One of our most successful Educational Programmes at LEAD Network is the Mentorship Programme. We match participants cross-company, cross-country, and cross-gender to maximise learning opportunties, and are very proud that this Programme won Mentorloop’s Most Impactful Mentoring Programme Award in both 2022 and 2023. 

Why should you join the Mentorship Programme? 

The LEAD Network Mentorship Programme is an innovative initiative designed to develop inclusive leadership within the CPG and Retail sectors. It offers a unique educational opportunity by pairing mentors and mentees across different companies, genders, and countries, fostering a diverse environment for personal and professional growth. The LEAD Network Mentorship Programme was born out of a commitment to nurturing talent and developing future leaders, and in today’s fast-paced business environment, having access to experienced mentors can significantly accelerate career growth and personal development. We believe that connecting individuals with different backgrounds, skills, and experiences enriches the learning process for both mentors and mentees, enabling a more inclusive and innovative workforce. 

The Mentorship Programme: Key Stats 

Since its inception, the Mentorship Programme has created numerous opportunities for learning and development: 

• Total Participants: 434 (217 mentees, 217 mentors).  

• Experience: Mentors primarily have over 20 years of experience, while mentees typically fall within the 5-10 year range. 

• Top Skills: Leadership, people & team management, and influencing are the most sought-after and offered skills. 

• Desired Outcomes: Career progression, personal development, and general guidance are the primary areas of focus. 

• Mentoring Quality Score (MQS): 4.53 out of 5, indicating strong mentoring performance. 

Who can join the Mentorship Programme? 

The LEAD Mentorship Programme is open exclusively to Partner companies and designed for professionals who are eager to grow: 

Mentees: Junior to mid-senior professionals with less than 15 years of experience, committed to self-development and willing to dedicate around 3 hours per month.

Mentors: Senior managers or leaders with significant industry experience, committed to nurturing future talent, and willing to invest approximately 2 hours per month. 

What are the benefits for mentors and mentees? 

The LEAD Mentorship Programme offers a range of benefits designed to support both mentors and mentees on their journey: 

• Tailored mentor-mentee pairings: The programme uses smart matching technology to connect participants based on their development goals, industry expertise, and personal preferences, ensuring a highly personalised experience. 

• Access to exclusive learning resources: Participants gain insights from a variety of educational materials, including articles, webinars, and training sessions, all aimed at enhancing their skills and leadership capabilities. 

• Cross-company, cross-gender, and cross-country networking: By engaging with mentors and mentees from different companies and backgrounds, participants broaden their horizons and gain a more holistic understanding of the industry. 

• Interactive sessions with industry experts: The programme offers live sessions with experts, providing valuable knowledge and up-to-date trends in the FMCG and retail sectors. 

These features make the programme not only a learning journey but also a transformative experience that has a lasting impact on participants’ careers. 

Why is mentorship important?  

Mentorship plays a crucial role in career development, particularly in the dynamic Consumer Goods and Retail industry. Having a mentor can provide guidance through challenging situations, help refine leadership skills, and offer insights that might not be easily accessible otherwise. For mentors, it’s a chance to give back, stay connected to emerging trends, and learn from the fresh perspectives of their mentees.  

What do past participants say?  

“Mentoring allows you to make a positive impact on someone’s life which brings a deep sense of satisfaction and purpose. The process of guiding others leads me as a mentor to reflect on my own practices and values, promoting personal growth. Mentoring helps me to pass on my knowledge and experience, leaving a lasting legacy by shaping the next generation of leaders or professionals. Engaging with mentees exposes you to new ideas, technologies, and approaches, keeping you updated with current trends. Each of these benefits contributes to both personal enrichment and professional development for the mentor.” Alexandra Sierra Sanfiz, Amazon, Mentor

“My Mentor has been an inspirational guide through the journey, helping me to build on my leadership experience, skills, and confidence. I have learnt a lot about managing challenging situations as a leader and conflict resolution, managing expectations whilst maintaining a healthy work/life balance, and how to move forward when facing Imposter Syndrome. This is amongst many other things, all of which are going to help me advance my career. Knowledge = power! I set out and agenda for every meeting, ensuring I could get the most out of the programme I was fortunate enough to be a part of.” Alana Aitken, Cargill, Mentee 

How to join 

If you are a junior to mid-senior professional looking to fast-track your career, or a senior leader eager to make a difference, we encourage you to apply. For more information, visit this link or contact us at education@theleadnetwork.net or visit our website.