By Valerie Ryder and Kristina Tool

Mentoring plays a critical role in the advancement of women professionals in all sectors. It provides women role models, it can provide access to important networks and opportunities, and can provide structure for the development of individual skills and leadership abilities.

These are areas that are often cited as key barriers to career advancement for women in Italy, as is the lack of mentoring in general. Only a small portion of the Italian working population has access to this career development tool, mainly selected high-potential employees of international corporations.

PWA has innovatively moved to fill this gap by pioneering network mentoring in Italy, via its Women Leading Women program. The mentoring program is a key component of PWA’s updated mission, which is to support the advancement of career-minded women in their professional growth and development through networking, skill-building and mentoring in an international environment.

Facts and Figures:

Although mentoring is an increasingly-used tool for career development within companies, only a small portion of the working population has access to it. PWA has moved to fill this gap by pioneering “network mentoring” in Italy, a concept which has been implemented effectively by several of its European affiliates.

The application period for the first edition of the PWA Mentoring Program has recently closed, the results are in, and matches have been made. Close to 50 women have come forward as potential mentors or mentees, greatly exceeding expectations based on results attained in other countries across Europe.

What sets Italy apart? Not surprisingly, the demand for mentors isn’t just originating from women in corporations. As more and more women leave the corporate world to embark into entrepreneurship, aspiring business owners are looking for mentorship too.

Join Valerie Ryder and Monique Svazlian, the driving forces behind mentoring at PWA, for an evening of “Women Leading Women.” After a brief presentation of the program and an initial analysis of the mentoring needs expressed, a selection of PWA Mentors will share their inspirational stories and past experiences with mentoring. We will hear from the following top corporate executives and successful business owners:

• Isabella Chiodi, Vice President and member of the Italian Women Leadership Council, IBM
• Barbara Cominelli, Planning Director, Tenaris Dalmine
  
• Giovanna D’Alessio, Managing Director, LifeCoachLab and President of the International Coach Federation
• Francesca Patellani, Client Partner (Banking Clients) and Inclusion & Diversity Lead, Accenture
• Lee Smith, Director, InStoreFactor
• Nicoletta Zappatini, Managing Director, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank

About Valerie Ryder and Monique Svazlian: Executive Coaches, Valerie and Monique are passionate about developing leaders both in the corporate world and in entrepreneurship. They share the common conviction that the most effective way for women to advance professionally is to take advantage of mentoring, coaching, networking and other leadership development resources. Read more about them at www.ryderassociates.com and www.highestpath.com

Read more about the PWA Mentoring Program here

Grand Hotel et de Milan
Via Manzoni, 29 (MM Montenapoleone)
Networking Cocktail: 7 – 8 pm
Presentation 8 – 9:30 pm

Entrance free for members, 20 euro for guests, payable in cash at the event.
Members, please register in the calendar section of EPWN.
Guests, please send an email to speakers@pwa-milan.org

All professional women welcome whether members or guests

Read the article in Il Mondo about mentoring, where PWA’s own mentoring program that will be launched on May 19th is presented.

Read the article (in Italian, pdf) here.

Join us as we launch the first annual PWA Mentoring Program for a stimulating and informational evening. We’ll hear inspiring testimonials from our PWA Mentors and Honorary Mentors alike, and discuss the objectives, structure and future of the program.

Participants of the Mentoring Program will have the opportunity to meet their match. This event is open to all professional women and we invite you to attend and learn more about our premier initiative for 2010.

Cocktails 7-8 p.m. / Presentation 8-9.30 p.m.
Grand Hotel et de Milan, Via Manzoni 29 (MM Montenapoleone)

Free for members, €20 for guests, payable by cash at the event.
Members, please register on EPWN

For guest reservations please email speakers@pwa-milan.org

All professional women welcome whether members or guests.

For more information on the Mentoring Program contact Valerie Ryder, PWA Professional Development Director, at professional@pwa-milan.org.

by Valerie Ryder, Mentoring Program Leader and Professional Development Director

We are currently accepting applications for Mentors and Mentees who would like to participate in the first edition of the PWA Mentoring Program. For more information on this initiative, please see the articles and brochure posted on the “PWA Mentoring Program” page of the PWA Milan web site (click here).

This opportunity is available to all PWA members, as an additional benefit of membership. Not a member yet and would like to participate in the Program? Click here to join PWA Milan now.

