The value of mentoring
The Electric Cat team share their reflections and experiences of mentoring in the events industry…
Some of our team attending NOWIE’s Level Up launch event in Camden
For professionals in the events industry, there is an abundance of opportunity to involve yourself in mentoring programmes. From NOWIE’s Level Up scheme, which pairs 50 junior-mid level event professionals with an experienced mentor, to UK Sport’s campaign to partner their Senior Event Leaders and Board Members with expert mentors, who can propel their development even further. There is truly something for everyone at every stage of their career. It has come to our attention that Electric Cat has become quite the advert for mentoring, with nearly all of our team members currently partaking in a programme. Aaand tbh, we wouldn’t have it any other way… 😏
The Impact💥🥊
It’s not just mentees who benefit from a mentoring relationship…
When considering the impact of mentoring, the benefits for mentees are apparent - tailored insights from an experienced professional in their field, a space to express their concerns, a support network dedicated to their career advancement - but often we overlook the benefits for the mentor. Fortunately, Electric Cat’s Director, Cat Kevern, has already mentored a small army of professionals and hopes to encourage others to consider mentoring in their professional journey.
Electric Cat’s Director doing her thaaaang⚡
Cat’s prior mentoring experience is vast and varied. Notably, she has been involved in D&AD Shift, an award-winning industry night school created in collaboration with Google and Adidas to support self-taught professionals entering the creative industries. In 2024, she will be embarking on another mentoring adventure as part of NOWIE’s Level Up programme. Having experienced life on both sides of the mentor-mentee partnership, Cat is passionate about the value and importance of these dynamics for both participants. “Mentoring is at the heart of what the events industry is all about - forging connections, sharing experiences, and supporting one another with a mutual goal in mind. There is nothing more rewarding than creating an environment where you can watch this happen in real time.”
If you’re looking for a sign (or just some really good reasons) to become a mentor, you’re in the right place…
Your Industry Needs YOU! 🫵
Professional Development:
Serving as a mentor can accelerate your own professional growth. The responsibility of guiding others compels mentors to stay ahead of industry trends, refine their communication skills, and deepen their understanding of their profession. In order to draw wisdom from their own experience, mentors must hone the art of reflection, creating opportunities for self-discovery. Through this process, you’ll find yourself revisiting fundamental concepts, reinforcing your expertise, and staying innovative in your approach.
Leadership Skills:
Mentorship offers a platform to level up your leadership skills. By advising and inspiring others, mentors enhance their ability to communicate effectively, motivate teams, and undertake challenges. The role of a mentor provides a hands-on opportunity to exercise empathy, adaptability, and resilience, as you support your mentee to navigate the complexities of their professional journeys.
Mitigating Imposter Syndrome:
It’s no secret that imposter syndrome can be a proper cow, from which no-one is safe…🐮 The good news is, a mentoring partnership can be a powerful antidote to imposter syndrome, as it naturally emphasises the value of the mentor’s accumulated knowledge and experience. Sharing this wisdom with a mentee, and witnessing its impact firsthand, can reinforce a mentor’s expertise and offer a sprinkling of sweet, sweet validation. Having a positive effect on your mentee’s career, life or sense of self-belief is tangibly affirming. Not only are you left bursting with pride, but invigorated with the knowledge that your insights are shaping the next generation of professionals.
Education and Inspiration:
Embracing the role of a mentor creates a cycle of life-long learning and inspiration. Interacting with emerging talent exposes mentors to fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and the latest industry news. This constant influx of new insights keeps mentors at the forefront of their field, while feeding their passion for the industry. Being a mentor becomes a reciprocal experience, where the mentor is as enriched by the mentee's creativity and enthusiasm as the mentee is by the mentor's wisdom, inspiring mutual growth. 🌱
Mentoring at Electric Cat🤝
How our team members are making the most of mentoring programmes…
As Cat continues to grow her empire as a mentor, she has not lost sight of the value of being a mentee. In fact, Cat’s long standing mentor is now also mentoring our Assistant Director, Eloise! The rest of the team at Electric Cat are getting in on the action too. Most recently, Robyn, Ruth and Hatty have all been selected as mentees for the 2024 NOWIE Level Up cohort, and will be embarking on a 6-month programme with their respective mentors. Basically, we bloomin’ love this stuff.
So, wherever you are in your journey of professional development; a student; a junior professional; the midst of a career crisis; or an expert in your industry with decades of experience; we hope this has opened your mind to the exciting possibilities that lie at both ends of mentoring. There is alway wisdom and growth to be gained from being a mentee, regardless of your experience level. While as a mentor, your unique knowledge and insights provide immeasurable value, supporting, encouraging and nurturing aspirational talent in your industry.
Written by: Hatty Cadman on 25/01/2024