Amplifying Talent: What Great Mentors Actually Do

What makes a mentor truly impactful? It’s not just experience or expertise—it’s the ability to hold space, to challenge with compassion, and to support with clarity.

Over the past several years, we’ve partnered with a number of organisations to design and deliver mentoring programmes that go far beyond traditional models. These programmes are embedded within broader talent development strategies and are often linked to high-potential or young leader initiatives. What we’ve seen is that mentoring, when done well and consistently with the right intention, becomes a powerful lever for growth—not just for the mentees, but for the mentors themselves.

In our work, mentors are not simply assigned—they are trained, supported, and continually upskilled. They learn how to listen deeply, ask powerful questions, and create developmental conversations that help their mentees navigate complexity, build leadership capacity, and accelerate their growth. These mentors are often senior leaders who bring a wealth of experience, but through the mentoring process, they also (re)discover new ways of leading—more relational, more reflective, and more impactful.

We’ve also seen the importance of ongoing support. Mentors are not left to figure things out alone. They participate in regular learning sessions, supervision groups, and reflective practices that help them refine their approach and stay aligned with the purpose of mentoring and the programme. Each time we meet, we integrate a space for them to connect and practise together on real topics of significance to them, the organisation, and their own development. Systematically, the feedback is that the time invested is worthwhile, and often the practice together is the most valuable, where they gain personal insight and learn from one another. This all creates a culture of learning and development that ripples across the organisation.

The impact? Mentees report increased confidence, clarity, and readiness for leadership roles. Mentors speak of renewed energy, deeper connection to the organisation’s purpose, and a sense of fulfilment in contributing to the growth of others.

Mentoring, in this context, is not a side activity—it’s a strategic investment in the future of leadership. It’s about showing up with integrity, humility, and a commitment to growth—for ourselves and for others. And it’s one that pays dividends in engagement, retention, and performance.

Curious to find out more? Please email us at info@centreforcoaching.ch or join our upcoming Mentor Amplifying Talent Workshop on 10 October to experience it for yourself.

RESOURCES

Article: Why “Wisdom Work” Is the New “Knowledge Work”

Chip Conley, Harvard Business Review, August 2024

AI technologies are rapidly changing the landscape of work, reducing the demand for traditional knowledge-based roles and placing a premium on human wisdom. In this insightful article, Chip Conley explores why the future belongs to those who can offer perspective, judgment, and emotional intelligence—qualities at the heart of great mentoring. Read the article

TED Playlist – How to be a Good Mentor

This curated TED playlist brings together some of the world’s best speakers on mentoring. Discover practical strategies, inspiring stories, and fresh perspectives on how to bring out the best in others, guide people to succeed, and create a lasting impact as a mentor. Watch the playlist

A Bit of Optimism with Simon Sinek & William Ury: “Peace is a Process”

In this episode, Simon Sinek and negotiation expert William Ury discuss the power of patience, relationship-building, and effective communication—core skills for any mentor. Their conversation offers practical wisdom for anyone looking to foster trust and growth in mentoring relationships. Listen to the podcast

Chip Conley, Wisdom at Work – the Making of the Modern Elder (2018)

A modern classic on the value of wisdom in today’s workplace, this book shares Chip Conley’s journey as a mentor and “Modern Elder” at Airbnb. It’s a compelling read for anyone interested in the intersection of experience, learning, and the art of mentoring.

A Note of Thanks

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all the organisations who place their trust in us and invite us to partner with them in designing and implementing their mentoring journeys, making it possible for us to help shape cultures where learning, curiosity, and support are at the heart of leadership.

A special thank you goes to the mentors within these programmes, who continue to give so generously of their time and energy in service of others’ growth, while also discovering new insights and development for themselves. Your dedication, curiosity, and willingness to learn are what create the ripple effect of positive change across your teams and organisations.

Thank you for being part of this vibrant community of learning and growth.