Jessica and Mary were matched in 2019 on the Soho Mentorship and have stayed in close contact since. We asked them to reflect on their time on the programme and where they are now.

Mary: Were you ever nervous about becoming a mentor? And what were your first thoughts when we met (and I didn't know what I wanted to do!)

Jessica: Looking back, I was excited to be a mentor because one of my favourite things is to see someone using their gifts and sharing that in the most meaningful way with others. I wouldn't say that I was nervous, but I definitely hoped I would be a valuable and supportive part of your process and that I could share my knowledge and experience in the most beneficial way with you. I was really looking forward to meeting you because I had seen your application which was so original and creative, I couldn’t wait to hear more about you, what you wanted to do and help you get there. I love that you had so many different projects & interests, as I could feel your passion & energy. It meant we had a lot to work with.

Jessica: What made you want to sign up to Creative Mentor Network in the first place, and what were you hoping for or looking to get from the experience?

I remember seeing other people my age in creative spaces doing amazing things - I’d seen they’d been part of the Soho Mentorship programme. The same week, a previous colleague of mine saw the opportunity in a newsletter. I signed up and created my own board game to take to the assessment centre, it was very extra, but I wanted them to remember me! I was expecting to be paired with a mentor who could give me a few pointers on what direction to take next. I’d had mentors in the past who I’d only met with once or twice. From our first meeting, I knew we’d be in contact regularly. You were as committed to my vision as I was.

Mary: How has your experience of being a business owner and working in the media industry helped me to navigate a career in radio and journalism?

Jessica: No matter what area of the industry you want to get into, a big part of getting ahead is getting to know the who/what/where & when of it all. That's to say, do your research, find out what shows are being made, who is crewing up, what people are looking for and how you can get involved. I did have moments where I wondered if my (predominantly) TV background might be helpful to you when you focussed on getting into radio and journalism but it reminded me that what remains the same is committing to these principles - do your homework, have a huge passion for what you're doing and get yourself in front of the right people. It's been so exciting following your path not just because you’ve come such a long way in such a short amount of time but it's not often you meet someone who says they want something and actually go out and get it AND make it look effortless. You always do what it takes to get under the skin of the industry - reaching out to people you want to connect with, and you even understood and knew what people were looking for in a way that was very insightful and intuitive for someone starting out. Where & when I could help, I did but you always went the extra mile.

Jessica: How do you feel having a mentor - and being a part of Creative Mentor Network - has helped you with building your career in the media industry?

Mary: When I became a mentee, I was working in marketing and was a fitness instructor. I loved what I was doing but for a while I’d really wanted to try presenting. I didn’t know how to go about it and had some limiting beliefs about whether it was possible to do it, as people told me it was so competitive. You are naturally an optimistic and positive person, and basically told me there was no reason why we couldn’t make it happen. I’m glad that you didn’t promise me the world, but assured me that I’m capable of becoming a broadcaster. My first presenting opportunity was at the CMN showcase, and I loved it! Since then, CMN has been a support system in figuring out the industry, networking, and even helping me book talented people for the radio shows I present. Now I make mini-documentaries for The News Movement, present a weekly show on BBC Radio London and cover shows on 1Xtra and Radio 1. For the past few years, Radio 1 has selected new presenters to look after shows over Christmas. I'd applied each time for the past 4 years and had never been successful. I told myself in 2022 that if I wasn’t selected this time, then I would change tactics to getting my foot in the door to that station. I didn’t really know what that new tactic was, and luckily, I found out I had been given the opportunity! So on new years day 2023, I presented Life Hacks and The Official Chart First Look with my co-host Abbie Dewhurst. It was so incredible to hear my voice on a station I’ve listened to since I was a kid! I feel like I’m just getting started - I’m working towards having a regular slot on a station I love and making work which impacts more people.

“My first presenting opportunity was at the Creative Mentor Network showcase, and I loved it! Since then, Creative Mentor Network has been a support system in figuring out the industry, networking, and even helping me book talented people for the radio shows I present.”

— Mary Mandefield

Mary: What advice would you give to someone starting out, wanting to pursue a career in media?

Jessica: If you're looking to start a career in media and don't know where to begin (job titles can be tricky to navigate) start with getting your foot in the door of one area that you think might interest you. If you're looking to get into TV production, being a runner is a great place to start because you'll see how each member of the team works and find the jobs that float your boat and suit your skills the most. Many companies offer intern schemes, which are well worth exploring. Overall, start meeting and talking to people who are doing what you love and tell them what you’re interested in, share your ideas and ask how you can help & support them. When you come from a place of passion, people sense that and you'll be surprised at how many are waiting for someone just like you to join their team.

Jessica: And the same to you, what advice would you give to someone wanting to get into broadcasting?

Mary: Don’t try to do everything! It can be tempting to be seen in every space, but like many things, it pays off to be specific. If you love movies, you could become the go-to person for movie reviews. If you prefer longer conversations, a podcast makes more sense than trying to break into TV. If you’re super organised, a job in production might be a good fit. Surround yourself with uplifting people as it’s a tough industry, but there is a space for you if you put the work in to become more knowledgeable and confident on the subjects you cover. Study the careers of the people in positions you want to be in and see if you can take similar steps - community radio is a great way to learn the ropes. Also, there are some really great events like The Podcast Show and The Radio Academy Festival which are worth going to (they often do discounts or bursaries for those who can’t afford the ticket).

Mary: Were there any surprising outcomes of being a mentor?

Jessica: The most surprising outcome of being your mentor was how much I learned from you. It was a beautiful reminder that being a mentor and being a mentee is a collaboration - it is mutually, hugely rewarding. You were, and are, a dream to support in the way you consistently showed up, are committed to pursuing a career in this industry and always go for what you want, even saying no to things that didn’t feel aligned but sounded great on paper! This has been one of the most inspiring things to witness. I feel genuine pride seeing you tick things off your wishlist, knowing how committed you've been to getting there. Good things are here!

Jessica: Do you see yourself becoming a mentor in the future

Mary: Yes! I think everyone can benefit from mentoring in some capacity. I write a newsletter for creatives where I give advice, which feels like a form of mentoring. I also am a mentor to 2 ladies, Tumi and Praise, who work in the arts and construction. I don’t always have contacts in their industries, but I have experience with rejection, redirection, networking and more which I can pass on to them both. I would love to be a mentor with CMN in the future when I’m more established!

If you’re interested in joining one of our programmes as a mentee like Mary, head here.

If you want to mentor on one of our programmes, get in touch here.

Mentoring three years on

Jessica Bendien

Mary Mandefield

more information

support us

keep in touch