“I’m going to be honest—I’m a little nervous,” I admitted within the first few minutes of
facilitating my first focus-group discussion as a mentor. The participants responded with warm smiles and reassuring words.
I was introduced to In-Sight Collaborative through its Mentorship Program, a six-week introduction to leadership in the humanitarian sector, where I joined as a mentee in the Winter 2024 cohort. The engaging lectures, insightful guest speakers, and stimulating group discussions quickly became highlights of my week. By the end of the program, it felt natural to apply to continue my journey with In-Sight. The next few weeks marked many firsts for me: becoming a Board member and facilitating group discussions for the Summer 2024 Mentorship Program.
An hour before my debut session, I was reviewing the material. Although I was familiar with it from my own experience, facilitating required more than just knowledge. As a participant, I’d seen firsthand the challenges of awkward silences and unresponsive groups, and I was nervous about how I’d handle these dynamics. I’d admired how interviewers and moderators could focus, summarize, and guide conversations effectively.
As part of the program, we were paired with co-mentors. Having someone to support me was reassuring, but on the day of my first session, my co-mentor couldn’t make it on time due to an emergency. She messaged me, promising to join as soon as possible. With no time for panic, I focused on welcoming the participants as they joined the Zoom session. After a few minutes of light conversation and an ice-breaker activity, I found my stride. The session felt like a natural conversation with like-minded individuals who shared similar values. The hour flew by, and by the end, I wanted to keep chatting.
Over the following weeks, I grew closer to the group, and new faces occasionally joined. My co-mentor and I developed a smooth, organic process, each contributing our strengths. We no longer needed to meet before each session; the Saturday discussions became something I eagerly anticipated, much like when I was a participant. As the summer program came to a close, I prepared for my last session with some bittersweet emotions.
At the end of our first focus-group discussion, we asked for feedback on the format. One participant shared that she appreciated the inclusive nature of the discussion. "There was no hierarchy and I felt heard," she added.
As I reflect on this experience, I’m not driven by pride or a sense of achievement but by a deep sense of warmth and humility.
If you’re interested in exploring similar opportunities, I encourage you to learn more about In-Sight Collaborative’s Mentorship Program here.
Priyanka Shertukde is Board Chair of In-Sight Collaborative.
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