Mentoring Through Struggle: Do You Have to Be ‘Successful’ to Guide Others?

Sebastian Tai is a digital transformation and eCommerce leader with over 15 years of experience driving growth, innovation, and customer engagement across Southeast Asia. He has held senior regional roles at Abbott, Lazada, and Mettler Toledo, leading cross functional teams in digital commerce, marketing technology, and business transformation.

Recognized for his human centered leadership and strategic agility, Sebastian specializes in translating business goals into impactful digital strategies that drive sustainable growth. His expertise spans digital innovation, eCommerce strategy, and organizational change, helping brands and teams adapt to rapidly evolving markets.

Beyond his corporate career, Sebastian actively mentors through organizations such as the Global Mentorship Initiative (GMI), Talentbank MCTF, and CERTE (Connecting and Equipping Refugees to Tertiary Education). These experiences have deepened his belief that mentorship is not built on perfection but on presence, showing up with empathy and authenticity even in uncertain seasons.

A certified personal trainer and long time fitness advocate, Sebastian often draws parallels between discipline, resilience, and leadership. His reflections on digital transformation, purposeful growth, and authentic leadership have been featured in regional business and leadership publications.

Session Description

We often imagine mentors as steady, confident, and successful, the ones who have everything figured out. But what happens when the mentor is still finding their way?

This question became deeply personal for Sebastian during a period of professional and emotional transition. Despite uncertainty, he continued mentoring students, young professionals, and founders, and discovered that even in difficult moments, showing up for others can create healing and strength for both sides.

This reflective one hour session invites participants to explore how authenticity, empathy, and self awareness can make mentorship more impactful. Through lived experiences and practical frameworks, Sebastian challenges the myth of the perfect mentor and offers a new lens on leadership, one where growth and imperfection coexist.

Because sometimes, the mentors who change lives aren’t the ones with all the answers; they’re the ones who keep showing up, even while still learning how to stand again.

What Participants Will Gain

• A renewed understanding of mentorship as mutual growth, not perfection
• Tools to balance empathy, self-awareness, and energy while mentoring
• Strategies to build trust through authenticity and honest communication
• Inspiration to lead with purpose, presence, and humanity even in uncertain times