A civil engineer by profession, Pradip Jaitly has nearly four decades of experience in construction and project management, having worked with some of the Greater Toronto Area’s best-known developers.
For mentoring over 25 newcomers through the TRIEC Mentoring Partnership (TMP), Pradip was honoured at the 2026 TMP Impact Awards, co-hosted by TD.
He shares with us the reasons behind why he chose to take up mentoring, and why he continues to give back.
What inspired you to become a mentor?
Like every newcomer coming arriving in an unfamiliar environment, I too had my share of anxieties, and someone was there to help me, guide me and make me feel comfortable.
With my professional career spanning nearly four decades, I would like to use my experiences to help others grow and achieve the dreams to which they aspire. I feel a sense of joy and gratification that I can help the people.
What is the one mentoring partnership that stands out to you, among all the others? What made it so meaningful?
It would be unfair to single out a just one mentoring partnership, since I’ve found joy in helping all my mentees. Some were uncomfortable, some had limitations, others were very conscious, while some were curious. To assess one’s mentee and their state of mind is very important when creating a long-lasting relationship.
This bond is essential, as it allows the mentee to open up and reveal their worst fears. Once these fears are addressed, I think the mentee is ready to accept and listen to the challenges ahead. Listening with empathy is what makes my relationship with my mentees more meaningful.
Could you tell us about the impact your mentoring journey has had on you, both personally, and professionally?
Absolutely! My life has been positively impacted by mentoring. I am now able to look beyond cultures and ethnicity.
Since I am a person who never shies away from learning, I am aware that each day, each moment teaches us something in life and it is up to us to learn from these opportunities. Every human being is unique and has something to offer. Professionally, I am able to perceive situations and conditions in a global context, which in turn helps me be a better guide to my mentees.
What are some of the most valuable lessons you’ve learned from your mentees?
All newcomers are unique and are confident that they can do well in their chosen profession. The new environment is what overwhelms them, and it is up to the mentor to help them regain their confidence, by way of giving them comfort. Listening is an art and I have been able to listen to my mentees to understand them before trying to guide them.
What advice would you give to your fellow professionals – the ones who say that they are unsure about whether mentoring is for them, or do not have the time to mentor?
To my fellow professionals, I say that when all of us came to this beautiful country to settle down, someone was there to hold our hand, guide us, and make us comfortable in an absolutely new environment. It is always good to pay society back, in kind. If one has the willingness to grow and help others, time is never a question.
What inspires you to keep mentoring?
I love meeting people from different countries and learning about various ethnicities and cultures. Mentoring has given me a purpose in life and by way of helping others, I feel blessed by the good wishes of my mentees. Life is about stories, and each individual has a story to tell.