Being the mentor I never had
As I built my career, I did not have a mentor. Mentorship was neither widely discussed nor readily available, and some of the positions I held were too sensitive to make seeking counsel outside the institution straightforward.
As a corporate lawyer, C-suite executive, senior public servant and senior diplomat, I have often taken paths without a clear precedent. Too often, I was the only woman in the room, and sometimes the only woman in the office.
Those experiences were not always comfortable. Yet I am grateful for what they taught me: how to exercise judgement under pressure, find my voice in unfamiliar settings, and move forward without the reassurance of a well-trodden path.
Some of my richest learning came when I was furthest from my comfort zone.
That is why I want to offer others what I did not have: an experienced, trusted person with whom to think things through.
“What stood out was not only the scale of responsibility she has carried, but the clarity and adaptability with which she has navigated each transition. For many in the room, particularly aspiring women in law and international affairs, her journey was deeply inspiring, not only as a pioneer in senior leadership roles, but as someone who has consistently shaped those spaces for the better.”
“Well deserved Lubna! I will take this opportunity to thank you for your mentorship to me and my son, Greg, which we will never forget!”
At senior levels, there may be fewer people with whom you can speak openly. I offer a discreet sounding board for those carrying difficult decisions, whether managing a crisis, navigating institutional tensions, negotiating a new mandate, or considering what comes next.
Sometimes you need a different perspective. Sometimes you need someone to challenge your thinking. Sometimes you simply need to speak without having to appear certain or in control.
Working hard and delivering results do not always make the next step clear. I support women seeking greater responsibility and influence: preparing for promotion, negotiating recognition and remuneration, building professional relationships, and finding their voice in rooms where they may still be the only woman.
The aim is to help you pursue your ambitions with intention, without feeling that you must become someone else to succeed.
The early years can be as much about understanding an institution as mastering a profession. I offer guidance on finding your footing, developing sound judgement, navigating unwritten expectations, and making thoughtful choices about your career.
It is a space to ask the questions you may not feel able to ask at work, and to consider not only your next role, but the professional you want to become.
Upcoming
I am one of 34 mentors for the Global Policy, Diplomacy and Sustainability (GPODS) Fellowship. From 15 November 2026 to 15 February 2027, Fellows learn directly from a global network of mentors drawn from parliament, diplomacy, government, academia, multilateral affairs, civil society, finance, technology, sustainability and international policy.
The Fellowship goes beyond the classroom, bringing Fellows into direct conversation with people who have shaped policy, managed institutions, advised governments and led organisations. Applications are open until 30 October 2026.
gpods.global →A Personal and Discreet Approach
I offer a limited number of one-to-one mentoring sessions, shaped around your circumstances. A space for the questions you may hesitate to ask elsewhere, the concerns you cannot easily voice at work, and the ambitions you have not yet shared.
My role is to listen carefully, challenge constructively, and help you find your own way forward, with clearer judgement and greater confidence.
One to one. In confidence.
How it works
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