A good mentor is a great gift. During my first term on the field I experienced what it is like to take up a new assignment in a remote, cross-cultural work situation without a mentor. It was stressful, difficult and discouraging. Recently, I have had the privilege to be mentored by experienced people who believed in me and who were able to help me discover my strengths and navigate significant challenges at work. Mentoring helped me find new motivation, stay with the organisation and use my gifts in meaningful work that advances development in Francophone Africa.