Walpole: Mentorship is a key element of Walpole’s Brands of Tomorrow programme. Why is this such an important part of this initiative?
In giving consideration to these questions – and with a curiosity for languages – I’ve looked up the derivation of mentor. I must admit, I had no idea it comes from Homer’s Odyssey, where Mentor was a trusted advisor to Odysseus’ son, Telemachus. Therefore, mentor became the word for someone who gives guidance and advice to someone less experienced. However, within that lies the answer; for our Brands of Tomorrow founders to have a mentor to reach out to over the course of the programme is invaluable. And it is why we are so grateful to our mentors who give so freely of their time and lessons learned. In software development you’d call this ‘open source’!
Whether an emerging luxury brand or simply as an individual in the sector, what is the advantage of having a mentor?
I think one of the great reasons is you can be far more vulnerable with your mentor, admitting what you don’t know and what is worrying you. Yes, the founder will likely have a board and quite possibly co-founders, but so often it feels like you should have all the answers yourself and to project total confidence at every strategic turn. I think with a mentor, you can be far more open and therefore get the best possible advice to shape your headspace.
What has been your experience with mentorship throughout your career?
I’m still on very good terms with John Ayton who mentored me during my year on the inaugural Brands of Tomorrow programme with Fitzdares back in 2007. The word ‘mentor’ didn’t really exist as far as I was aware before that, so Walpole was groundbreaking in assigning me one as far as I’m concerned. I’m in awe of many friends who attack life and in so doing inspire with ideas, suggestions or observations.
What is the most important piece of advice a mentor has given you over the years?
Employ attitude, train skill – you can’t do it the other way around; so told to me by a lecturer at Cranfield School of Management.
If a person reading this currently doesn’t have a mentor, how should they go about finding one?
Mentorship can start at home, so look to parents – that can lead to great honest conversations you may not have had before. Otherwise, look to someone in your organisation who you look up to, or the sector you work in. Be direct. I read a fabulous book called Obvious Adams: The Story of a Successful Businessman last month. Read that and you’ll see that most things in life can be very simple – we just do a good job of overcomplicating things.
Have you acted as a mentor? If so, what advice would you give to other mentors?
I’ve never had that word bestowed upon me, as such, but I have had relationships that equate to that. I think the key requisite is to be in touch a lot. If you can’t be spontaneous with phone calls to check in, then meeting up in-person, which is always best, is really important. You can’t put a price on a cold-pressed juice!
Discover more about our Brands of Tomorrow 2025 programme here