We have already received confirmation from a number of experienced and highly successful professional women who are PWA members, of their willingness to serve as Mentors. To name a few:
• Rosanna Cella – Global Leadership Development Director, Nokia
• Barbara Cominelli – Director of Strategy & Marketing, Tenaris Dalmine
• Francesca Patellani – Partner at Accenture, in charge of Inclusion & Diversity within their Human Capital program
• Nicoletta Zappatini – Corporate and Investment Bank Managing Director Fixed Income, Crédit Agricole Calyon

Further, we are pleased to announce that the following internationally-renowned women will serve as Honorary Mentors:
• Giovanna d’Alessio – President of International Coach Federation Global, Founder and Chief Executive Coach of Life Coach Lab
• Avivah Wittenberg-Cox – Founder of EuropeanPWN, CEO of 20-first, Executive Coach

If you have been considering applying as a mentee or a mentor but have not yet done so, now is the time! There is still availability in the program for both roles. The deadline for submission is Friday, 16 April 2010. Download the forms here: Mentee application form and Mentor application form. If we are able to identify an appropriate match, you will be notified via email by the first part of May.

Important dates to note: The official launch of the Mentoring Program will take place on the evening of Wednesday, May 19. This will also be the occasion for successfully paired participants to meet their mentoring match. The Mentoring Skills Workshop will take place on Saturday, May 29.

For any questions or concerns you may have, please contact us at professional@pwa-milan.org

• Valerie Ryder, Mentoring Program Leader and Professional Development Director
• Monique Svazlian, Mentoring Program Coordinator

by Monique Svazlian, PWA Mentoring Program Coordinator

During the process of creating the PWA Mentoring Program, the question has come up several times about the major differences between coaching and mentoring. Indeed, the question is a valid one as there are places where the two complement each other. Also, there are certain topics and issues better suited for mentoring where others are a better fit for coaching, and it’s helpful to determine which process would be more appropriate in assisting you to reach your intended outcomes.

As professional coaches, we (i.e. the Mentoring Program team members) are necessarily aware of the major differences between the two modalities, and realize that others may not have the same level of familiarity with the subject. In this article, we’ll explore the two methods in order to set expectations and increase your chances of obtaining successful results if you participate in the Mentoring Program.

The following is an example of a sample topic and what the outcomes would be through the two various methods.

Scenario: A woman entrepreneur has left the corporate world and is starting a small business. She is very excited and challenged with her new venture, and thinks she could benefit from a mentor. She is currently having a hard time balancing her business with her personal life and would like mentoring around this issue.

The Mentor approach: In this situation, a good Mentor fit would be a woman who has previously gone through a similar transition, and/or has extensive experience with starting a small business. She would share her stories and challenges faced while pursuing her entrepreneurial ventures, and give advice based on her best practices and learnings. She might also talk about her personal challenges transitioning from a corporate career to being your own boss and give advice on how to manage the added responsibilities of an entrepreneur.

The Coach approach: A coach would take a slightly different approach; rather than give advice based on personal experience, she would focus the conversation on the coachee, to find out her specific challenges. Depending on the underlying issue, the coach could help design new approaches to creating more work/life balance, guide toward a shift in perspective or help in identifying limiting beliefs that are keeping her stuck in this area. The coach would guide her toward specific actionable goals and keep her accountable.

The mentor and coach are similar in the ways they relate to the person they are mentoring or coaching. They both use techniques of active listening, asking powerful questions and offering new ideas and approaches to help guide the individual. But the outcomes from the two approaches can be quite different, and it’s important to identify your needs to ensure you reach the results you’re looking for.

As you’re sending in your applications for the PWA Mentoring Program (deadline 16 April 2010 for this first edition), be thinking of the specific areas in which you need advice and wisdom to help you in your career. Think about your desired outcomes, and be clear from the get-go with your Mentor if you participate. This should ensure that you make the most out of your time with your Mentor and get significant value for the time you put in as well!

If you have more questions on this topic or about the PWA Mentoring program, don’t hesitate to email us at professional@pwa-milan.org

• Valerie Ryder, Mentoring Program Leader and Professional Development Director
• Monique Svazlian, Mentoring Program Coordinator

by Valerie Ryder, PWA Professional Development Director

The Mentor and Mentee application forms for the PWA Mentoring Program are now available. To apply, download the appropriate form(s) here (Mentee application form or Mentor application form) and follow the instructions therein.

