MENTORING &
Business coaching
Below are some videos showcasing mentoring in action, along with testimonials from individuals I've had the privilege to work with.
"Harriet understands her mentees holistically, which is something I really value. Her conscious awareness of me as a person, paired with her wealth of businesss and life experience, helps her to provide suggestions that encourage me to utilise my strengths to optimise my decision making. Without Harriet, I would have been unlikely to look towards London for the next stages of my life, as the big city felt out of my comfort zone. Harriet encouraged me to embrace the opportunities there, as she knows the vibrant music, theatre and art scene will help enrich me further, alongside the best industry contacts. I have since received an unconditional offer at a top London University, which Harriet gave me the confidence to apply for"
Amber Aitken
Student
"After several years in business, I was looking for insight and mentorship from a seasoned leader with a proven track record to help us take FLAVE Sportswear AI to the next level. Our mission is to build AI-driven supply chain solutions for the sportswear industry on a global scale. Meeting Harriet—by coincidence—was a turning point. We immediately connected over our shared concern for the environmental impact of pre- and post-consumer plastics, particularly ghost fishing nets that harm marine life. Beyond this, we are both curious to explore how technology can help reduce the carbon footprint of sportswear manufacturing. Our shared background as former IBMers, along with my experience as a former pro athlete and her passion for sports and well-being, further strengthens our alignment. Harriet’s extensive experience in global business management is exactly what we need to scale our startup. She is highly hands-on and continuously challenges me to develop solutions for struggling sportswear brands and manufacturing plants. Together, we are working to make it easier for brands to source, manage, and scale sustainable collections while enabling factories to operate more efficiently—reducing waste across all levels, from fabric leftovers to inefficient production. I am incredibly grateful to have Harriet as my mentor and look forward to building an impactful business together."
KEVIN VAN LANCKER
Founder FLAVE
"Working with Harriet has been an absolute game-changer for our startup. Harriet’s expertise, unwavering support and advice has helped us navigate our journey with added confidence. She has not only provided invaluable business insights but has also inspired us to push beyond our limits, Harriet’s energy is immense! We are incredibly grateful for her mentorship and would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a dedicated and knowledgeable mentor!"
GEORGINA & SIMON CLEERE
Founders of RIPPL
I've been incredibly fortunate to have crossed paths with some truly extraordinary mentors who have profoundly shaped my career. Steve Kaufman, former CEO of Arrow Electronics and now a Harvard Business School Professor, was instrumental in sharpening my business acumen. Sir Peter Gershon, my visionary Chairman at Premier Farnell and former Chairman of National Grid, offered insights that were nothing short of transformative. The distinguished Sir Roger Carr, Chairman at BAE Systems, provided unwavering support during my tenure on the board. And then there's Ginni Rometty, the trailblazing CEO and Chairman of IBM, who not only hired me but also mentored me with a leadership approach that has left an indelible mark on my journey.
These remarkable individuals are just a few of the many wise and trusted advisors I've been privileged to learn from. Their influence has inspired me to dedicate myself to mentoring and coaching others across all stages of their careers and business journeys.
Mentorship is not just for beginners—it's a lifelong, reciprocal learning experience that fosters mutual growth. It’s about evolving together, where both mentor and mentee learn from each other’s insights and experiences. I find immense fulfillment in this process and believe that a great mentor does more than just guide—they also grow alongside you, discovering new perspectives as you navigate your path together. Whether you're just starting out or well into your career, I highly recommend both seeking and becoming a mentor—it's a transformative journey that enriches both parties.
Below are some videos showcasing mentoring in action, along with testimonials from individuals I've had the privilege to work with.
Top Tips For Mentoring
Identify the Right Mentor and Make the Ask: Think about who you admire and who could help you grow. Whether it’s someone you already know or a leader you respect from afar, don’t hesitate to ask them to be your mentor. On the flip side, if you’re looking to mentor others, put yourself out there—whether by sharing a LinkedIn post or simply offering your guidance when approached.
Embrace Risk and Take the Shot: Mentorship involves taking personal risks—both for the mentor and the mentee. Don’t shy away from the opportunity; remember, the greatest growth often comes from stepping outside of your comfort zone. Just like in sports, you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. So, be bold and pursue mentoring opportunities.
Be an Active and Engaged Mentor: A great mentor doesn’t just passively offer advice; they actively engage with their mentees. This involvement not only benefits the mentee but also sharpens your skills in hiring, developing talent, and ultimately thriving in the competitive landscape of talent acquisition.
Create a Mutually Beneficial Relationship: Effective mentoring is a two-way street. While you guide and support your mentee, be open to learning from them as well. This mutual exchange enriches the mentoring experience, making it more impactful for both parties.
Be Consistent and Committed: Mentoring is not a one-time event but a continuous process. Regular check-ins, consistent feedback, and ongoing support are crucial for building a strong and effective mentoring relationship. Your commitment to your mentee’s growth can make all the difference in their success.
You can find more mentoring advice on my blog, and I invite you to follow my daily posts on LinkedIn.