Harnessing the Power of Our Community: Cross-company Mentoring Programme

Last May, we launched the pilot of our Harnessing the Power of Our Community cross-company mentoring programme. Fifteen talented women were matched with fifteen experienced and committed mentors from a different business, beginning a journey of learning, growth, and meaningful collaboration.

Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting strong mentor–mentee relationships, and increased confidence and both mentees and mentors particularly valued the cross-company perspectives.

Successes From Mentees:

• Strong Mentor-Mentee Connections: Instant rapport and trust enabled open, meaningful conversations.

• Inspiring and Supportive Mentors: Mentors’ calm, professional approach and experience were highly valued.

• Flexibility and Personalisation: Sessions adapted to mentees’ schedules and needs.

• Practical Outcomes: Actionable advice, tools (SWOT analysis, Belbin assessment), and strategies for real-world impact.

• External Perspective: Mentors outside the company created a safe space for authentic conversations.

• Professional Growth: Increased confidence, motivation, and ability to tackle challenges like imposter syndrome.

• Structured Approach: Clear planning and reflection amplified development.

Successes From Mentors:

• Strong Matching and Rapport: Pairings felt well thought out, creating natural connections.

• Prepared and Engaged Mentees: Sharing challenges upfront made sessions productive.

• Balanced Structure and Flexibility: Enough framework while allowing adaptability.

• Goal Setting and Practical Actions: Clear goals and actionable steps drove progress.

• Cross-Company Perspective: Sparked fresh ideas for both mentors and mentees.

• Supportive Approach: Safe space and managed expectations helped mentees feel comfortable.

Quotes from Mentees

“The programme has had such a positive impact on me not only in my professional life but also in my personal life. I have grown as an individual and leader in a short space of time and look forward to my session with my mentor. This has inspired me to think differently about the impact I can have on others as my mentor has had on me.”
— Jeanine Baverstock

“I feel grateful to have been offered this opportunity, and I’m looking forward to how my mentor is going to challenge, shape and enhance my career destinies. The CIC are super supportive and committed to finding the right mentor for you and supporting in the success of each journey.” — Eve Dace

“The mentoring programme has been playing a vital role in shaping my growth, both personally and professionally. Even though I’m only a couple of sessions in, the difference it’s already making is remarkable. My mentor spots my strengths and shows me how to make the most of them, while giving practical advice for tackling areas I want to improve. Her encouragement and belief in me are giving me that extra push to aim higher.” — Divya Mukesh

“The CIC mentorship programme has fast become an invaluable tool available to support me in my role. My mentor has been brilliant and provided a great external sounding board who has industry experience but is able to provide a neutral view. I would recommend if the opportunity arose to be involved in the mentorship programme to take it!”
— Shannon Bell

“I would recommend this mentoring scheme to anyone. It’s an invaluable way to shape your thinking, gain new perspectives, and develop yourself as a leader.” — Alice Wise

Quotes from Mentors

“The CIC mentoring process has been a privilege to be involved within. Most importantly, I feel it is making a difference to my mentee and I would encourage anyone to support.” — Allan Wright

“I’ve benefitted enormously from great mentors during my career and so was excited for the opportunity to give something back, particularly to support another woman to develop in her career. I’ve been hugely impressed by my mentee, and I feel really excited about expanding the programme to ensure we are supporting the top talent we have in the industry to maximise their potential.” — Jen Cassidy

“Being part of this cross-company mentoring programme has been a mutually enriching experience, it’s a reminder that mentoring is as much about listening and learning as it is about advising.” — Lynah Levy-Wilson

“This pilot has been a breath of fresh air. Mentoring across companies opened conversations that simply wouldn’t happen otherwise, and my mentee has been a standout: bright, enthusiastic and brilliantly committed.” — Jo Shepherd

“Mentoring is for life not just for Christmas! What I mean by this is – you must make sure that you can find the time for the process to give it a chance to make it work.” — Julie Armstrong