Getting connected: how online mentoring creates real-world results

Technology is a powerful tool for building connections, exchanging ideas, and transforming the world. This belief is the cornerstone of our cross-border, online mentoring programme. Efe Olokpa has worked on the programme for 6 years and has seen its digital delivery create real-world results. Here, she shares an inside look at how the programme has supported over 12,000 mentees and mentors by harnessing the power of technology. 

“It’s no secret that the business world is male dominated or that women encounter more obstacles, which limit their success. That’s why it’s important for women to have mentors—someone who can guide them as they navigate challenges and pursue their goals.  

Working on the Mentoring Women in Business programme has given me the opportunity to facilitate transformational mentoring journeys for people all over the world, connecting and supporting them completely online! 

Digital design and delivery 

The programme is entirely virtual from start to finish. Pairs are matched through an online platform, they meet in digital spaces, attend webinars, access digital learning resources through our Mentoring E-library, and receive online support from our team in the UK.  

We even host a virtual graduation ceremony to celebrate mentoring pairs’ successful completion of the programme. This is always a highlight for me, as I get to hear reflections from mentees and mentors all over the world. 

Breaking down barriers to cross-border collaboration 

Running the programme online removes geographical limitations enabling people from all over the world to participate. This is crucial for women entrepreneurs in low and middle income countries, and especially those in rural or underserved areas, where mentorship programmes might not be as accessible. Mentees don’t need to spend money or time, which business owners often lack, to travel for an in-person training. Instead, they can collaborate with their mentor from wherever they are—all they need is internet connection!  

Working with someone from another country opens up a world of information, ideas, networks, and possibilities. Esther Gathage, an alumna mentee and bakery owner in Kenya shared how her mentor, DHL’s Jennifer Thompson, broadened her horizons. She said: “She opened up my eyes to not only think locally, but globally. She challenged me to go further and look at what other bakeries around the world are doing, so that I can know how my company meets global standards and expectations.”

While the programme’s primary focus is on supporting women entrepreneurs in low and middle-income countries, it also provides a wide range of benefits for mentors.  They gain valuable skills and learn how to work better with people from other cultural backgrounds, which is a massive win for the international corporations that employ them.  

Laura Economos, a Marsh McLennon employee and alumna mentor, said: “This opportunity supported my listening skills, it gave me awareness of cultural differences and how they can improve perspective.” 

 

The results speak for themselves 

After each cohort graduates, we gather feedback on the experiences of participants, as well as our corporate partners.

Here are just a few of the fantastic results from 2024 participants…

These results make one thing clear: there’s much to be gained from joining the mentoring programme! Who wouldn’t want to get involved? 

Let’s connect!

We’re on a mission to support one million women entrepreneurs by 2030, and the mentoring programme will play a key role in achieving that goal. If you’re interested in participating as a mentee or mentor, we encourage you to apply now. You can also get your company involved, by partnering with us!”