One mentor can change the course of a career–and inspire another generation to do the same. Many Global Gurus join the Open Mindset Project because someone once invested in them. They know firsthand how a mentor can open doors, expand possibilities and build confidence. Now they want to pay that gift forward. 

For Global Guru Naz Manji, that mentor was Sylvia. 

She helped shape Naz’s early career. Sylvia didn’t just offer invaluable wisdom about communication and professional presence. She also introduced Naz to her professional network, creating opportunities that Naz would not have accessed on her own. That early mentorship showed Naz “how meaningful it can be when someone takes the time to believe in, support and advocate for another person.” 

Today, as a Senior Manager in International Tax at Assurant, Naz carries that lesson forward as a Global Guru. Through the Open Mindset Project’s structured, research-based matching process, Naz connected with Abraham Issaka, a rising junior at Concordia College, majoring in mathematical finance and accounting. This spring, Naz mentored Abraham virtually, eliminating the geographical distance and allowing Abraham to learn from an accomplished international professional. 

Naz gave him advice from her own experience moving to the U.S. to advance her international tax career. They talked about different paths Abraham could take to build his career. Abraham received individualized guidance that no classroom could provide. 

Abraham’s own journey spanned three countries. He grew up in Niger, attended high school in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and now studies in the United States. Yet he hadn’t fully understood how much those global experiences shaped him until he and Naz worked through the intercultural competency module.

“I started to see that understanding different cultures is not only about speaking different languages,” Abraham reflected. “It’s also about listening, asking respectful questions and not making quick judgments.” 

Their conversation also helped Abraham recognize strengths he had developed while working at Concordia’s ITS Solution Center. His ability to adapt, to communicate effectively and help people from different backgrounds weren’t simply everyday tasks–they represented valuable leadership and intercultural skills that employers increasingly seek.  

Naz also mentored Abraham on career planning, networking, personal branding and developing the confidence to navigate professional environments. As Sylvia had with her, Naz provided guidance on technical skills and also shared lessons on leadership, relationship building and embracing opportunities that may initially feel outside of one's comfort zone. 

One idea really stuck with Abraham: successful careers grow through curiosity and intentionality. Building a career is more than just applying for jobs. It’s also about building genuine relationships, asking thoughtful questions and staying open to unexpected opportunities. 

The mentoring experience transformed Naz as well.

She began mentoring expecting to share her knowledge and experiences. But she quickly realized it was a two-way relationship. Abraham’s perspectives and aspirations prompted her to reflect on her own leadership journey. Their conversations reinforced the importance of encouragement, representation and investment in emerging talent. 

That’s how mentorship creates lasting impact. One person opens a door. Someone walks through it. Then they turn around and hold it open for the next generation.

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