On 10 February, HR magazine will be launching an exciting new event, the HR Future Leaders Forum, and giving delegates the opportunity to win a year of mentoring from an HR director.
We spoke to some of our mentors, who have kindly agreed to give their time following the HR Future Leaders Forum to mentor a more junior HR practitioner...
Amanda Menahem, former HR director at Hastings Direct:
“The role of the HRD can be tough and I have been through many challenging experiences over the years that have taught me valuable lessons. A couple of individuals have been amazing mentors to me at key stages of my career. I will always remember the difference they made and I hope to be able to make a difference to an aspiring HR leader and give something back.
“I have always been passionate about people development and seeing my team flourish was one of the most rewarding elements of my role as HR director. I want to build upon that passion by having a hand in others' development through mentoring. I know I will find it fascinating, challenging and rewarding.”
Melanie Steel, interim people change director at Boots Opticians:
“[Mentoring] is one of the most rewarding things and I see it as a real privilege. At times during my career I was lucky enough to benefit from mentor / mentee relationships and it was great to have someone who was independent to share thoughts and ideas with, get wise counsel from or help with connections and so on.
“I also see the mentor / mentee relationship as being two-way. Firstly, we both get to learn about a new company that the mentee works in. Secondly, you get to stay connected to how life is for someone with potential on their way up and how they view the profession. Thirdly, it helps you to build a wider HR network to share best practice and connections.”
The other two HR directors offering their time as mentors are Jabbar Sardar, HR director for television at the BBC and Rachel Stock, group HR director at Trinity Mirror.
Only delegates at the HR Future Leaders Forum will be in with a chance of winning a year of mentoring. Book your place today.