

Mentoring and coaching will always remain at the heart of my work. It is one of the most powerful ways to create ripple effects of change. Not just in careers, but in confidence, identity, and belonging.

But I am also learning, and continually reminding myself, that:

To uplift others effectively, we must first sustain ourselves.

And sometimes, the most responsible and impactful decision we can make is to say:

“Not at the moment — but I will be here when I can truly show up.”

If you’re looking for personalised support, explore my career coaching and mentoring programs through The Resilient Journeys or connect with me to start your journey.

For organisations looking to embed this thinking, I deliver inclusive leadership workshops and change management initiatives through SDN Connect.