Mentor – Mentee Reflection Stories: Anida & Ena
The 2024/25 mentoring cycle at the Bosnia & Herzegovina Futures Foundation exemplifies this through the journey of Anida Mumić, Senior Client Partner at Symphony, and her mentee Ena Milković, a Computer Science graduate from SSST currently working in PwC’s SEE Consulting, Strategy, Transformation, and Technology department.
About the Mentor and Mentee
Anida Mumić brings over 15 years of experience in telecommunications and software development, leading complex digital product engagements and strategic initiatives. Beyond her professional achievements, Anida has dedicated the past four years to mentoring and facilitating workshops at the Bosnia & Herzegovina Futures Foundation, shaping the next generation of Bosnian leaders.
Ena Milković is not only building her career at PwC but also giving back as a Teaching Assistant at SSST. As a former BHFF alumna, she has already contributed to initiatives such as leading a Human Potential team. Ena’s journey reflects a blend of ambition, leadership, and a commitment to learning.
A Mentoring Experience Like No Other
When asked about the 24/25 cycle, Anida reflected:
"Every mentoring cycle feels exciting in its own way, largely because young people come to the foundation with different motivations, questions, and stages of self-discovery. This cycle stood out because it was less about skill-building or career coaching and more about being a steady, trusted presence. That human, supportive dimension made it particularly meaningful."
Ena shared a similar sentiment:
"My mentoring experience was truly special. I had an incredible mentor who helped me make sense of where I am going and what kind of person and professional I want to become. During this time, I was leading projects and facing new responsibilities, and having her guidance made all the difference."
The Heart of Mentorship
For Anida, the most valuable part of mentorship was building an open, honest, and supportive rapport.
"I intentionally positioned myself not as a distant advisor, but as someone they could speak to freely—a safe space to think out loud, question assumptions, and explore possibilities. Conversations were casual yet purposeful, focusing on what genuinely excited my mentee and complementing that with practical insights rarely taught in formal education, like navigating team dynamics or asking for feedback with confidence."
Ena appreciated Anida’s approachability and practical guidance:
"I could come to her with anything—from doubts to leadership challenges—and I always felt truly listened to. She shared concrete examples from her own experience and helped me develop managerial and leadership skills with more confidence, structure, and empathy."
Moments That Last
Certain moments during mentorship stay with both mentor and mentee. Anida recalls their final coffee before summer:
"We talked about the next few months, and I learned my mentee had consciously decided to slow down and create space for joy after a long period of constant pushing. That choice to pause and reconnect felt like a quiet but powerful win."
Ena shared a piece of advice that transformed her approach to leadership:
"Anida reminded me to stay true to myself and be okay with not being liked by everyone. Leadership requires courage—the courage to make decisions, set boundaries, and accept that not everyone will agree with you. That advice gave me inner peace and confidence, especially in challenging moments, and I actively try to live by it."
The Takeaway
The story of Anida and Ena illustrates the profound impact mentorship can have—not just in skill-building, but in shaping character, confidence, and perspective. It’s a reminder that the best guidance often comes from genuine human connection, shared experience, and the courage to navigate life’s complexities together.