Mentorship Only Works If You Mean It: Support, Trust and Leadership Responsibility

Women in ERP Podcast | WERP x SAP Business Women’s Network – Give to Gain Series

Episode Overview

Mentorship is often talked about as a cornerstone of career growth — but what happens when it’s treated as a tick-box exercise rather than a genuine commitment?

In Episode 6 of the Women in ERP x SAP Business Women’s Network “Give to Gain” series, hosts Abigail Allman and Meena Confait explore what meaningful mentorship really looks like in practice - and why it only works when leaders truly mean it.

Bringing together voices from across SAP, this episode unpacks the responsibility that comes with supporting others: from creating trust and psychological safety, to actively advocating for people when it matters most. The conversation moves beyond surface-level advice to examine the behaviours, consistency and intent required to build mentorship relationships that actually make a difference.

Together, the panel share honest reflections on sponsorship vs mentorship, the role of leadership in opening doors, and why genuine support isn’t passive - it’s a deliberate act.

This episode is a powerful reminder that mentorship isn’t about optics - it’s about responsibility.

Guests

• Seema Ansari — SAP Middle East South Portfolio Lead
• Bulus Fidan Tufekci — CFO, SAP South Europe and Francophone
• Alexandre Ponciano — SAP Consulting Manager
• Adrian Wolf — SVP, Head of Strategic Customer Program SAP EMEA

Hosted by:

Abigail Allman (Founder, Women in ERP)

Meena Confait (Co-Chair, SAP Business Women’s Network)

Key Themes in This Episode

• Why mentorship fails when it lacks intent and accountability
• The difference between mentorship and true sponsorship
• Building trust and psychological safety in leadership relationships
• The responsibility leaders have to actively support and advocate for others
• How meaningful mentorship shapes long-term career trajectories

About the Series

The WERP x SAP Business Women’s Network “Give to Gain” series brings together leaders from across the SAP ecosystem to explore leadership, inclusion and career progression in enterprise technology. Through open, experience-led conversations, the series highlights how giving time, trust and support creates stronger individuals, teams and communities.

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