My Womentoring experience – Nisha Harichandran (LLB 2002)

Nisha is an ICF ACC-accredited Joy Coach who brings a multi-dimensional perspective on personal development and corporate culture. She blends 18 years of international experience across premier law firms and complex sectors (education, telecommunications, financial crime prevention) with the science of happiness in her coaching.

A culture architect, Nisha builds powerful partnerships, focusing on human connection and business storytelling. She is an author, speaker, Board Member and DEI Lead at ateb. A finalist for the 2023 Rising Star Award (StartUp Awards Wales) and the 2025 Mastering Diversity Awards (Representation category).

Nisha took part in our 2026 Womentoring scheme which saw 24 mentors matched with early-career mentees. She shares her experiences of being a mentor and the valuable insight she gained from taking part in the programme.

Why did you decide to join the Womentoring scheme as a mentor?

It was a full-circle moment for me, from a former international student to an alumna living in the city. The Womentoring scheme offered a meaningful opportunity to reconnect with the university community and explore how I could give back. I deeply believe in the power of women lifting each other up, and this scheme provided that vital space. Leaning into my own journey from the legal sector to other complex industries, and my role as a Joy Coach, I wanted to bridge insights with support for other women and fellow Cardiff alumnae.

What makes a women’s mentoring scheme important to you?

I recall the inspiring and supportive women I have had and continue to have on my journey. I wanted to be that person for someone else: to champion them, help them see their path, and find the courage to believe they can achieve what they truly want. This work creates a beautiful ripple effect. When you touch one soul, they influence their environment, and the impact simply grows.

Can you tell us about what the mentoring involved?

I supported two mentees in different professions and time zones. The conversation themes ranged from infusing more play and managing boundaries during career advancement, to nurturing presence and confidence. It involved open-hearted conversations, sharing experiences, exploring strategies and tips that could be applied, and having an accountability partner. I reminded both mentees that what they put into this experience is what they would get out of it and they were both fully present and participating. I am grateful to have developed a great rapport with both mentees, and we are continuing our conversations beyond the Womentoring scheme.

How has mentoring positively impacted your own career?

It was like having a warm fireside chat. In many ways, it felt like speaking to my younger self, revisiting the crossroads I once navigated with varying degrees of success. The mentoring experience offered an opportunity to remind my younger self that she did okay, while serving as a trusted partner to a woman walking that path now. Being that person for someone through heart-led conversations is immensely rewarding. It echoes what I stand for in my own career, and to continue leading by those values.

What is one piece of advice would you give to women early-on in their career/your younger self?

You will face a few bumps along the way. While panic is an option, you have a much more valuable resource available to you: feedback. Be open to receiving it and growing from it. Treat feedback as a powerful learning moment that supports your journey, and never ever stop believing in yourself and the value you bring.

Give your time, expertise, and experience to support and inspire students and your fellow alumni. Find out more.