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On March 26, 2026, the Young Professionals Network (YPN) of the Ontario Conference launched its first Mentorship Circle.

There comes a moment in every career when you realise that leadership is not just about a job title—it is about stepping in and taking action when something needs to be built, restored, or reimagined. That was the heart of our first Mentorship Circle session.

Led by Janice Anderson, Senior Policy Advisor with the Government of Canada and a dedicated mentor and member of the Young Professionals Network Advisory, the session invited young professionals to reflect deeply on what it means to lead with purpose.

One of the most engaging parts of the session was exploring the pressures leaders navigate every day. Participants were asked thought-provoking questions:

• Do you lead from the front or from behind?
• Do you trust your instincts or rely on data?
• Do you move fast or bring others along?

These were not framed as right or wrong choices, but as real decisions leaders face in real time. Participants reflected on how they show up in these moments and where growth is needed.

Leadership Starts Before the Title

Drawing inspiration from the story of Nehemiah, Ms. Anderson presented a powerful idea:leadership begins the moment you notice something broken and choose to do something about it. The story of Nehemiah reminds us that whether rebuilding a wall or building a career, success comes from having the courage to take action and serving with integrity.

Through guided reflection, attendees were asked a simple yet impactful question:

What are you building right now?

For some, it was a project. For others, it was a career path—or even the intentional work of becoming the person they aspire to be.

What this really means is that leadership is already happening in your life, whether you’ve named it or not.

Lessons from Building Something That Matters

The session soon transitioned from theory to personal experience.

Participants shared their personal experiences and reflected on something they had built in their careers, a program, a team, or a process. They examined what worked, what didn’t, and how they showed up as leaders.

Some key themes emerged:

• Having a vision provides direction.
• Collaboration strengthens outcomes.
• Courage is often required before clarity appears.

Perhaps the most important insight was this: you don’t need perfect conditions to lead—you need willingness.

Serving Christ in our professions is reflected in how we lead, how we treat others, and how we respond to challenges. This perspective resonated deeply with attendees navigating both career growth and purpose in their lives.

The session closed with a simple, yet motivating reflection:

What are you building right now, and how will you lead differently moving forward?

It’s a question worth sitting with.

Stay connected!

The Mentorship Circle is part of the Young Professional Network (YPN), a community committed to professional growth and serving Christ through our work.

If you are looking for a space to grow, reflect, and connect with like-minded professionals, you will want to be part of what’s next.

Stay tuned for our next Mentorship Circle!

​Follow us on Instagram: @ypn_sda

Ruth Javier
Lead for Event Coordination, YPN
Willowdale Adventist Church
Career Development Professional