One mentor-mentee pairing discuss the benefits of a new mentoring scheme

NEW HORIZONS

Potgieter launched Themba Travel in July 2019, just a few months before the pandemic struck, and has had to face countless challenges due to shifting travel restrictions. She says she signed up to the Male Allyship Network as she “needed help and wanted to move [her] business to the next level”.

Having had a female mentor before, and been part of the Women In Travel female-focused mentorship circle last year, she says she was intrigued by the male allyship concept.

“I was excited it was male allyship; it’s something different. Men have been in senior positions in travel for a much longer time than women, so I wanted to draw from that knowledge and experience.

“There have been a lot of advantages for men in the world of work and, by signing up, [male mentors on this scheme] are addressing that.”

Potgieter was matched with Power by Women in Travel founder Alessandra Alonso, and the pair soon discovered their businesses had aligned values, with both advocating for community-based tourism, sustainability and authentic local experiences. While Potgieter is herself South African, Power has family ties to South Africa, which has helped the pair create a deeper cultural understanding.

“Thomas understands that as a woman of colour I’ve been sidelined in the industry and in the country,” says Potgieter.

She adds: “This kind of mentorship breaks down barriers, addresses misunderstandings and teaches us about different cultures. It’s increased my self-awareness a lot.” 

Potgieter believes the scheme has helped her become more “bold” in business; something she considers a more traditionally male trait.

“There are many women in travel and business who are very competent – they have the experience and the degrees – but they are not confident. Men can be more bold. I am learning to let my confidence shine and to push through.”

Currently Potgeiter is meeting with Power every two weeks for a two-hour session, and says great leaps forward have been made. Power is also advising her on a new initiative she hopes to launch that’s currently in the fledgling stages.

“We’re always making progress,” says Potgeiter. “I’ve been given tasks to do and plenty of constructive feedback, which has been so important. After feeling overwhelmed and like I hadn’t got anywhere with my business due to the pandemic, it’s given me direction, confidence and surety that I am moving forward.”

TAKING THE PLUNGE

Power, who was informed about the Male Allyship Network by Alessandra Alonso, says he decided to become a male mentor to be part of the change and promote diversity in travel.

“It’s very noticeable that travel is an industry that has a majority female labour force, but the higher up you go towards the C-suite, they just disappear in an extraordinary way, and it doesn’t seem to be moving very fast,” he says. “The industry isn’t very fleet footed when it comes to diversity in its broadest sense.”

Power agrees that Pura Aventura and Themba Travel share similar values, which has helped build a trusting mentor-mentee rapport. “It’s absolutely brilliant that we have those similarities. We both believe in travel as a force for good, or high-impact travel.

“[Pura Aventura has] made almost every mistake in the book by now. I can hopefully share some of the experiences we’ve had over the years so Chantal doesn’t have to fall into the same potholes that we have.”

He adds: “I’m also delighted to see a South African woman of colour creating a successful business in an industry where diversity is at a significant premium among business owners in particular.”

Other potential male allies looking to sign up to the network should “not overthink it” and take the plunge, Power says.

“There’s a part of [me] that’s not entirely comfortable with the ‘male mentor’ bit, but I’m not hung up on it. I’m more motivated by how I as a person can have an impact on somebody else who would otherwise have a rockier journey than me.

“If you’re senior in the industry in whatever way, you’ve probably got stuff you can share. If you think the industry needs to change, then be part of the change.”

TAKE PART: To join the Male Allyship network as a woman or non-binary individual, click here and fill in the application, selecting Male Allyship Mentoring as the programme. To join as a male ally, click here