Meet the mentor: Cathrin Kolb on seventeen years of paying it forward

Cathrin Kolb graduated from the Full-time MBA at WBS in 2003. As a Director, Change Management Consultant, and certified Neurodiversity Coach, she started as a WBS mentor in 2009 and has supported mentees almost every year since. We spoke with Cathrin about what keeps her coming back, the connections that sustain her, and the advice she would offer to anyone thinking about getting involved.

What drew you to Warwick Business School for your MBA?

"I chose the Warwick MBA fulltime, because I wanted to have an on-campus experience and I was particularly attracted to the programme due to its internationality - we had students from 32 countries."

How has your career developed since graduating, and what does your current role involve?

"The MBA was the best decision I have ever taken to kick-start my career. Thanks to the degree and the specialist subjects I studied, I landed a role with a niche Change Management Consultancy, and have supported organisations, teams and individuals since with large transformation programmes.

"Most recently, Cathrin has completed a year-long training programme to become a certified Neurodiversity Coach, accredited by the Association for Coaching, a development that now shapes both her consulting work and her approach to mentoring.

You have been involved with mentoring at WBS since 2009. What inspired you to get involved, and to become a Mentoring Champion?

"Earlier on during my time as a mentor I was supported by a Mentoring Champion. I really benefited from this support and sense of belonging. I believe strongly in the value of paying it forward and helping others navigate their careers with confidence. I feel grateful that I can share my experience with new mentors coming on board.

"I have supported one or two mentees most years since. Over the years, I have supported mentees across different industries and career stages, which has enriched my own perspective and kept me connected with the global WBS community."

What have you gained personally and professionally from being a mentor?

"I get great satisfaction out of accompanying individuals on their journey. As much as they benefit from my experience, I learn from their special interests and career paths. It is a mutually beneficial relationship and I have learned so much about different career opportunities. The many years of mentoring have given me great confidence and a head start when completing my recent coaching certification."

In your experience, what makes a successful mentor and mentee relationship?

"Have stated goals in mind, but let the mentee determine session topics and speed of progress. Figure out their personality and support the mentee where they are at."

Is there a common misconception about mentoring that you would like to challenge?

"Possibly that you need to have specific relevant experience to help a mentee. I found the contrary to be true. In many relationships where I did not have relevant technical experience, I could still facilitate great learnings and breakthroughs by being curious, relating to relevant experience and help the mentee think through next steps."

You are hosting a webinar for WBS mentors and staff on neurodiversity in mentoring. What can people look forward to?

"We’ll be exploring how mentors can apply neurodiversity awareness in their mentoring relationships, with a particular focus on workplace challenges and professional development. The aim is to encourage curiosity, reduce judgement and explore how individualised support and appropriate accommodations can help neurodivergent people thrive at work."

If you could give prospective mentors and mentees one piece of advice, what would it be?

"Be curious, listen to understand, throw your assumptions and expectations overboard, support without judgement and meet the person where they are at."

Cathrin's commitment to learning, growing, and lifting others along the way is exactly what makes the WBS mentoring community what it is. Find out more about volunteering opportunities with WBS here.