The Drinks Association’s seventh annual Inclusive Leadership Program has now reached its midpoint. Kicking off in May this year, the six-month program, facilitated by Serendis, brings together mentees and mentors from various organisations within the beverage industry. It serves as an effective platform for nurturing talented individuals in readiness for more advanced leadership roles.
This year’s cohort of mentors and mentees represent a range of companies, including Accolade Wines, ALM, Bacardi, Brown-Forman, Campari, Casella Family Brands, CCEP, Moët Hennessy, Paramount Liquor, Pernod Ricard, Taylors Wines, and Treasury Wine Estates.
Leading the program is Serendis Director Julie Thompson, who has been engaging with the mentors and the organisations putting forward participants.
David Scoppa, Senior Consultant at Serendis, facilitated last week’s Mid-Point Check-In and Signature Strengths Workshop with the group at the Kirribilli Club.
Scoppa commenced the session by sharing some verbatim from participants about their experience in the program so far.
Mentee feedback
“My mentor has helped me dive deeper into my preconceptions of myself and challenged my patterns of thinking in a positive way. This has led to breakthrough epiphanies and helped iron out exactly what my goals and aspirations are.”
“My mentor has listened, taken the time to offer advice and challenged my thinking. Before the program, I was unsure of what was next in my career. He has helped map this out, asked the right questions and supported in identifying what the next options could be.”
Mentor feedback
“Since the start of the program, I believe my mentee has taken a lot on board and has secured a promotion. Good to see that his ambitions are paying off, and my advice has helped him get where he wants to go.”
“We have had some good conversations during our sessions and feel that we are progressing well with her goals. I know that she finds the chats and the different approaches to be helpful in her own journey.”
Inclusion360 Survey
Earlier in the program, all mentors and mentees were asked to complete an Inclusion360 Survey. The survey, administered by Serendis, measures and provides valuable feedback and data on how the participant’s leadership style is perceived through the lens of inclusion.
The process involves the individual filling out the survey and nominating an additional 8-12 people they work with (direct reports, peers, senior leaders) to complete the survey.
The mentees in the workshop collectively said that completing the survey and reviewing the results had been the standout experience so far. They said the process was very valuable and at times, confronting, but the conversations that had happened on the back of the results were beneficial.
‘Nuggets of gold’
Emma Baldwin, Regional Export Director, Asia & GTR at Pernod Ricard, is a first-time participant and mentor in this year’s program. She said what surprised her about the program so far was the ‘nuggets of gold’ she got from her conversations with her mentee.
“I know my mentee is looking to learn from my experience and my contribution and knowledge, but I’ve walked away from every conversation thinking of how I can apply some of what I’ve learned from him into how I engage with my team.”
“It’s made me consider how I can be more inclusive and actively draw on the ideas of all my team members.”
When asked what advice she would offer current and future program mentors, Baldwin said: “I know everyone says this, but it’s so important to come in with such an open mind. And also to keep quiet. It’s not about putting forward your advice and solutions; it’s about asking questions. That is a skill in itself and one that I am practising during my conversations with my mentee.”
‘Helping me find my purpose’
Sander Janmaat, a program mentee and Marketing Manager for Bacardi's Luxury Brands in Australia and NZ, relocated from the Netherlands last year. He considers the program a valuable opportunity to reflect on his personal growth, engage in conversations about areas for improvement, and explore potential career paths with a mentor who shares his industry background.
When asked about his mentor, Janmaat said: "I feel so comfortable around her and we get along so well. During our conversations, she encourages me to speak freely and then asks questions at the end."
"She has got me to think less about a career progression plan for the next 10 years, as this is not always realistic because things constantly change. I'm in Australia now, which I hadn't expected five years ago.
"Instead, she has suggested I focus on what my purpose is. Whenever I have a potential career next step or proposal, her advice is to hold it against my purpose. If it feels right, then it's a good step. If not, maybe it's not the best move for me."
"I've found this advice insightful and valuable, and now I'm on a journey to find my purpose."
Pictured above: Emma Baldwin from Pernod Ricard (mentor) and Sander Janmaat from Bacardi (mentee)
Following the day’s session, Scoppa said: “It was fantastic to hear the positive impact the program is having on both mentees and mentors. We encourage mentees to continue to drive momentum with their conversations and remind our mentors to focus on how they will help their mentee embed change beyond the end of the program.”
The Mid-Point Workshop wrapped up with networking drinks at the Kirribilli Club, allowing mentees and mentors to continue to share and discuss their experiences in the program so far.
The program continues in the coming months with a group workshop on resilience, followed by a panel discussion before concluding at the end of November with a Grand Finale event hosted by Serendis.