Mentor Spotlight: Rachel Tao on Leadership, Growth, and the Power of Connection

When asked about resources she recommends to women in tech, Rachel points to two books that have shaped her perspective:

"Two books I strongly recommend are 'Market-Minded: Start Your Business with Product Marketing' and 'The Moment of Lift' by Melinda Gates. Market-Minded is a resource I personally wrote to empower women (and all entrepreneurs) with a practical, strategic foundation for launching and scaling businesses. The 7-step framework is rooted in real-world experience and was developed to guide those with limited resources and big ideas through the essential steps of product marketing—from customer insights to online presence and revenue strategies."

"The Moment of Lift provides powerful, real-world stories about the resilience of women around the globe and how empowering women leads to meaningful social change. Together, these two books offer both actionable strategies and deep inspiration for women navigating entrepreneurship and leadership in the tech-driven world."

Rachel's path to becoming a mentor was deeply influenced by her own experiences with leadership:

"Becoming a mentor was a natural extension of my passion for leadership and growth. Throughout my career, I've had managers who also served as mentors—leaders who empowered me, created space for growth, and helped me fully develop my potential. Those experiences shaped my understanding of what leadership should look like: not just managing tasks but cultivating potential and fostering meaningful connections."

She also acknowledges the contrast that shaped her approach:

"Unfortunately, I've also experienced the opposite—working with managers who were transactional, viewing employees as tools rather than valuing their contributions. That contrast taught me that being a good manager requires being a good mentor. When your team grows, your platform expands with them."

This realisation fuels her commitment to mentorship:

"In today's corporate environment, especially in middle management, I find that kind of leadership is often missing. That's why I'm committed to mentoring—to create the kind of supportive, growth-oriented environment I believe in. Mentorship is not only a leadership practice, it's a way to build the future you want to see—by lifting others up."

One of Rachel's most impactful mentorship experiences came in 2015:

"Back in 2015, while leading the marketing department at Getinge in Greater China post-M&A, I had the responsibility of rebuilding the team from the ground up. One of the most memorable moments of mentorship in my career came from that time. I hired a team member who didn't come from the medical device industry, but I saw potential in her—she was curious, kind, detail-oriented, and carried a strong sense of integrity. Despite having no prior experience in marketing communications, I brought her on as a Marketing Communication Officer."

Through intentional guidance and support, Rachel helped develop this team member's skills:

"Through mentorship, I guided her in executing several successful trade shows and conferences across Asia and the Greater China region. What made our relationship work was her openness to feedback and eagerness to learn. When I left the company in 2016 to move to the U.S., she remained—and today, she's the marketing director of that very team."

This experience crystallised Rachel's understanding of successful mentorship:

"This experience taught me that mentorship is a two-way journey. A mentor must bring experience, insight, and empathy to guide and support. A mentee must be coachable, self-aware, and willing to grow beyond their current role. True success happens when both are invested. Not everyone is ready to be a mentor, and not everyone is ready to be a mentee—and that's okay. But when the match is right, the results can be transformational."

Rachel's own professional development has been significantly enhanced through mentorship relationships:

"Mentorship has played a powerful role throughout my journey. I've been fortunate to have managers who were also true mentors—people who empowered me, challenged me, and helped me see what I was capable of, even when I couldn't see it myself. Their wisdom came at pivotal moments, especially during career transitions and leadership challenges. They didn't just advise—they guided, coached, and stood by me, helping me build clarity and resilience."

She recalls a pivotal mentorship moment:

"One mentor in particular encouraged me to lead regional initiatives beyond my role, which became a turning point in developing my strategic leadership. That experience taught me that growth accelerates when someone genuinely believes in you and speaks truth with care."

Today, Rachel continues this cycle of support:

"Today, I pay it forward by mentoring others—especially young professionals and entrepreneurs—helping them find direction, define their value, and navigate uncertainty. Their ambition and fresh perspective fuel my own growth. For me, mentorship is more than a career tool—it's a shared journey of trust, learning, and lasting impact."

For those considering their first steps into mentorship, Rachel offers encouraging guidance:

"I would say—absolutely go for it, but enter with humility, empathy, and a willingness to grow alongside your mentee. Being a mentor isn't about having all the answers—it's about creating space for reflection, asking thoughtful questions, and offering guidance rooted in real experience."

She emphasises that perfection isn't a prerequisite:

"You don't have to be perfect to be valuable. If you've overcome challenges, made decisions, and learned through your journey, you already have wisdom to share. Just be present, listen deeply, and be willing to adapt your support to the individual in front of you."

The rewards, she notes, extend to both parties:

"Mentorship is a two-way street—it will stretch you, sharpen your leadership, and give you the rare gift of watching someone else rise. That, in itself, is incredibly rewarding."

When asked why mentorship matters, Rachel's response captures the essence of its value:

"Mentorship is important because no one grows alone. Behind every confident leader or successful professional is someone who believed in them, challenged them, and guided them when the path wasn't clear. Mentorship accelerates growth, builds confidence, and helps people tap into their potential in ways they often can't do on their own."

She concludes with a powerful observation about its broader impact:

"It also creates a ripple effect—when one person is empowered, they're more likely to empower others. In a world full of complexity and change, mentorship isn't just support—it's strategy, leadership, and legacy in action."