At Warwick Business School, we know that mentoring can be a powerful experience, whether you're seeking guidance or offering it. That’s why our Global Mentoring Programme connects students and alumni from around the world, helping them build meaningful relationships that support career development, personal growth, and lifelong learning.
Here, we meet our Mentor Champions - volunteers who support fellow mentors on the programme by offering a friendly ear, informal advice, and encouragement throughout the mentoring journey. Think of them as peer advocates: approachable, experienced, and passionate about helping others get the most out of the programme.
Whether it’s sharing tips, raising awareness of the programme, or simply being there when someone needs to talk, Mentor Champions help create a sense of community and continuity across our global network.
Can you tell us a bit about your background and what made you choose WBS?
“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 on the programme.
“After completing the programme, I land a role with a niche change management consultancy and after a four-year stint with an outsourcing company I now work as an independent consultant with organisations in Europe, supporting them with a variety of different change management challenges.”
Can you tell us about your involvement with the WBS Global Mentoring Programme?
“I very quickly became involved in the WBS Mentoring programme (already at its inception in 2009). I have attended many of the CPD courses and was able to apply the learning in my role
“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 inspired to be become a Mentoring Champion?
“Early in the Mentoring Programme I was supported by a Mentoring Champion (we met every other month to share experiences, find out about the program and create some sense of a community). 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 I can now give my experience back to new mentors coming on board — becoming a Mentoring Champion is a natural extension of my commitment to supporting individuals on their journey.”
What do you hope to achieve in your role as a Mentoring Champion?
“I look forward to creating a sense of community and support other Mentors with experience exchange or specific questions or challenges they face with their Mentees. I also hope to contribute to the continuous development of the programme by sharing insights from both mentors and mentees with the WBS team.”
What do you think makes the WBS Mentoring Programme unique?
“The goodwill and dedication of alumni and a very strong global and diverse set of Mentors. The programme not only draws on the strength of its alumni network but also offers Mentees a truly global perspective and Mentors the opportunity for ongoing professional development through CPD courses.”
What started your journey into mentoring and coaching?
“I have been a mentor or coach in various roles and settings for over 30 years. Before doing my MBA I worked as a Manufacturing Engineer and Project Manager. Subsequently I worked in several professional services firms, firstly as a management consultant and then in operational/transformational roles in law firms – my last role was as Chief Operating Officer. All these international firms have a strong culture of coaching and mentoring.”
What do you find most rewarding about mentoring?
“In addition, one of most satisfying aspects of work for me was creating and developing teams to achieve specific goals. Coaching and mentoring was naturally a part of this process.”
How have you stayed connected with Warwick Business School?}
“I have been a Warwick Business School Alumni mentor for over seven years and have mentored both remotely and face to face, based in the UK, Netherlands, Switzerland and China.”
“I have retired from full time work, and I am now pursuing personal interests including mentoring and coaching volunteering roles and playing jazz saxophone in a band.”
What drives your passion for supporting others?
“I believe we are all capable of achieving more than we believe and really enjoy, and get great satisfaction from, supporting people to develop.”
What career path did you take after completing your MBA?
“After completing my MBA, I had a 25-year career in IBM before reverting to a career as a Non-Executive Director or Chair for a number of companies.
Can you tell us about your involvement with the WBS Global Mentoring Programme?
“I have been involved in mentoring on the WBS programme since its inception some 16 years ago. I also do Boardroom Mentoring and have been involved as a 'Mentor Champion' on the UK Government's Innovation to Commercialisation of University Research Programme (ICURe) since 2017.”
What do you enjoy most about mentoring?
“Aside from the enjoyment of supporting WBS students to understand their pathway for their next career moves, I have also found the Business School to be a great source of next-generation talent for the companies I represent in a Non-Executive capacity.
Tell us about your experience of mentoring
“Throughout my 50+ year career in aerospace and consultancy, I have been privileged to work with world-class leadership teams who promote coaching and mentoring as a key element of their people development programmes.
“Having recognised the benefits of being mentored in my early career, I have made it an ongoing priority to share my experience with a wide range of individuals, from early career through to senior executives, covering various disciplines and industry sectors.”
How did your journey with WBS begin?
“Having completed my MBA at WBS in the late 80s, I have continued to give back to the School and joined the WBS Mentoring Programme on its launch in 2008.”
What has your experience of a mentor been like?
“I have mentored more than 40 fellow alumni from all regions of the globe and continue to be in regular contact with the majority of them, sharing their experiences as they continue their career journeys.
“Outside of WBS, I launched a mentoring programme for my accounting body which has developed over the last 10 years into a global programme assisting finance professionals and students to achieve their career goals.
“Coaching and mentoring is now the cornerstone of my work and gives me the opportunity to share in the achievements of the individuals I work with and enhance my leadership skills as we explore the various challenges they are addressing.”
Can you tell us a bit about your background and your experience of mentoring?
“My background is in senior leadership across strategic and operational management, business planning, partnerships, people development, and change management—spanning the NHS, the private sector (Capita), and the voluntary sector.
“I studied the Warwick MBA via Distance Learning, and having the MBA enabled me to progress into Director-level roles within the NHS.
“I’ve been mentoring MBA students and graduates with WBS since 2014. Now mostly retired, I’ve continued to offer coaching within the NHS and mentoring through WBS, as well as through the University of Warwick’s Thrive Programme, Cardiff University, and LSE. Becoming a Mentor Champion for WBS is a great opportunity for me to promote mentoring and support fellow mentors.
“I’ve also continued to apply my leadership and mentoring skills as a non-executive trustee, initially with a mental health charity, and currently as Vice Chair of Citizens Advice East Berkshire and as an independent consultant.
“I’m also able to pursue my interest in crafts as a lacemaker, with a particular focus on promoting historic skills.”
Find out more about the WBS Global Mentoring Programme here or email alumnimentoring@wbs.ac.uk
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