Colin Baskind has a professional history that has spanned over more than 60 years. He has held a range of leadership roles in large and medium-sized companies in South Africa and Canada. As the CEO of various companies, he has been involved in international business with Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, U.S.A., Europe, U.K., Denmark, Germany and China. Colin has led all aspects of business including importing, price negotiation, marketing, merchandising, distribution, administration, manufacturing, and human resources.
At the TRIEC Mentoring Partnership Impact Awards 2025 co-hosted by CIBC, Colin was recognized for mentoring over 20 newcomers through the TRIEC Mentoring Partnership (TMP) program. He shares what has motivated him to stay committed to mentoring over the years.
What inspired you to become a mentor with the TRIEC Mentoring Partnership (TMP) Program?
My inspiration comes from my desire to help recently arrived immigrants, for whom English is not their first language, to navigate the employment market in Canada.
Since retiring eight years ago, I have been working with various Canadian charitable organizations as a voluntary mentor. My mentees include people who are looking to establish a business, are underemployed or unemployed, newly arrived immigrants and people about to immigrate to Canada. My primary role as a mentor is to establish a relationship and build confidence and hope in my mentees. I help my mentees establish goals and practical strategies to move forward.
Since 2019, I have been involved with a world-wide charitable organization that links experienced volunteers with business acumen, with people who are looking for business advice. Through this organization I have had the opportunity to remotely mentor business owners from around the world in all aspects of business.
Is there a story or moment from your mentoring experience that has stayed with you — something that reminded you why this work matters?
I was once told by a mentee who had just been offered the job he was dreaming of that he could not have done it without me. We had been working together for a year, but he was beginning to lose confidence in himself. I always had faith that there was a specific job out there that would be a perfect for him. I offered encouragement and support and my mentee found, applied for and was offered an amazing job. When he accepted the job, he was so thrilled, and his confidence was back.
How has mentoring impacted you in your own professional journey?
Although I began mentoring after retiring, the experience has been deeply fulfilling. It has allowed me to stay intellectually engaged, share my expertise in a meaningful way, and continue contributing to the professional community.
What would you say to other individuals to encourage them to become mentors in the program?
The satisfaction of helping others brings enormous pleasure to both mentor and mentee.
What have you learned from the newcomers you’ve mentored?
I am always impressed by the determination and positive attitude of my mentees. They have always willingly accepted my input in a positive way. They overcome many hurdles including language and cultural barriers.
In one sentence, how would you describe the impact of mentorship?
As a mentor, I get a lot of satisfaction from working with my mentees. As an immigrant myself, I always appreciated the assistance and support I received from people who were already established in Canada. I hope that I provide this to my mentees.
Inspired by Colin’s journey? You can make a difference in the lives of immigrant professionals by helping them thrive in their careers. Become a mentor with TRIEC: Learn more here: https://www.mentoringpartnership.ca/join-us/become-a-mentor/