Gwenin: Clarity by Design

Supporting research, travel, and access — one toolkit at a time.

Mentorship Reflection

Gwenin: Clarity by Design is an initiative by Chris Gwenin aimed at providing tools to help individuals articulate their ideas effectively. Emerging from a need for structured support in academic mentoring, Gwenin offers a library of practical resources designed for diverse audiences including academics, eco-conscious creators, and advocates. These modular frameworks encompass thesis planners, travel journals, and inclusive checklists, fostering clarity and confidence in communication. The philosophy behind Gwenin emphasises care, intentionality, and impactful exchange, aiming to reshape how people work and share their stories. The platform encourages exploration and engagement with its resources and community.

A framework for mentors offering guidance with clarity, care, and curiosity.

This isn’t about checklists or performance reviews.
It’s for pausing to notice how you’re holding space — and how it’s shaping both you and them.

1. Noticing & Nudges

  • What moments stood out in your recent mentorship conversations?
  • Where did you lean in — or hold back — and why?
    Prompt: What did you notice before offering guidance?

2. Holding Complexity

  • Were there tensions between structure and flexibility?
  • Did you sense moments where your role needed to shift (coach, listener, collaborator)?
    Prompt: How did you respond to what wasn’t being said?

3. Growth in Both Directions

  • What did your mentee teach you — about the work, or about yourself?
  • Where have you adapted because of their process?
    Prompt: What are you still sitting with?

4. Boundary Markers

  • Were your expectations clear, and did they leave room for change?
  • Did you model sustainable pacing or stretch past it?
    Prompt: How did you honour your own energy while supporting theirs?

5. Voice & Visibility

  • How did you amplify their insight without overshadowing it?
  • Where did you invite risk, and how did you respond when they took it?
    Prompt: What kind of courage did you make room for?

6. What Comes Next?

  • What kind of support might this person need now that’s different from before?
  • What do you want to refine in how you show up?
    Prompt: What would future-you thank current-you for remembering?

You’re always welcome to view Gwenin for a selection of frameworks, or pop over to Spiralmore’s extended PDF collections. In addition, you’re always welcome to explore our more relaxed corner: the informal blog.