Europe & Africa Mentoring Programme – nurturing tomorrow’s talent

by | Oct 1, 2024 | Leadership, Talent & Development

career discussions

The right mentor can make a huge difference to an individual’s life and their prospects. This year, the Regional Talent & Development team, used the Success Factors platform to facilitate a matching process between mentors and mentees in an exciting new mentoring programme in Europe and Africa to bring that potential to the fore. Over the last few months, 16 highly experienced mentors have been nurturing the skills and knowledge of 19 specially selected individuals to help them transform into the leaders of the future.

What is the Europe & Africa Mentoring Programme?
From May to December 2024, the team of experienced mentors have been meeting with 19 selected candidates. These candidates have already displayed not just business acumen but the potential to go on to achieve real success within their chosen field. The mentors are tasked with delivering a support network that encourages candidates to enhance not just their practical business knowledge, but to examine further how they can apply that to their everyday roles. The central axis of the programme is Leadership Development, encouraging the candidates to become the leaders of tomorrow. The primary goals are to foster career development—not by ‘fast-tracking’ but by allowing the candidates to show their true worth and encouraging their practical and personal growth processes. Under the Leadership Development umbrella, a wide range of topics are explored, and the mentoring process is tailored to the individual’s specific strengths and weaknesses. Mentors regard the programme as a two-way learning process that allows candidates to bring a fresh perspective and new ideas through a culture of continuous learning. The mentors feel they have gained as much as the candidates throughout the process.

Putting the emphasis on people
The automotive industry has always been at the cutting edge of innovation. The Europe & Africa Mentoring Programme encourages a positive attitude towards personal development and its application both up and downstream. The Inchcape Mentoring Programme was designed by Magdalena Masternak, Regional Head Talent & Development, and her team. Their aim was to connect mentors and mentees, enabling them to benefit from one another’s skills, enthusiasm, experience and ambition. Both groups bring plenty to the table that benefits the collective and the business as a whole.

Real success stories
Here is what both mentors and mentees had to say about the programme:

Ariel Knapp, Managing Director VLS Europe and Retail/VIR markets Northern Europe
Mentor
“It’s a privilege to mentor two such bright minds in the Europe & Africa Mentoring Programme. Although our meetings are still new, I’ve been consistently impressed by their eagerness to learn and the depth of our discussions. Their enthusiasm, curiosity and drive for professional development are remarkable. Being part of this programme is a rewarding two-way learning experience; I am also inspired by their fresh perspectives and ideas. This mentoring initiative reflects our culture of continuous learning at Inchcape and exemplifies our commitment to empowering our people to develop, build confidence and broaden their horizons. I look forward to this growth journey, contributing to their development and witnessing their progress.”

Saulė Balčiūnienė, People Director Northern Europe
Mentor
“Participating in a mentoring program as a mentor is an incredibly rewarding experience, both personally and professionally. As a mentor, I have the chance to share my knowledge, skills, and expertise with mentees, helping them grow and find the answers they even did not know they had. This process not only supports the mentees’ progress but also enhances my own leadership and communication abilities. Furthermore, building these relationships often results in a robust professional network, fostering lasting connections that benefit everyone involved. Witnessing a mentee’s progress and positive transformation is profoundly fulfilling and reinforces the value of mentorship.”

Anne Wanyeki, Kenya, Marketing & CEX Manager
Mentee
“I am enjoying my mentoring with my mentor (Ariel Knapp). I got into it with an open mind, looking to meet and learn from my mentor. So far, I am loving it, I have been introduced to new team members across the markets, I have been challenged to do things I would not have considered and learning by the day. What has made the journey more interesting is that my mentor readily available despite his busy schedule, a great listener with great real-life examples.”

What next?
Both mentors and mentees have widely welcomed the mentorship programme in its first year. Even halfway through, it is clear that the sharing of experiences, ideas, and ingenuity has formed a positive bond among the participants. The hope is that the programme will continue to empower and inspire many more young leaders of the future across Inchcape Europe and Africa as they start their careers in the automotive industry. While ingenuity is important, so is raw passion, talent, and commitment. All 19 candidates involved in the inaugural programme throughout 2024 have demonstrated just how motivated and dedicated they are. Nurturing that drive for professional development among the next generation of industry leaders means the automotive sector is in good hands moving forward.

A special thank you to Ariel, Saule and Anne for sharing their inspiring experiences on the mentoring programme. Their valuable insights highlight how this programme supports the growth and development of all participants and is a testament to the dedication and talent within our team. Thank you again for your contributions.

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