From Insights to Impact: Meet the Mentors Shaping Our Development Programmes

Our Mentorship Programme is a cornerstone of this commitment. By connecting experienced professionals with eager learners, we're creating a powerful force for change. Today, we're thrilled to introduce you to Cheval and Ty, two mentors who embody the spirit of mentorship and are making a significant impact on the next generation of gaming leaders.

Q&A with Cheval Ramnivaj and Ty Smith

Q: What initially attracted you to the mentorship programme?

Cheval: Throughout my career, having mentors has been instrumental in my growth, providing guidance and serving as a valuable sounding board. Recognising the impact that mentorship has had on my journey, I was naturally drawn to this opportunity to give back and provide the same fruitful support for others.

Ty: I’ve mentored previously and found it a rewarding and often insightful process. I enjoy watching people grow, develop, and deliver on their potential, and this is a great way to help people who are prepared to invest in themselves. Seeking out a mentor means you’re prepared to do some deep self-reflection, and I have massive respect for anyone willing to invest this time and effort into their own personal growth.

Q: How has mentoring someone else influenced or changed your own perspective or skill set?

Cheval: I can deeply relate to mentees' experiences and challenges. The mentorship programme has reminded me of the importance of patience and the need to tailor my approach to each individual. It has also reinforced my own knowledge and deepened my understanding of effective communication and leadership—skills that are invaluable not only for supporting others but also for my own continued growth.

Ty: My mentoring style is based on helping people identify who they want to be, what kind of leader they want to become, and understanding their “why.” Watching someone reflect on how they’ve arrived where they are and plan how to get where they want to be is a fascinating journey to observe. My background in sports coaching taught me to help people solve problems for themselves rather than doing it for them, which I carry forward into my mentoring approach today.

Q:What has been the most valuable aspect of your mentorship relationship, and how did you build trust and rapport with your mentee?

Cheval: The most valuable aspect of my mentorship relationship has been the genuine connection and open communication we’ve established. I’ve focused on being authentic, truly listening to my mentee’s needs and goals, and demonstrating a sincere desire to help them succeed. This approach has naturally fostered trust and rapport, creating a supportive environment where they feel comfortable sharing openly and making meaningful progress.

Ty: Mentoring is about creating a safe space built on trust and mutual respect. Agreeing on boundaries and being prepared to ask probing questions is essential. When you build a personal bond like this, you become invested in that person, and these bonds often lead to lasting relationships. I focus on being present, invested, and maintaining confidentiality—what is said in mentoring stays in mentoring.

Q: How have your sessions been structured? Are there any activities or methods that you found particularly effective?

Cheval: I prefer a structured approach; however, I recognise that each mentee benefits from a unique, tailored strategy to best support their individual growth. I adapt sessions accordingly, using a variety of activities and methods that resonate most effectively with each person. I often begin by understanding the mentee’s current career stage and identifying their goals or areas they want to develop.

Ty: I build a plan as I learn more about the person and understand what they want to achieve. Sometimes, what someone thinks they want isn’t what they actually need, so flexibility is key. For me, the best mentoring sessions feel like a relaxed conversation with a trusted friend—one where they might get an alternative take on something and think, “Ah, I hadn’t seen it that way!”

Q: What is the most valuable piece of advice or guidance you’ve offered during this programme?

Cheval: The importance of believing in oneself. Self-belief is the essential first step in achieving any goal; it fuels confidence, resilience, and the courage to take on new challenges.

Ty: Advice I received many years ago: “You don’t need to win every battle, just the important ones.” It’s also important to sometimes give people a way out without them feeling like they’ve lost. As for advice given, I’d say the value of advice is truly judged by the recipient—only my mentees can say what’s been most helpful for them.

Q: What advice would you give to someone considering joining the mentorship programme?

Cheval: My advice to anyone considering joining the mentorship programme is simple: take the leap and reach out! This programme offers tremendous value, whether through gaining new perspectives, building confidence, or receiving tailored guidance. Embracing mentorship is a powerful step toward personal and professional growth, with so much to gain from the experience.

Ty: Before you join, take the time to consider what you want to get out of it and why. If you haven’t built a growth mindset, start there first!

Q: What skills or knowledge have you gained that you believe will make a difference in your current role or future career?

Cheval: Mentoring has given me a broader perspective on the organisation, allowing me to gain insights into areas beyond the products I am involved in. This expanded understanding has been invaluable for building stronger relationships and fostering cross-functional collaboration—both of which drive impactful outcomes and business value.

Ty: Mentoring encourages me to look at the world from different perspectives, especially through the eyes of the mentee. Appreciating people’s unique constructs without judgment is something we don’t always do naturally. Offering alternative views and accepting that sometimes they’ll be challenged or disregarded is all part of it. It’s a mindset that I constantly remind myself of in mentoring.

Cheval and Ty's journey highlights the transformative power of mentorship.