The power of mentorship in financial services – Freeman

When we are young, our mentors are often our parents or guardians, guiding us through the early years of our development. As we grow older and embark on our careers, finding the right mentor can be more challenging but remains just as crucial. 

I was fortunate at the start of my career to have three incredible mentors, each with their own unique style. They not only helped me develop my technical skills but also played a key role in building my confidence and belief in my abilities. As my career evolved, so did my mentors.

I found myself aligning with new individuals who supported my growth in areas I wanted to develop further, particularly in leadership and people management.

For those operating in differing areas of financial services, mentorship can be a game-changer. For example, early in the journey of qualifying as a surveyor, the focus is primarily on developing technical skills to become well-equipped and adaptable in confidently performing the role. Once these skills are firmly established – which, in my experience, takes time – it becomes crucial to have a clear pathway for future career progression.

That’s where structured development and mentorship programmes become invaluable. 

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Mentorship in practice 

At Countrywide Surveying Services, we appreciate the importance of both technical training and leadership development. Our approach to career progression consists of two key stages.

The first stage is our initial development days. These sessions are designed to give our people the opportunity to present themselves – not just their technical expertise, but who they are as individuals. These days aren’t about identifying rising damp or active woodworm; they’re about understanding character and potential. From there, we create bespoke development programmes tailored to support their next career steps, with mentorship playing a crucial role. 

The second stage is our Leadership Development Programme. This is where individuals who have stepped forward for opportunities get the chance to shine. We encourage them to develop their own leadership style while providing them with real opportunities to take ownership and grow, all supported by continued mentorship. 

The multi-faceted benefits of being mentored

The journey into leadership is rarely a straightforward one.

It requires dedication, resilience, and a proactive approach to learning. More often than not, the harder you work, the luckier you get, but mentorship and coaching play a crucial role in making the journey smoother, more structured, and ultimately more successful. 

I am incredibly proud of the leadership programmes we have developed over the years. Many individuals who have participated have gone on to thrive in senior roles, making meaningful contributions to our industry.

What’s most important is that nobody ever ‘loses’ in these programmes. It’s not just about climbing the corporate ladder; it’s about self-discovery, understanding where your strengths lie, and pursuing a career path that truly aligns with your skills and passions. 

In an industry as dynamic and relationship-driven as financial services, mentorship is not just beneficial, it’s essential. Whether you are just starting out or looking to take the next step in your career, having the right mentor can provide guidance, support, and inspiration to help you reach your full potential.

So, if you haven’t already, seek out a mentor. And if you have experience and knowledge to share, consider becoming one. The impact you can have on someone’s career, and life, can be truly transformative.