Please note that applicants must be current members of PWA, and that attendance at the Mentoring Skills Workshop planned for Saturday, 29 May 2010 is mandatory for participation as a mentor or a mentee.

The application period for this first edition of the Mentoring Program runs from 17 March to 16 April 2010.

Questions? Contact the Mentoring Team members – Valerie Ryder and Monique Svazlian – at professional@pwa-milan.org

by Valerie Ryder, PWA Professional Development Director

As we approach the opening of the application process of the PWA Mentoring Program (mid-March), you may be interested in the idea of becoming a mentor – and you may also be wondering if you have what it takes. Preconceived notions about the requirements of a good mentor, or even simple modesty, might have raised question marks about your appropriateness for this role.

In the framework of a network mentoring program such as PWA’s, the description of an effective mentor is somewhat different than that of a traditional corporate mentor. To clarify this distinction, we have identified the ideal characteristics of mentors in the PWA program, as well as the roles they may fulfill.

Characteristics of PWA Mentors

1. Relevant experience and/or knowledge. Potential mentors need to have knowledge (general, technical, or skill-related) or experience in a certain area which could be useful to an aspiring mentee. The first part is easy – we all have experience and knowledge. The second part – whether it would be useful to someone else- is where there may be uncertainty. The answer is: It is very likely that it would be beneficial. To be sure, apply as a mentor – you never know who may be in need of the experience you’ve got!

2. Communication skills. Effective mentors are skilled in a certain number of key communication areas, such as active listening, providing constructive feedback, and demonstrating empathy. The training workshop we will be holding for all participants will cover a number of these competencies.

3. Willingness and availability to contribute to the success of others. PWA mentors need to want to help fellow women in their professional advancement, and commit to the availability requirements of the program, knowing that they in turn will surely derive worthwhile benefits in the process.

Reminder: There is no minimum age, seniority, professional level, or educational qualifications in the PWA Mentoring Program.

Various Roles of Mentors
In the PWA program, we anticipate that mentors will play one or two of the roles described, but certainly not all of them. In fact, it is widely recommended that women develop a panel of mentors – both women and men – with diverse backgrounds, skills and connections, in order to receive the different types of guidance and support they may need.

Counselor. In this role, fundamental in a network mentoring program such as PWA’s, the mentor is supportive and acts as a sounding board to help her mentee successfully move forward professionally.
- Offers suggestions based on her own professional experience and helps mentee avoid any mistakes she may have made.
- Candidly shares issues related to gender in the workplace.
- Helps the mentee strategize to achieve career goals and weigh the pros and cons of career choices.
- Explains the unwritten rules in the mentee’s environment.
- Assists with strategies for time management essential to balancing work and personal life.

Coach/Advisor. The mentor may serve as a coach/advisor in giving candid feedback, providing assistance with career development, and advising on how to accomplish objectives. Although coaching and mentoring are overall quite different, this is one area where there is some overlap.
- Helps the mentee clarify her performance objectives and areas she would like to develop.
- Offers the mentee candid feedback and provides specific recommendations on areas in which the mentee would like to improve.

Role Model. In certain cases, the mentor may be an inspiring role model. Observing how others conduct themselves and interact with others is often cited by successful individuals as one of their key strategies.
- Leads by example.
- Demonstrates knowledge and insight into applicable informal political processes.
- Exhibits components of an effective leadership style.

Advocate. The mentor may from time to time act as a sponsor for the mentee.
- Opens doors and introduces the mentee to select members of the mentor’s network of contacts.
- Informs her mentee about any appropriate professional or educational opportunities she may be aware of.
Note to mentees: Please do not expect this of your mentors – this is an optional added benefit!

For more information on the PWA Mentoring Program, contact us at professional@pwa-milan.org.
• Valerie Ryder, Mentoring Program Leader and Professional Development Director
• Monique Svazlian, Mentoring Program Coordinator

* Adapted from “Creating Successful Mentoring Programs: A Catalyst Guide”.

by Monique Svazlian, Mentoring Program Coordinator

By now it is likely you have heard about the upcoming PWA Mentoring Program, scheduled to launch in the spring. As we continue planning the program, we are already hearing from many of our members interested in participating. Considering this is a first-time program for the Milan network, we would like to clearly communicate the steps on how to apply and what to expect from the process in order to make it as straightforward as possible. You can download the program brochure here PWA Mentoring Program Brochure

Step 1) Fill out the PWA Mentoring Program Application Form – Mid-March to Mid-April
The application forms will be available on the PWA website beginning mid-March, and the application period will last until mid-April. Keep an eye out for more communication from us informing you when the forms become available on-line. This is the only way to apply for the program – you will be asked to fill out a Mentor or Mentee Profile, depending on the role you are applying for, which will help us find you the right match.

