ITP Award Winner 2024 - Mentor of The Year

Join us as we sit down with this year's Mentor of the Year, the fabulous Mark Rotheram from VMO2.

First of all, congratulations on being awarded Mentor of the Year!

How does it feel to receive this recognition, especially coming from a nomination by your mentee?

Thank you for the kind words!

Receiving the Mentor of the Year award is truly humbling, especially since it comes from those I’ve had the privilege to mentor. It reaffirms my belief in the importance of building genuine connections. Knowing that my support has positively impacted someone's journey is incredibly fulfilling, and it motivates me to continue championing others in both their professional and personal lives.

What inspired you to become a mentor, and how has your own career journey influenced your approach to mentoring others?

My career journey has been shaped by numerous mentors who guided me during pivotal moments. Their support ignited my passion for mentorship. I want to provide the same guidance and encouragement that helped me navigate my path. I strive to create a safe space where individuals can share their aspirations and challenges, enabling them to grow confidently. I believe that by tailoring my approach to each person, I can help them realise their potential.

Your nomination highlights a personalised mentoring approach. Can you explain what personalised mentoring means to you and how you implement it with your mentees?

Personalised mentoring means understanding each mentee as an individual with unique strengths, challenges, and aspirations. I take the time to listen and learn about their specific needs and goals, which allows me to provide tailored support. This could involve one-on-one sessions to discuss their career trajectory, regular check-ins to monitor their well-being, or simply being available for a chat whenever they need guidance. I believe in adapting my mentoring style to fit the individual, ensuring they feel valued and understood.

Your mentee noted significant personal and professional growth under your guidance. What techniques or strategies do you use to foster this growth?

I focus on empowering mentees by encouraging them to set clear, achievable goals and by celebrating their progress, no matter how small. I utilise active listening to understand their concerns and aspirations, helping them navigate challenges by breaking tasks into manageable steps. Regular feedback, along with positive reinforcement, fosters a growth mindset. I also emphasise the importance of well-being, encouraging them to maintain a balance between their professional and personal lives.

Your mentoring approach emphasises personal well-being alongside professional development. How do you integrate well-being practices into your mentoring relationships?

Well-being is central to my mentoring philosophy. I make it a point to check in on my mentees' mental and emotional health, encouraging open conversations about stress management and work-life balance. I share resources and strategies that have helped me, and I emphasise the importance of self-care. By normalising discussions around well-being, I aim to create an environment where mentees feel comfortable addressing personal challenges that may affect their professional lives. All that said, I do not attempt to replace professional help and from my own experiences and learning, I have focused on understanding and identifying red flags, making sure not just my mentees’ but my colleagues are aware of the support available to them.

What benefits have you experienced from being a mentor?

Being a mentor has enriched my life in countless ways. I’ve gained immense satisfaction from witnessing the growth and successes of those I mentor. Each interaction has taught me something new and has challenged me to reflect on my own practices. The relationships I’ve built have created a supportive network that enhances my own professional development and well-being. It’s fulfilling to know that I can positively influence others’ lives while learning from their experiences. Anyone who thinks they know it all, has lost their way. As a mentor you create a two-way dialogue and you guide rather than direct, changing and developing as you go.

What role do you believe mentorship plays in creating a positive workplace culture, especially in a large organisation like VMO2?

Mentorship is vital in fostering a positive workplace culture. It creates an environment of trust and support where individuals feel valued and empowered. In a large organisation like VMO2, mentorship can bridge gaps between teams, promoting collaboration and inclusivity. By nurturing talent and encouraging open communication, mentorship contributes to a culture of continuous learning and growth, which ultimately benefits the organisation.

One of my goals has been to break down that manager / colleague separation. In many cases the title of manager creates an assumption of knowledge and success, which in turn makes people feel like feedback is fact, when it is provided by someone senior.

Mentoring isn’t about assuming you know, or assuming someone who is mentoring you has the answers, it’s about having a sounding board, a relationship you feel safe in challenging, and in time a development into feeling safe in your own opinions.

Finally, what advice would you give to others who aspire to become effective mentors either in their own organisations or across industry?

My advice would be to approach mentorship with genuine empathy and openness. Understand that every individual has unique experiences and perspectives. Take the time to listen and adapt your guidance to their needs. Remember that mentorship is a two-way street; you’ll learn as much from your mentees as they do from you. Focus on building trust and providing a safe space for open dialogue, and you'll find that the relationships you cultivate can lead to incredible growth for both parties. Also remember that you don’t need to create “official” arrangements, some of the best mentors I’ve had, and the most successful mentees, have been born from a shared interest or even a casual catch up.