Since 2014, Susan Makore, CEO of AB Communications, has been active as a WIN coach in Zimbabwe. During her tenure as a coach, she has built lasting relationships with participants, provided support and perspective, and created positive change for her coachees.

One such coachee is Faith Zaba, who joined WIN in 2016. Zaba says that WIN coaching has inspired her to succeed in her position as Deputy Editor of weekly publication, The Zimbabwe Independent. 

“[Coaching] has taught me that the glass ceiling can be broken,” says Zaba. “There were days where I thought of giving it all up, asking myself if it was all worth it. But when I spoke to Susan… I realized that I am stronger and I tapped into those strengths. I now speak out more and state my views more openly.”

Being a journalist in Zimbabwe has come with a host of challenges, says Zaba, such as gender discrimination and patriarchy, which ultimately have an effect on how she carries out her daily work. Zaba says that, through her WIN coaching experience, she has not only become more determined to achieve her goals but also more knowledgeable about how to do so.

“Having a coach like Susan is an added advantage,” says Zaba. “She is also a mother and a wife [like me] and has managed to balance work and family life, a problem I am currently dealing with. However, the guidance that she has provided so far has helped me pull through.”

What makes the coaching experience and the relationship between mentor and mentee so important? Simply having someone who will listen is fundamental in developing trust and cultivating a lasting relationship. Mentors are experienced media leaders themselves, which helps provide inspiration and practical tools for mentees to reach their own goals.

“Susan is a well-respected media woman who has climbed the corporate ladder to be where she is today,” says Zaba. “She is the only female journalist that heads a vast media organization and who also, despite all the odds, headed the state broadcaster. She is a role model to most media women and has vast experience as a media manager.”

And while mentees undoubtedly gain a host of benefits from the coaching process, mentors also win out. Makore says that her role as a WIN coach has helped her realize how much she enjoys sharing her professional experiences and has also helped her map her own career path. But perhaps the greatest benefit is seeing her mentees grow into their potential through her help.

“I believe with the kind of focus and drive [Faith] has, she will go far,” says Makore. “I see Faith with more focus as Deputy Editor over the next 3 years and in five years, she could easily be Editor of a weekly or daily newspaper. She has the experience and commitment to achieve that.” 

The WIN programme provides for 5 hours of one-to-one coaching with a career coach to assist candidates to create and implement their 3-5 year career road maps. Through a guided 360-degree feedback process, coaches help map specific paths in participants’ career development. The programme was specifically designed for Women in News.