The dynamic duo is among a swag of poster children for the program, who have both reaped the ongoing benefits of being matched and supported by a like-minded professional.

Mrs Ryan-Garnett said mentors have just as much to gain from the program as mentees.

Now, as applications for the 2017 mentoring program open, the pair share their story in the hope of encouraging others to step up and lead; as they reflect on their relationship one year on.

Ms Burns moved from New York to Tamworth to take over Slater and Gordon as managing lawyer at the end of 2015. 

“I didn’t know anyone or anything about the business scene, so I joined the business chamber,” Ms Burns said.

“It was suggested to me that I might be suitable for the mentoring program.”

So for the first half of 2016, Ms Burns was mentored by highly-successful business advisor Mrs Ryan-Garnett.

They engaged in professional workshops and informal mentoring sessions, capitalised on networking opportunities and focussed on career and personal development.

“I got the benefit of Mary’s wisdom,” Ms Burns said.

“I was coming from somewhere different, so being able to guide me was amazing.”

So beneficial was the program to Ms Burns, that she is now secretary of the Tamworth Business Chamber.

But it’s not just the mentees coming out on top of the program. Mrs Ryan-Garnett is encouraging experienced business professionals to volunteer as mentors in the program. 

“One of the most powerful things you can do as a professional is to become a mentor to others,” Mrs Ryan-Garnett said.

“You have lived. You have worked. You have failed. You have succeeded. 

“There is always someone who can benefit from your experience and as a mentor, you are that someone. You are able to share your knowledge and experience, and give your mentee support and new ideas that may change their lives.

“It is the most gratifying and rewarding experience, in that you not only enrich the life of the mentee, but also your life as well.”

You only need to look at the mutual respect and the genuine appreciation the two have for one another to realise the effectiveness of a successful mentoring program.

“My relationship with Fiona has been positive, fun and fulfilling,” Mrs Ryan-Garnett said. 

“When you decide to mentor someone, you have no idea how far they will go, but you will make a difference and that’s all that matters.

“Coaching and mentoring is highly beneficial for the growth and development of the employee and the team.”

Mrs Ryan-Garnett insists mentors aren’t just for the younger generations looking to take the next step in their career.

“I am fortunate to still have two great mentors in my life,” she said.

“To this day, I still seek their guidance and advice.

“The benefits of coach or mentor does play a significant role in conveying knowledge to the individual and helps that individual enrich their professional and personal growth.

“Ultimately, the mentor can learn from the mentee and change not only one life, but two.”

Tamworth Business Chamber president Jye Segboer, the owner of CH on Peel, is encouraging locals to get involved in the initiative, to better set them up for the future.

Mr Segboer has been involved in the chamber for more than four years, making the rise from director to vice president, before being appointed to the top job, in December.

“The Tamworth Business Chamber’s young mentoring program offers individuals, aged 18 to 35, the opportunity to participate in a certificate 4 in business and also work through with the partnership of a mentor, to better their skills in the business community,” he said.

“The mentor is there for support through challenges that the young business person might face, and it’s a real opportunity to be partnered with somebody who has like-minded interests and a similar background.”

Applications are now open for participants and volunteer mentors within the Tamworth business community.

The program will be delivered over six months and include a monthly workshop and training session delivered by Australian Training and Consulting (ATAC), and a monthly mentoring session, delivered by local business people who specialise in specific areas of business.

Ms Burns is calling on young professionals to take up the rewarding challenge.

“I encourage others to do it because you’ll be matched with a mentor, who will provide you with professional guidance and offer you insight into your own career progression, and somebody you can check back in with, as you go through the years with the Tamworth business community,” Ms Burns said.

Participants in the program will graduate with a Certificate 4 in Business from ATAC.

The program costs $450 for members and $750 for non-members. Mentor and mentee applications close Friday, February 10.

To apply or for more information on the program, contact the Tamworth Business Chamber on 6766 4810 or executiveofficer@tamworth.org.au, or visit visit http://tamworth.org.au/TBC-Mentoring-Program/.