The Property Council is launching a national mentoring program which matches today’s property leaders with tomorrow’s stars. Why should you sign up today?
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Three key takeaways
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When Von Slater was matched with Vicki Sharp six years ago, as part of the Property Council’s Victorian mentoring program, she was a coordinator of a large tier-one building firm. Today, Slater is head of development and delivery at ASX-listed property company, Lifestyle Communities.
“My career has grown so much over the last six years. I thought when I signed up for the mentoring program that Vicki might guide me for a year or so. But she’s become a partner throughout my career and has helped me with challenges and curve balls along the way,” Slater says.
Sharp, a partner with Thomson Geer Lawyers, was initially attracted to the idea of being a mentor “because I really wanted to give back to the industry – I get a huge sense of satisfaction from helping young people further their careers”.
Her engagement with the program has expanded over the years, from mentor and member of the Victorian program’s expert advisory committee to national ambassador today. Sharp says people are often surprised to discover a mentor gains as much from the experience as a mentee.
“As leaders, we don’t often focus on our own strengths and career successes. When we mentor someone, we get really interesting insights into our own leadership styles,” Sharp explains.
Part of the program’s success is found in the suitability of the matches, as the Property Council uses an external consultant with integrated matching analytics to guide the matching process.
While the program’s primary role is to match mentors with mentees, it also brings together bespoke events and activities – both virtual and in-person – to grow a connected cohort of both male and female talent.
Property advisory firm Charter Keck Cramer has been engaged with the program for several years.
“We put forward up-and-coming leaders in our business, and work with them to understand their professional and personal developmental goals so we can monitor their progress through the year,” says Peter Hutchins, the firm’s managing director.
“What is so pleasing about this program, and I think what makes it so unique, is that is not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach due to the degree of care taken with the matching process,” Hutchins says.
The seniority of the mentors is impressive. Eighty-two per cent of mentors to date have been senior-level executives. “We’ve had staff – both men and women with very different objectives and personalities and at different career stages – really gain from taking part in this program, and it’s not just the mentees who win,” Hutchins adds.
“We see reciprocal benefits for our employees who participate as mentors as well, who enjoy giving back to the industry and developing their leadership skills.”
Sharp agrees. “Part of the reason the program has been so successful in Victoria is that it goes two ways – providing an opportunity for up-and-coming talent to achieve their goals and for mentors to give back.”
Applications for the 2021/22 Property Council Mentoring Program will close at 5.00pm AEDT on Thursday 15 April 2021. The program, delivered with the support of Bank of Melbourne, will be available in all states and territories, except Queensland.
Find out more about the program and how you can apply.