Shaping Leaders in Healthcare: Dr. Nondumiso Makhunga-Stevenson on Mentorship, Growth, and Ubuntu
Dr. Nondumiso Makhunga-Stevenson is a healthcare professional whose mentorship journey began over two decades ago. Armed with a background in medicine, clinical epidemiology, and leadership development, she empowers healthcare professionals to become resilient, compassionate leaders through mentorship rooted in the principles of Ubuntu. In this article, we delve into Dr. Makhunga-Stevenson’s experiences, insights, and approach to mentoring, which serves as a guiding light for emerging leaders in the field of healthcare.
The Spark Behind the Mentor
Dr. Makhunga-Stevenson’s journey into mentorship was deeply influenced by her own experiences in healthcare management. Reflecting on her early career, she shares, “I experienced the value of mentorship firsthand, with mentors guiding me through complex decisions and offering wisdom.” It was through these early encounters that she recognized the transformative power of mentorship. Over time, she realized a calling to “nurture confidence in healthcare professionals in a challenging and dynamic healthcare landscape.”
Starting informally by mentoring junior colleagues, her role expanded as she formalized her approach, weaving Ubuntu values into her mentoring style. This evolution, she says, allowed her to “provide similar support to others” and foster a new generation of confident, compassionate leaders.
The Ideal Mentee: Qualities Dr. Makhunga-Stevenson Values
Selecting mentees is a thoughtful process for Dr. Makhunga-Stevenson. She seeks individuals who display “openness to feedback, a willingness to challenge themselves, and a desire for growth.” In a field as demanding as healthcare, resilience and adaptability are essential, so she also values curiosity and self-awareness. “Mutual respect and a shared understanding of goals also ensure that we’re aligned in our approach to growth,” she notes. This foundation of respect and alignment sets the stage for productive, transformative mentorship.
Tailoring the Mentorship Journey
Every mentee is unique, which is why Dr. Makhunga-Stevenson emphasizes a tailored approach. “Tailoring my mentoring approach begins with understanding each mentee’s unique experiences, aspirations, and challenges,” she explains. She also draws from Ubuntu, a philosophy of interconnectedness, to create a “safe, collaborative environment” that empowers mentees. This approach allows mentees to develop a leadership style that feels true to their values while also instilling confidence and adaptability.
Guiding Through Common Challenges
Dr. Makhunga-Stevenson observes that mentees in healthcare often grapple with challenges such as imposter syndrome, burnout, and career transitions. Many of them, she says, “feel the weight of perfectionism and struggle with self-doubt.” To guide mentees through these struggles, she focuses on realigning professional goals with personal values. Through support and strategic coaching, Dr. Makhunga-Stevenson encourages her mentees to cultivate resilience and find fulfillment even amid the pressures of high-stakes roles.
A Transformative Success Story
One of Dr. Makhunga-Stevenson’s most impactful mentorship experiences involved a mentee who was navigating self-doubt in a leadership position. The mentee was struggling with imposter syndrome, but under Dr. Makhunga-Stevenson’s guidance, she began to develop her decision-making and team engagement skills. “Over time, she transformed her approach, leading with assurance and fostering a collaborative environment,” Dr. Makhunga-Stevenson recalls. The change was remarkable, not only improving the mentee’s professional performance but also enhancing her overall well-being.
Staying Committed to Growth
For Dr. Makhunga-Stevenson, mentorship is a journey of continuous learning. She keeps her skills sharp by “attending workshops, engaging with peer mentors, and studying emerging research in leadership and coaching.” Feedback from mentees is also instrumental. “It highlights areas for improvement and helps me refine my approach,” she adds, underscoring her dedication to evolving as a mentor and leader.
The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Mentorship
Emotional intelligence is at the heart of Dr. Makhunga-Stevenson’s mentoring philosophy. She emphasizes that understanding and valuing her mentees’ emotional experiences allows her to create a supportive, trusting environment. “By being attuned to their emotions and challenges, I can provide guidance that resonates deeply,” she shares. This focus on emotional intelligence fosters resilience and drives meaningful growth in her mentees.
Rewards of Mentorship
When asked about the rewards of mentoring, Dr. Makhunga-Stevenson’s response is heartfelt. “The most rewarding aspect is witnessing the growth and confidence mentees gain through our work together.” For her, mentorship is not merely about passing on knowledge; it’s about empowering a new generation of leaders to face challenges with compassion and strength. “Seeing someone succeed as a result of our work is profoundly satisfying,” she notes.
Setting Boundaries and Managing Expectations
Clear boundaries and open communication are crucial to the success of Dr. Makhunga-Stevenson’s mentor-mentee relationships. “Setting boundaries begins with clear communication around expectations, goals, and responsibilities,” she explains. These boundaries ensure a focused and productive environment, where both parties can work collaboratively while the mentee remains accountable for their own growth.
Advice for Aspiring Mentors
Dr. Makhunga-Stevenson encourages aspiring mentors to start by reflecting on their own journeys. “Identify the experiences and lessons that shaped you, and consider how they might benefit others,” she advises. Offering guidance to peers or junior colleagues is a valuable starting point. She reminds future mentors that “mentorship is a continuous learning process,” and if they are open to growth alongside their mentees, the journey will be immensely rewarding.
About the Mentor
Dr. Nondumiso Makhunga-Stevenson is a seasoned healthcare leader and mentor with an MBChB in Medicine and Surgery from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and a Master’s degree in Clinical Epidemiology from the University of Pretoria. As a Physician Leadership Development and Executive Coach, Dr. Makhunga-Stevenson helps doctors develop as high-impact, Ubuntu-centered leaders. With a commitment to fostering compassionate healthcare leadership, she hosts a podcast and mentors emerging leaders across healthcare, focusing on personal resilience, professional growth, and the values of interconnectedness.
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