IPA launches new mentoring programme for agency members

Mentees ‘pitch’ their problem to prospective mentors

The IPA has launched a new mentoring offering to help retain and develop the careers of its agency employees and to help grow their businesses. It is based uniquely on mentees ‘pitching’ their need and was officially announced at the IPA Business Growth Conference.

The two options for IPA mentor matching comprise:

IPA Business Growth Mentoring

A new senior leadership mentor programme where volunteer Fellows of the IPA (FIPAs) and other senior industry leaders will donate one hour free to C-Suite mentees to help them to grow their business.

IPA 60-Minute Career Mentoring

Any agency employee can pitch their career challenge to a mentor (from a selection of experienced practitioners from all disciplines). If a mentor accepts, they receive one free hour for a virtual chat to help support and guide their career.

The launch of the mentoring programme is just one element of the new IPA Mentoring Hub, also published today, that features a suite of free resources for IPA member agencies including:

In a nutshell: definitions and important differences. Mentors, coaches, sponsors, buddies, therapists.
How else the IPA can help: the IPA is already offering specific mentoring support for a wide range of disciplines such as New Business, Account Management, Communications Planning, CPD, as well as help with IPA Effectiveness Awards and Accreditation.
Where else to get help: There are external suppliers providing services such as support, networking opportunities, speed mentoring etc. From free to paid-for, open to all or targeted.
A comprehensive guide on mentoring and coaching, including the business case, plus best practice guidance for coaching, mentoring and setting up an in-house mentoring scheme.
Free mentor skills training
Comprehensive list of recommended coaches, offering a wide range of coaching types such as executive 1-2-1 coaching, team coaching, leadership and management development.
Recommended resources/guides/books for mentoring and coaching.

The hub also includes stories from the agency world of mentors/mentees - including the7stars’ Jenny Biggam; Total Media Group’s Guy Sellars, and Wavemaker North’s Lisa Thompson, among others - who share their experiences, from the best advice given and received to how their careers benefitted, and in some cases how serious challenges were overcome.

Says Kate Howe, Chair, IPA Membership Committee: and Executive Director, MSQ Partners:

The new IPA mentoring hub is designed to be the go-to place for members seeking help and advice on mentoring and coaching.

Kate Howe, Chair, IPA Membership Committee: and Executive Director, MSQ Partners

"Here, members are able to find details of the new IPA services available, including the business growth and career mentoring schemes, as well as information on other (free and paid-for) mentoring programmes on offer externally, and stories of mentor and mentee experiences. I hope agencies find it a really useful new resource."

Visit the IPA Mentoring Hub

*Mentoring stories featured on the site include: