One2One Mentoring Conversations with Dr. Susan Ozer

Is It Bad Behaviour, or Is There Something We're Missing?

Why does a child refuse to eat at school but eat comfortably at home?

Why can another child explain an answer but struggle to write it down?

And why does a child who knows the classroom rules repeatedly struggle to sit still or follow instructions?

These were the three scenarios we explored during our First School Doctor TikTok Live, where I joined my colleague and Co-Founder School Doctor, Dr Susan Ozer and Mrs Elizabeth Abavana, a Special Educational Needs Specialist based in Ghana.

Our discussion highlighted how easily children's difficulties can be misunderstood as laziness, stubbornness or poor behaviour when there may be underlying sensory, emotional, learning or neurodevelopmental challenges.

We shared practical strategies teachers can use, from visual instructions and movement breaks to reducing writing demands, allowing processing time and working closely with parents.

One particularly important theme was the need for culturally relevant parent education across Africa. We need to explain developmental and learning differences using familiar language, everyday experiences and resources that families can relate to.

As Mrs Abavana beautifully summarised:

“Supporting a child is not about lowering expectations. It is about understanding what the child needs to meet those expectations.”

Through School Doctor Africa, we hope to continue bringing healthcare professionals, educators and families together to improve understanding and support for children across Africa.

We don't have to wait for a diagnosis before we start supporting a child.

We would love to hear from teachers, parents and professionals

What learning or behavioural difficulties do you think are most commonly misunderstood in African classrooms?

#SchoolDoctor #Neurodiversity #InclusiveEducation #ADHD #SpecialEducationalNeeds #EarlyIntervention #Africa #ChildDevelopment

Ask School Doctor

www.school-doctor.com

Is It Bad Behaviour, or Is There Something We're Missing?

Why does a child refuse to eat at school but eat comfortably at home?

Why can another child explain an answer but struggle to write it down?

And why does a child who knows the classroom rules repeatedly struggle to sit still or follow instructions?

These were the three scenarios we explored during our First School Doctor TikTok Live, where I joined my colleague and Co-Founder School Doctor, Dr Susan Oze

Panel discussion | The Power of Mentorship, Networking & Resilience | 

Special Guest: Peter Bawuah, with panelists: Dr Susan Ozer, Founder & CEO of One2One Mentoring and Marvin Rotermund Publicity & Engagement Lead Link – Media/Social Media, (One2One Mentoring Network)

In this powerful episode of the One 2 One Mentoring Podcast, Peter Bawuah shares his extraordinary journey from humble beginnings in Ghana to becoming an international speaker, mentor, and changemaker in Canada.

This conversation is filled with hard-earned wisdom about resilience, faith, discipline, education, and the life-changing power of mentorship and relationships.

Peter’s story is more than inspiration—it’s proof that your background does not have to define your future.

🔥 What You’ll Learn

• How resilience and perseverance can transform your future
• Why networking and relationships matter more than money
• The role of mentorship in unlocking opportunities
• How discipline and work ethic create long-term success
• Why faith, humility, and purpose matter in difficult seasons
• Educational pathways and opportunities for young people

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Mentoring Conversation
 01:43 Meet Peter B: A Journey of Empowerment
 04:06 The Importance of Young Black Men’s Voices
 04:56 Peter’s Early Life and Key Life Pillars
 08:38 Overcoming Barriers: Education and Poverty
 17:35 Resilience Through Failure and Hustle
 26:26 Transformation and Achievements in Education
 30:00 Returning to Education: A Journey of Resilience
 32:52 Finding Purpose Beyond Nursing
 35:00 Opportunities and Gifts: The Path to University
 39:27 From Ghana to Canada: The Scholarship Journey
 43:00 Empowering Others: The Vision for Change
 57:11 Outro

Resources & Links

Peter Bawuah

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-bawuah/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peter_bawuah/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100061365678263

One to One Mentoring

•Website: https://www.one2onementoring.com

In this insightful interview, Dr. Naomi Elton, a retired child and adolescent psychiatrist, shares her journey from medicine to systemic psychotherapy, coaching, and mentoring. She discusses the importance of listening, navigating closed doors, and fostering inclusivity and allyship in professional and community settings.

Takeaways

• Career transition from medicine to psychotherapy and coaching
• The role of systemic psychotherapists in understanding family dynamics
• The importance of listening and curiosity in mentoring and coaching
• Navigating closed doors and finding alternative pathways
• The significance of inclusivity and allyship in professional settings

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mentoring Conversations
02:11 Transitioning from Psychiatry to Systemic Therapy
04:47 The Power of Conversation in Therapy
06:27 The Importance of Listening Skills
11:00 Lessons Learned in Career Transitions
13:30 Navigating Closed and Open Doors
17:04 Developing a Strong Work Ethic
18:53 Inclusivity and Allyship in Mentoring
20:30 Cross-Cultural Perspectives in Mentoring
24:35 Advice for Aspiring Allies
26:12 Career Planning for Doctors
32:01 Reflections on Mentoring and Inclusivity

Resources

Career Planning for Doctors (Book)
Naomi Elton’s Website

In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Susan Ozer and Dr. Maimunat Alex-Adeomi explore the multifaceted world of mentorship. They discuss the challenges and opportunities that arise from cross-cultural mentoring, and the personal journey of Dr. Maimunat as she navigates her career. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of networking, lifelong learning, and the need for a growth mindset in overcoming barriers to professional development. In this engaging conversation, Dr. Maimunat Alex-Adeomi shares her insights on the importance of building a personal board of advisors, the significance of resilience in navigating challenges, and the delicate balance of work and personal life. She emphasizes the value of mentorship, the need for self-actualization, and the role of faith in personal growth. Dr. Alex-Adeomi also reflects on her achievements and the lessons learned along her journey, offering valuable advice for younger generations seeking to carve their paths in the diaspora.

Takeaways

• Mentorship transcends geographical boundaries and can be effective across cultures.
• Building a strong network is crucial for both mentors and mentees.
• Challenges in mentoring can often reveal hidden opportunities for growth.
• A career journey is rarely linear; it often involves unexpected turns and learning experiences.
• Personal growth is a continuous process that benefits from mentorship and guidance.
• Overcoming barriers often requires resilience and a supportive community.
• Adopting a growth mindset is essential for navigating professional challenges.
• Lifelong learning is vital in an ever-evolving healthcare landscape. Always rely on the community and have a personal board of advisors.
• Intentional networking includes family, faith, and friendships.
• Know your strengths and validate yourself from within.
• Resilience is about mental and emotional capacity to navigate challenges.
• Adaptability to change is crucial for personal growth.
• Set boundaries to protect your emotional and personal space.
• Self-compassion is key to building resilience.
• Invest in your personal development and learning.
• Work-life balance requires knowing when to prioritize different aspects of life.
• Your purpose should be the common thread in all your endeavors.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mentoring and the Hosts

01:55 Dr. Maimuna's Background and Role

03:05 Establishing One-to-One Mentoring Network

04:30 Challenges and Opportunities in Mentoring Across Borders

09:06 Defining Moments in Dr. Maimuna's Career

13:38 Focus on Health Systems and Global Health

17:08 Consulting and Capacity Building in Health

19:45 The Importance of Mentorship and Lifelong Learning

24:07 Key Influences and Support in Dr. Maimuna's Journey

25:21 The Journey of Self-Discovery

27:20 The Role of Mentorship and Community

30:05 Navigating Barriers and Challenges

35:30 Building Resilience in the Diaspora

45:57 Building Resilience and Self-Compassion

47:07 Work-Life Balance and Personal Interests

48:25 The Importance of Mentorship

49:27 Juggling Responsibilities and Prioritizing

51:05 Finding Your Ikigai

51:59 Leisure Activities and Personal Growth

55:57 Achievements and Personal Growth

01:01:20 Advice to Younger Self

01:05:44 OUTRO Podcast - One2One - Outro (with music).wav

Summary

In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Susan Ozer interviews mentee Tammie Takon to explore the transformative power of mentorship, leadership experiences, and the importance of resilience. 

Tammie shares her journey from being a mentee to taking on leadership roles, emphasizing the significance of communication skills, work-life balance, and overcoming challenges like imposter syndrome. 

The discussion highlights the value of support networks and the need for young professionals to embrace their achievements while navigating their career paths.

Takeaways

• Mentorship plays a crucial role in personal and professional development.
• Defining moments shape our journey and the importance of seizing opportunities.
• Leadership experiences can start early and shape future leaders.
• Navigating obstacles is part of the leadership journey.
• COVID-19 taught valuable lessons about pacing and urgency in change.
• Resilience is built through support networks and self-advocacy.
• Effective communication is key in leadership and community engagement.
• Work-life balance is essential to prevent burnout and maintain productivity.
• Achievements should be celebrated as part of personal growth.
• Imposter syndrome is common, and overcoming it requires practice and support.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mentorship and Personal Journey
03:35 Defining Moments and Opportunities in Education
05:37 Exploring Leadership Experiences
09:38 Navigating Obstacles in Leadership
11:57 Lessons Learned from COVID-19
14:18 Understanding Resilience in Personal Growth
17:58 Current Work and Advocacy for Young People
21:01 Skills Developed Through Work Experience
24:33 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
26:55 Tools for Developing a Strong Work Ethic
31:05 Generational Perspectives on Interpersonal Skills
32:03 The Nuances of Communication in Professional Settings
35:39 The Importance of Lifelong Learning
35:58 Exploring Creative Passions Outside Work
38:25 The Significance of Work-Life Balance
39:12 Celebrating Achievements and Personal Growth
42:45 Overcoming Challenges in Early Career
47:30 The Role of Mentoring in Personal Development
55:47 OUTRO Podcast - One2One - Outro (with music).wav

Summary

In this episode of the One-to-One Mentoring Conversations, Susan Ozer and Dr. Ivy Fortune Glavee discuss the transformative power of mentoring, resilience in the face of adversity, and the importance of work-life balance. 

Dr. Ivy shares her journey as a dental surgeon, poet, and mentor, highlighting key moments that shaped her career and the influential figures in her life. 

They explore the role of emotional intelligence in leadership, the significance of poetry as a form of expression, and the innovative tools being developed in dentistry. The conversation emphasizes the need for self-love, reflection, and the impact one can have on others' lives.


Takeaways

• COVID-19 was a pivotal moment in my career.
• Adversity can lead to personal growth and inspiration.
• The importance of having mentors in your life.
• Resilience is about learning from challenges.
• Emotional intelligence is crucial for effective leadership.
• Work-life balance is essential for mental health.
• Poetry can be a powerful form of self-expression.
• Everyone has a story worth sharing through writing.
• Legacy is about the impact you leave behind.
• Self-love and reflection are key to personal development.

Chapters

00:00 Defining Moments in Career
10:55 Overcoming Obstacles in Career
13:56 The Power of Mentoring and Reverse Mentoring
29:58 Building Resilience
34:23 Innovations in Dentistry
41:22 Creating a Neurodiverse Environment for Children
42:13 Building a Strong Work Ethic
45:42 The Power of Poetry in Personal Growth
47:15 Sharing Personal Poetry Experiences
57:35 Finding Work-Life Balance Through Creativity
01:04:59 Leaving a Lasting Legacy
01:09:38 OUTRO Podcast - One2One - Outro (with music).wav

Resources mentioned:

Connect with Dr. I. Fortune on LinkedIn

Get a copy of Dr Ivy's  "Why I Create" poetry book 

Participate in the AI Dentistry Focus Group:

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SOLUTION: Our newly developed AI agent addresses the SCREENING GAP by analysing high resolution dental images such as intraoral pictures and send you a personalised report!
TIPS: Brush your teeth; Wipe your teeth with gauze or tissue; Use a ring light;  Set your mobile phone camera to macro and take a picture and send it to the AI Agent using the following email:

[email protected]

It will send you a private personalised report. Go ahead and try it and please share your feedback in the comments. Thank you in advance 🙏🦷
DISCLAIMER: This AI Agent is a screening tool/ Oral Health Companion.

Summary

In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Susan Ozer and Izegbua discuss the importance of mentoring, resilience, and leadership in navigating career paths. Izegbua shares her journey from a litigator in Nigeria to a corporate lawyer in London, emphasizing the significance of understanding cultural nuances and the value of interpersonal skills. They explore the challenges faced by women in male-dominated industries, the role of mentors, and the importance of giving back to the community. The discussion also touches on personal interests, achievements, and the advice Izegbua would give to her younger self, highlighting the need for self-belief and the power of aspirations.

Takeaways

• Mentoring has a lasting impact on individuals and communities.
• Resilience is about having focus and being adaptable.
• It's important to understand cultural nuances in a new environment.
• Interpersonal skills are crucial for career advancement.
• Curiosity and openness to learning are key to personal growth.
• Your aspirations are valid; pursue them without hesitation.
• Leadership is about empowering those around you, not just personal success.
• Navigating obstacles requires self-awareness and understanding your value.
• Breaking the glass ceiling starts with internal belief and community support.
• Consistency and a strong work ethic are essential for success.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mentoring Conversations

01:05 Izegbua's Career Journey

03:42 Defining Moments in Career

09:19 Key Influences and Role Models

14:07 Navigating Obstacles in a Male-Dominated Industry

19:08 The Importance of Mentoring and Coaching

20:44 Understanding Resilience

26:36 Enjoying the Journey of Leadership

28:39 Lessons Learned in Leadership

32:38 Developing a Strong Work Ethic

34:44 Embracing a Learning Mindset

37:18 The Importance of Consistency

39:40 Breaking the Glass Ceiling

46:40 Personal Interests and Relaxation

49:10 Achievements and Reflections

50:50 Advice to the Younger Self

51:29 Legacy and Impact

Our Website: https://one2onementoring.com/

Work ethic is a set of moral principles, values, and attitudes about the importance of work. It usually refers to qualities such as dedication, responsibility, discipline, reliability, and perseverance. Someone with a strong work ethic is seen as committed, self-motivated, dependable, and willing to put in consistent effort to achieve goals or complete tasks to a high standard.

A good work ethic is not the only factor in success, but it is usually considered essential for achieving long-term goals.

Here’s why:

• Consistency – People with a strong work ethic keep putting in effort, even when things are difficult.
• Reliability – Being dependable builds trust with employers, colleagues, or clients.
• Growth – Hard work often leads to learning, improvement, and new opportunities.
• Resilience – A strong work ethic helps people push through setbacks.

Welcome to One2One Mentoring Conversations with Dr Susan Ozer.

Hosted by Dr Susan Ozer—Consultant Paediatrician, award-winning author, and founder of the One2One Mentoring Network—this six-part series brings you powerful, real-world stories of mentoring in action.

This podcast shows how a single conversation can lead to a meaningful change.

Change in attitudes.
Change in actions.
Change in insight… and indeed, our future.

Each episode shares honest, one-to-one conversations between mentors and mentees—highlighting how guidance, connection, and shared experience can help people grow in confidence, break down barriers, and step into new opportunities.

These aren’t just stories. They’re turning points.

The first of six episodes goes live in September 2025.

Stay tuned!

Mentoring if done properly can be beneficial. In this episode, Dr Susan Ozer, discusses how mentoring can be carried out effectively to facilitate mentee success. 

Take home messages: 

Summary:

1. Establish a good mentor- mentee relationship. 

2. Discuss objectives of mentoring at the start of the relationship. 

3. The mentor should allow the mentee to lead the partnership and not to direct. 

4. The mentor should encourage good reflections and good critical thinking skills in the mentee. 

5. The mentor should reflect throughout the relationship and employ good questioning, probing and listening skills.

5. The mentor should be aware of the mentee’s life chapters and obstacles that might impede success.

6. The mentor and mentee should explore what success looks like.

7. The mentor should strive to evaluate the program at the end of the mentoring relationship.

8. Good work- life balance is critical. 

9. The mentor should not be afraid to sensitively confront when needed. 

www.one2onementoring.com