In this mentor interview, Teresa George shares her reflections on volunteering with Success Works and supporting women as they rebuild confidence, recognise their strengths, and take practical steps toward meaningful employment. Drawing on her background in learning, capability development and coaching, Teresa offers insight into the power of encouragement, self-belief and human connection during times of transition.
Success Works: To start, can you tell us a little about yourself and your connection to Success Works?
Teresa: I’m a Learning and Capability professional with a background in workforce development, coaching, and organisational learning across government (construction, transport, vocational education), higher education, and employment placement and recruitment Services sectors.
Much of my work has focused on helping people build confidence, capability, and practical skills in times of transition and change.
My connection to Success Works comes from a genuine belief in the importance of creating pathways for women to rebuild confidence, rediscover their strengths, and move toward meaningful employment and independence.
Success Works: What motivated you to volunteer as a mentor supporting women into employment?
Teresa: Throughout my career, I’ve seen how much potential people carry, often long before they can see it in themselves. Many women returning to work or navigating life transitions underestimate the value of their lived experience, resilience, and transferable skills.
I wanted to contribute in a practical and personal way by supporting women to reconnect with their confidence, recognise their strengths, and feel less alone in the process of finding work again.
Success Works: What has been one of the most rewarding moments you’ve experienced as a Success Works mentor?
Teresa: One of the most rewarding moments is seeing a shift in someone’s self-belief, when a candidate moves from uncertainty and self-doubt to recognising that they do have something valuable to offer.
Sometimes it’s not just about securing a job.
It’s the moment someone begins to speak about themselves with more confidence, clarity, and hope for the future.
Success Works: From your experience, what skill or mindset most helps candidates successfully transition into work?
Teresa: I think adaptability and self-belief are incredibly important. The employment landscape changes constantly, and many candidates are navigating personal transitions at the same time.
The people who move forward most successfully are often those who stay open to learning, remain willing to take small steps forward, and begin to trust that their previous experiences, both personal and professional, have value.
Success Works: What’s a common challenge candidates face, and how do you help them work through it?
Teresa: A common challenge is loss of confidence, particularly after a long career break, redundancy, personal hardship, or setbacks in the job search process.
Many people focus only on what they think they lack, rather than recognising the strengths they already bring.
I try to create a supportive and encouraging space where candidates can reflect on their experience differently, identify transferable skills, and take practical, manageable steps forward rather than feeling overwhelmed by the whole journey.
Success Works: How has volunteering with Success Works impacted you personally or professionally?
Teresa: Volunteering with Success Works has reinforced for me how important encouragement, dignity, and human connection are during periods of transition.
It has also reminded me that meaningful change often begins with conversation, listening, and helping someone feel seen and capable again.
Professionally, it continues to deepen my understanding of coaching, capability development, and the very human side of employment support.
Success Works: What advice would you like to share with candidates who are still finding their feet on their employment journey?
Teresa: Be patient with yourself and try not to measure your worth by how quickly things happen. Career journeys are rarely linear, and periods of uncertainty do not define your value or potential. Focus on small steps, stay open to learning, and remember that the skills you’ve gained through life, resilience, communication, caregiving, adaptability and problem-solving, are strengths that matter.
Sometimes confidence returns after taking action, not before it.
Teresa’s reflections highlight the lasting impact of mentoring, not only in helping candidates prepare for employment, but in reminding them of their worth, capability and potential. Her experience shows how encouragement, practical guidance and genuine connection can help women take the next step in their journey with greater confidence.
No responses yet