Embracing the Mentorship Magic: My Reflections on the Secrets of Success of the MSD Enterprise Mentoring Programme
Maya Angelou's words, "If you get, give. If you learn, teach," deeply resonate with me, capturing the essence of mentorship and its transformative power. When the MSD European Mentoring Programme (EMP) was launched five years ago, little did we anticipate the exponential growth and tremendous impact it would have on individuals and the organization as a whole. I am exceptionally proud of this programme, having started it as a small regional initiative, with two passionate and enthusiastic colleagues. Others have gone on to make the program what it is today, now connecting employees from diverse backgrounds across 40 markets. Furthermore, last year the popularity of the programme has led to its global expansion, now known as the Enterprise Mentoring Program. This expansion will open up even more exciting opportunities for connections and exchanges.
As we gear up for the sixth cohort in 2024, let me share some thoughts about the magic that has made this program a driving force for collaboration, growth, and inclusivity.
The EMP has been a catalyst for change, not only provided a platform for seeking guidance but has also fostered a spirit of collaboration and professional development. Personally, now as a sponsor of the Enterprise Mentoring Programme, I am humbled by the impact it has had on thousands of individuals, as witnessed by the 34% growth rate and the remarkable 644 mentor-mentee pairs matched in the fifth cohort of EMP. It is hard to believe that the team managing the programme has only 8 members who are working on a voluntary basis! We are exceptionally grateful to those individuals for driving real impact as a result of their passion and dedication.
So, what have we learned in building a program like EMP? The key lies in finding passionate champions who possess knowledge in various aspects, such as matching, learning and development, content creation, and communication or are willing to learn rapidly. We must invest in the program's capabilities and competencies, such as advanced matching algorithms and rich content resources, to ensure high-quality mentoring experiences.
As we draw inspiration from the feedback of EMP participants, we are constantly pondering the next set of challenges. How can we expand the pool of mentors to meet the diverse needs of mentees? How can we provide ongoing mentoring opportunities and develop the concept of peer mentoring? I invite you to share your thoughts and experiences with mentoring, as together, we can continue nurturing a culture of growth, support, and collaboration.
Author: Catherine Williams , Vice President, International Commercial Operations, MSD
Senior Partner and Global Healthcare & Life Sciences Practice Leader at Kearney | Commercial Strategy & Transformation | Women's Health
9 个月Congrats Catherine Williams!! What an awesome initiative. Would love to compare notes on some of the stuff we are doing especially for women!
Making an impact | Advocate | Team player | Committed to Excellence and Collaboration in Every Aspect of Quality Management
9 个月Thank you, Catherine!! I'm thrilled to be part of the EMP Cohort 6 and eager to embark on this exciting journey.
Strategic Director | INvolve EMPOWER Future Leader Role Model List 2024 TOP #3 | Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) Health and Wellness Edition | Public Policy | Health Equity | SDoH | Advocacy | Board
9 个月Let's immerse on this new opportunity to share knowledge and learn from each other! I'm excited to contribute as a mentor on EMP Cohort 6! ??
Digital Channels & Capabilities Associate Director at MSD Greece
9 个月Dear Catherine thank you so much for the inspiration! I'm' honored to be member of #EMP LT team and to work with you bringing professional growth opportunities' to MSD colleagues.