Today on Better Student Leaders, I’m joined by Shivani Tholasi, Membership and Higher Education Coordinator at the Institute of Managers and Leaders Australia and New Zealand. Shivani has coordinated the Most Impactful Mentoring Program Award three years in a row, recognised internationally on the Mentorloop platform.

In this episode, Shivani shares the secrets behind building award-winning mentoring programs—from flexibility and tailoring experiences, to ongoing support, mentoring agreements, checklists, and even gamification. She also shares a powerful story and analogy of mentoring as a work of art—where the mentee is the canvas, and the mentor brings the brushes and colours of their experience.

For university staff, student leaders, and anyone running mentoring programs, this conversation is packed with practical insights and heartfelt reminders: that mentoring isn’t just about numbers, it’s about connection, creativity, and relationships that change lives.

🔑 Key Quotes

• “Mentoring isn’t just professional development — every relationship is a chance to inspire, shape a future, and create something meaningful.”

• “True impact of mentoring isn’t measured in numbers — it’s measured in human connections and growth.”

• “Flexibility, personalization, and continuous support — those are the three pillars of any mentoring program that truly works.”

• “A mentoring agreement sets clear expectations. It’s not about control, it’s about giving both mentors and mentees the confidence to grow together.”

• “Even small wins matter — whether it’s a first meeting badge or a shared story on LinkedIn, gamification makes mentoring fun and motivating.”

🔑 Key Links

👉 Connect with Shivani on LinkedIn here: Shivani Tholasi

👉 Learn more about IML ANZ’s award-winning mentoring programs here: IML Mentoring Program