2023’S HRIA DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS HAD THE LARGEST COHORT AND BIGGEST GEOGRAPHICAL SPREAD TO DATE. TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATING, WE CAUGHT UP WITH 2023 MENTOR, BRAD ABEL AND HIS MENTEE, NATALIE LU.
AT THE HRIA, WE SPEND MUCH OF OUR time trying to figure out the biggest challenges facing our industry and how to address them. There are rarely silver bullets, but occasionally, we know we can make a difference to an individual, in turn, their employer and over time, the industry.
The Women in Hire and Young Professionals Development Programs, now in their 6th year, are designed to propagate professional and personal development, cultural best practice, leadership qualities and confidence in the program mentees. Our aim is to foster the idea that the Hire industry is a destination of choice for employees and help members retain talented, highly engaged staff who can clearly see a future in our industry. For Brad Abel, APS Power’s General Manager, the decision to mentor the Young Professionals Development Program was significant although initially, he hesitated. “As a young manager in the industry, I questioned whether I had enough experience to guide others effectively,” says Brad. “However, having been a part of this industry for a significant period, I’ve witnessed its evolution and recognised the importance of mentorship in nurturing the next generation of professionals.
The idea of contributing to the growth and development of talented individuals within the industry was compelling. It’s incredibly fulfilling to witness their professional and personal growth throughout the mentorship journey.” He says his experience has been rewarding, reinforcing the importance of adaptability and open-mindedness.
“Every mentee brought a unique set of challenges and aspirations, requiring me to tailor my guidance to suit their individual needs. Mentorship also highlighted the significance of ongoing learning. While I shared my experiences, I also gained insights into emerging trends and perspectives from the next generation. It’s a two-way street and I grew professionally and
personally through these interactions.“Witnessing the mentees’ progress was also incredibly gratifying, affirming the impact of mentorship on individual growth and the collective
strength of the industry. It reminded me of the responsibility we have as experienced professionals to foster talent and contribute to a vibrant, forward-thinking industry.”
Natalie Lu is a branch manager for Alfasi Hire in New South Wales. While she had self-doubt and was initially reluctant to participate in the program, she says it’s been invaluable experience.
“The program pushes you out of your comfort zone,” says Natalie. “I’ve gained a significant confidence boost, professionally and personally, been able to hone my networking skills and forge
friendships with peers and mentors.
The program also exposed me to unique experiences such as travelling to New Zealand with HRIA CEO James Oxenham and HRIA President Jeremy Shaw to speak at the HIANZ conference. It’s been one of my career highlights.” She also has nothing but praise for her mentor Brad. “Brad sensed my initial intimidation and proactively reached out, creating a supportive environment that allowed us to be quite casual and relaxed in our approach. Despite having completed our program now, he continues to be one of my biggest supporters and consistently celebrates my career milestones.” Natalie says the program tests what you can achieve. “If you’re thinking of joining the program as a mentee, do it!
For managers, make this investment in developing your people because it will ensure they are willing to invest back into the company.” Brad says it can be challenging to find the time to mentor, however, it’s a great opportunity to give back and have a profound impact on an individual mentee and the industry. “It’s about creating a positive ripple effect that can elevate the entire industry,” he says. “By contributing your expertise, you’re helping to shape the next generation of leaders and foster a culture of continuous improvement. There’s also immeasurable satisfaction in seeing your mentee succeed.”
Having now completed the program, Natalie has decided to ‘pay it forward’ becoming a mentor for the Women in Hire Development Program. “Having experienced first-hand what can be accomplished, I want to empower others to do the same and contribute to the growth and training of our future industry leaders.” “For me, the program has instilled a new self-assurance and confidence, opened doors and provided insights that significantly elevated my career,” she says. It’s one of the reasons why Brad thinks the programs are so important for the
industry. “These programs empower individuals with essential skills and confidence and cultivate a culture of mentorship and continuous development. This will a
vibrant and sustainable future for the entire hire and rental industry.”