Gisabela's Journey to Confidence

Gisabela Vanessa was one of the participants in our Professional Mentoring Programme, and her story is a testament to the transformative power of mentoring. Below, Gisabela shares her journey, the lessons she learned, and how the mentoring experience has changed her life.

I am Gisabela Vanessa, and I was part of the Femme Incroyable Mentoring Programme. I first discovered the programme through social media, specifically via an Instagram post. It piqued my interest, and I decided to enrol as a mentee. My motivation stemmed from a strong desire to find my purpose, to understand what I wanted to do in life. I believed that speaking with someone who had already gone through a similar journey could provide me with the right tools to navigate my own.

During the mentoring sessions, I had an amazing experience. It was a very smooth and light process, centred around open and honest conversations. My mentor and I quickly formed a great connection, which made everything feel natural and effortless.

The programme had a profound and positive impact on me. I gained insights that I now apply in my daily life. Although I am not yet working in a professional capacity, the lessons I learned were invaluable on a personal level, particularly around self-responsibility. Before, I often found it difficult to take responsibility for certain areas of my life, frequently placing blame on others or external circumstances. The mentoring programme helped me take ownership of what truly matters and focus on my personal growth.

One of the biggest challenges I managed to overcome during the programme was procrastination. I used to struggle with completing tasks on time, but now I make a conscious effort to meet my commitments. Another key obstacle I faced was overcoming the fear of other people’s opinions. I used to worry a lot about how others perceived me, and it often held me back. The programme has helped me let go of that fear and move forward with greater confidence.

There was a particularly memorable moment during the mentoring programme when I volunteered to be a moderator at one of the workshops. This experience pushed me far outside my comfort zone. I’ve always had a fear of public speaking, and I tend to be quite shy. But with the support and guidance of the Femme Incroyable team, I was able to conquer that fear. I prepared thoroughly, and everything went smoothly. This moment stood out to me as a milestone in my journey.

Today, I view my future with optimism. The mentoring programme has instilled in me a new sense of self-belief. I now understand that I can achieve anything I set my mind to with intention, effort, and determination. I’ve already started to see positive results in various aspects of my life, and I feel more empowered than ever before.

That’s why I wholeheartedly encourage all women to join this programme. But I want to emphasise that it’s important not to expect the programme to solve all your problems. For me, it was more of a bridge – a key that unlocked the door to a new path. It gave me the tools I needed to begin my journey towards a new reality and direction for my life. If it could help me, I’m confident it can help you too.

Gisabela with her mentor Florips Assis at the first Femme Incroyable event, Gisabela proudly stood alongside her mentor, Florips Assis, as they celebrated the completion of the Professional Mentoring Programme. The event marked a special moment as participants were awarded their certificates of participation, symbolising the start of new journeys empowered by the mentoring experience.