24/10/2026
PROOF OF MENTORSHIP: SHE WAS ALREADY A DIAMOND. SHE JUST NEEDED SOMEONE TO BELIEVE IN HER. đ-Mentorship Series EP-5
Of all the people Iâve had the privilege of mentoring, Jen Malabanan Umali is one of the bravest and most courageous.
I first met Jen during one of my speaking engagements at Lemery Colleges. Among all the students, she was the one who approached me directly and confidently to ask for an internship opportunity.
That simple act told me something about her.
She had courage.
Back then, she didnât have grand ambitions. She simply wanted an opportunity to work at our Farmville Resort.
But sometimes, people see only the opportunities in front of them, while a mentor sees possibilities they havenât discovered yet.
I saw something in Jen, so I encouraged her to explore opportunities in Manila and pursue her professional qualifications.
She took the challenge seriously.
She passed her board examination with flying colors, pursued her masterâs degree, and eventually became a professor.
I still remember challenging her to speak confidently with one of our British business partners. She faced the challenge and proved to herself that she was capable of much more than she initially imagined.
Over the years, I was blessed to witness her first flight, travels abroad, and career milestonesâincluding leadership roles in sales and operations.
Today, Jen is building a life in Canada with the love of her life and their beautiful baby girl. She continues to take on significant projects, and I have no doubt that there are more milestones ahead of her.
But hereâs what I want people to understand about mentorship:
I didnât put the talent in Jen. I simply encouraged her to recognize and use what was already there.
She did the studying. She faced the challenges. She made the sacrifices. She earned her achievements.
She was already a diamond.
I was simply blessed to be one of the instruments God used to help her see her potential.
And that is one of the most beautiful privileges of being a mentor: watching someone grow beyond the limits they once placed on themselves.
To Jen, I am grateful that our paths crossed. May God continue to bless you, your family, and every responsibility entrusted to you.
Keep growing. Keep leading. Keep believing.
Your story is a reminder that sometimes, one courageous stepâand one person who believes in youâcan open the door to a completely different future.
And to everyone reading this:
Donât underestimate the person who approaches you asking for an opportunity. You may be looking at someone whose potential is far greater than their current circumstances.
Sometimes, all they need is a chance, a challenge, and someone willing to believe in them.
The goal of mentorship isnât to create followers. Itâs to help people discover their potentialâand eventually become mentors to others.
One person at a time. One life at a time. One generation at a time.
â Dr. Michael V. Maranan
Mentor Mike TV | Mentoring Lives. Building People. Changing Generations.
