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Loading …Our My Brilliant Colleague series invites you to celebrate anyone who has inspired you in your career.
In this entry, Jane Mathew-Byrne celebrates Farrukh Akhtar, who was the head of the social work course where she used to work as a senior lecturer.
She describes Farrukh as a leader and mentor who understood “the emotional and professional toll of the pandemic” and was able to foster resilience and adaptability during a crucial time.
During the challenging lockdown period and beyond, the head of my BA social work course played a pivotal role in guiding and mentoring me as a senior lecturer.
She has also been a valuable sounding board in my role as the lead for placement allocation, always making time to discuss placement dilemmas.
Her support extended beyond professional advice, as she encouraged me to stretch my capabilities and discover new potential within myself. Her mentorship is marked by her ability to foster resilience and adaptability, which were crucial during the transition to remote teaching and learning.
She consistently challenged me to step out of my comfort zone, whether it was by adopting innovative teaching methods or pursuing professional development opportunities.
She introduced me to fresh perspectives on pedagogy and research, inspiring me to approach problems creatively. Her constructive feedback and encouragement helped me refine my skills in areas I may otherwise have overlooked.
What stands out most is her empathetic leadership. She understood the emotional and professional toll of the pandemic and provided unwavering support. Whether it was through virtual check-ins or sharing resources, she ensured I felt valued and motivated.
Her mentorship not only enhanced my confidence but also empowered me to mentor others effectively. Her guidance has and continues to be transformative, helping me grow both personally and professionally.
Her belief in my abilities inspired me to embrace challenges with optimism, leaving a lasting impact on my career trajectory.
How to nominate a colleague
You can nominate anyone who has inspired you in your career – whether current or former colleagues, managers, students, lecturers, mentors or prominent past or present sector figures whom you have admired from afar.
Nominate your colleague or social work inspiration by filling in our nominations form with a letter or a few paragraphs (100-250 words) explaining how and why the person has inspired you.
*Despite the need to provide your name and role, you or the nominee can be anonymous in the published entry.*
If you have any questions, email our community journalist, Anastasia Koutsounia, at anastasia.koutsounia@markallengroup.com.
What has been your experience with social work mentors?
We are looking for social workers to share their experiences to spark conversation among fellow practitioners. Have you had a social work mentor? How did they helped you? How was their support different to a supervisor’s?
Share your perspective through a 10-minute interview (or a few short paragraphs) to be published in Community Care. Submissions can be anonymous.
To express interest, email us at anastasia.koutsounia@markallengroup.com.