Step 2) Attend the workshop “Identify Your Mentoring Expertise” – April 7th
Whether you believe you could be a Mentor or not, this optional workshop will help you identify the expertise you have to be a Mentor. We all have useful experience, backgrounds and training that can be potentially helpful for others. Through this mini-workshop, which will take place at the April Networking Aperitivo, you’ll identify your “Inner Mentor” which will gear us all up to participate fully in the program. It is open to all members and guests, and is not a prerequisite for becoming a Mentor.

Step 3) Receive email notification: Match successfully identified – Early May
At the close of the application period (mid-April), we will evaluate all applications received. Pairs will be matched based on the level of relevance between objectives stated by the Mentee and available Mentor experience and skills. If we are able to identify an appropriate match, you will be notified via email by the beginning of May.
Note about Participation: As this is a first-time program and we would like to ensure a high-quality service to members, we are limiting the Mentor/Mentee pairs to 10-12 in total. Given the level of interest expressed in the program so far, we anticipate the possibility of receiving more applications than we can fulfill in this first round. Applicants who are not successfully matched will be notified by email that they have been placed on a waiting list for the next edition of the Mentoring program, planned for early 2011.

Step 4) Attend the PWA Mentoring Program Launch Event – May 19th
The official Mentoring Program Launch event will be open to all program participants, PWA members, and guests. The event will be the first time you officially meet your Mentor/Mentee partner, as well as hear from a panel of speakers and testimonials from our Honorary Mentors.

Step 5) Attend the Mentoring Program Skills Training Workshop – Late May
This half-day workshop, an essential component of the program, will be geared towards developing skills to ensure your success as a Mentor or Mentee. We will cover active listening and other communication skills, do’s and don’ts of good mentoring, topics to bring to the mentoring sessions and how to get the most out of your Mentoring relationship.

Step 6) First Mentoring Program period – June-November
The actual Mentoring sessions will begin in June and last for six months. Mentoring pairs will meet for one hour or more per month, in person, via phone or video-conference.

Step 7) Check-in’s and satisfaction survey – June-November
We will be checking-in with each Mentoring pair throughout the program to ensure the Mentoring relationships are running smoothly. Coaching on the mentoring process will be available to those interested. Further, a survey will be carried out at the end of the first period to gauge participant satisfaction and gather ideas for future improvements.

Post-program publication – December
Finally, we will be collecting participant feedback at the end of the program to include their takeaways, experiences, and recommendations to others in an official PWA Mentoring post-program publication.

If you have further questions about the application process or about the program itself, please don’t hesitate to contact us at professional@pwa-milan.org
• Valerie Ryder, Mentoring Program Leader and Professional Development Director
• Monique Svazlian, Mentoring Program Coordinator

All professional women welcome, whether members or guests.

Wednesday 7 April 7-9 p.m.

Location: Grand Hotel et de Milan
Via Manzoni 29
MM Montenapoleone

Whether or not you believe you have the skills to be a Mentor, this mini-workshop will help you identify the useful experience, background and training you have which can be potentially helpful for others. Our expert coaches will help you recognize your “Inner Mentor”, pinpoint your individual expertise and get us geared up for the PWA Mentoring Program. Beneficial for members and guests of all levels.

The evening will be facilitated by Valerie Ryder and Monique Svazlian, certified professional coaches, PWA members, and the driving force behind the Mentoring Program.

Valerie Ryder, ACC is an Executive Coach and Consultant specialized in career progression, value-based leadership development, and management competencies for women in international environments. She is recognized for her insight, supportiveness and practicality in assisting the women with whom she collaborates to clarify and achieve their professional objectives. Visit www.ryderassociates.com for more information.

Monique Svazlian, CPCC is a Leadership & Business Coach, focused on growing emerging women leaders and high potentials within organizations. Her passion for creating positive social change coupled with her background working for Fortune 500 technology companies gives her unique insight to the innovative working strategies needed to compete in today’s global climate. For more information, go to: www.highestpath.com.

Drinks 10 euro each, buffet included

Guests, please send an email to networking@pwa-milan.org