More Clarity, Confidence and Direction Through CIC Mentoring

When Daisy Mulingani, Geologist at Ibstock Plc, joined the CIC Cross-Company Mentoring Programme, she was at a turning point. As a founding strategic partner of the Construction Inclusion Coalition, Ibstock has long championed the belief that meaningful change happens faster when the industry works together — and Daisy’s experience reflects exactly why that matters.

Like many professionals at certain stages of their career, Daisy she felt uncertain about her direction and was looking for space to step back, reflect and reconnect with her long-term career goals. The cross-company nature of the mentoring programme offered something uniquely valuable: the chance to gain fresh perspective from outside her own organisation, build key skills, and realign her ambitions with where she wanted to go next.

One of the most impactful aspects of Daisy’s mentoring journey was the honest and open conversations she shared with her mentor, particularly around self-confidence and imposter syndrome. These discussions became a powerful source of reassurance. Hearing her mentor — someone she viewed as confident and accomplished — openly acknowledge experiencing self-doubt at different stages of her career helped Daisy reframe how she viewed her own challenges.

Rather than seeing self-doubt as a failing, Daisy learned to recognise it as a sign of growth — evidence that she was stretching herself and moving into new territory. Today, when faced with uncertainty, she carries that shift in mindset forward, often recalling her mentor’s encouragement to simply go for it.

The mentoring relationship also provided a trusted, safe space to talk openly about navigating challenges in which we all know is a male-dominated industry. Because the mentoring programme brings together people from across the sector, Daisy found it easier to speak candidly, gain new perspectives and explore different approaches to leadership, management and workplace dynamics. She recalls leaving sessions feeling lighter, reassured and better equipped to face what lay ahead.

Since completing the programme, the biggest change Daisy has noticed is in her self-confidence. While moments of self-doubt still arise, she now feels more resilient and better able to quiet negative internal voices. She feels grounded in her professional identity and clearer about the path she is on — growth she believes is reflected in what she has achieved over the past year.

Looking back, Daisy wholeheartedly recommends mentoring to other women. The ongoing support, encouragement and perspective she gained have continued even beyond the formal programme, leaving a lasting impact on both her confidence and career.

For Daisy, the Cross-Company Mentoring Programme wasn’t just about professional development — it was about being supported, believed in, and knowing there is a wide network of support. reminded that no one has to navigate their career alone. It’s a powerful example of why the CIC was founded: because collaboration across the industry creates the conditions for people to thrive.