The role of mentoring in building confidence
As part of our series focusing on building confidence in leadership, we’re looking at how mentoring can create a safe space for personal development and accountability.
Mentoring plays a valuable role in helping individuals grow in confidence and gain perspective. Having a trusted space to reflect, sense-check experiences and learn from others can strengthen perspective and reinforce belief in one’s abilities.
Through mentoring, individuals can:
- Gain reassurance and insight from shared experiences
- Build confidence through reflection and constructive challenge
- Develop clarity around goals, decisions and next steps
In 2025, over 140 mentoring matches were achieved through GM Business Growth Hub programmes — reflecting both people's willingness to share their experience and a strong demand for guidance and support from others.
Alongside this, more people across Greater Manchester are choosing to explore business ideas, start new ventures and step into entrepreneurship, reflecting a broader confidence to try new things and pursue ambitions.
Adele’s perspective: turning doubt into progress
Adele Cope, Mentoring Specialist, supports mentoring relationships that help individuals turn experience into confidence and insight.
She shares her personal experience of facing imposter syndrome:
“Why would anyone pay for what I offer? Other people are so much better than me. I can’t do that… “
These aren’t rare thoughts — they’re the everyday soundtrack of “imposter syndrome”. And it doesn’t discriminate. I’ve seen it in multi‑million‑pound business owners, solo entrepreneurs, and even someone who had been approached by Netflix yet still doubted their own worth.
The key isn’t to fear these thoughts but to “recognise them for what they are: a universal human experience, not a personal failing”. When you acknowledge them, you can start turning them into fuel rather than friction.
A mentor can make a huge difference. Mine taught me to say “yes” when my instinct was to shrink back, and to genuinely value what I bring to the table. That shift changed the trajectory of my business — I doubt I’d be where I am today without someone challenging my imposter syndrome head‑on.
I still feel it, of course. Most entrepreneurs do. The difference now is that I don’t let it stop me. And that’s the real secret — not eliminating imposter syndrome but refusing to let it hold the steering wheel.
From perfection to progress
One of the most effective ways to build confidence is shifting the focus from perfection to progress. Sustainable leadership and business success are built through continuous development, not flawless performance.
Recognising achievements, seeking feedback, engaging in mentoring and peer networks, and allowing space to learn all contribute to the confidence that grows through experience.
Creating spaces where confidence can grow through mentoring
At GM Business Growth Hub, mentoring is recognised as a powerful way to build confidence and support personal development. Trusted mentoring relationships create space to reflect, challenge self-doubt and move forward with greater clarity — particularly during periods of change or growth.
Through the iMentor platform, individuals can access mentoring support that encourages reflection, accountability and progress, helping confidence grow through experience.
Explore iMentor and discover mentoring support to help you grow in confidence.
Get in touch
Please contact us at 0161 3593050 or query below.
Take that first step and we’ll support you with whatever you need to succeed.
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