The Plan B Leadership Mentoring Programme, launched just over a year ago by co-founders Holly Addison, of global executive search firm Odgers Berndtson, Emma Causer from Zonal, Ann Elliott, of sector agency Elliotts and Kate Nicholls, CEO of UK Hospitality, has already matched over 100 women with mentors to help progress their careers.
The scheme has also just won an industry award, presented at the CGA Peach 2019 Conference, for its contribution to diversity in the industry.
“We are delighted at the speed with which this important initiative to help women reach the top has been adopted by major employers,” said Holly Addison, partner and head of the hospitality and consumer digital practice at Odgers Berndtson.
“Our feedback suggests that high level mentoring gives many women the confidence they need to navigate the path to board.”
A wide range of organisations in the sector are now participating in Plan B, either contributing mentors or mentees as participants.
The Programme uses speed mentoring to give women aspiring to top executive roles support and advice from experienced board level mentors. It can be particularly valuable for women working in smaller companies or environments with fewer resources or role models.
Plan B is seeking more mentors and mentees for 2020. Co-founder and Zonal marketing director Emma Causer said: “It has been a monumental year for Plan B but we need more mentors to keep up with demand. Looking to 2020, we have an exciting programme of events confirmed and are looking for new female mentees to start their journey with us.”
Speed-mentoring events confirmed for 2020 so far are to be held in Central London on 21 and 27 January, 17 and 24 March, 16 and 22 June, and 15 and 22 September. Potential mentors or mentees are encouraged to contact Odgers Berndtson. https://www.odgersberndtson.com