"You don't have to learn every lesson the hard way"

When we learn by trial and error, we often end up delaying our success until we get everything figured out – if we’re lucky. In some cases we make mistakes that actually prevent us from ever achieving our goals – mistakes that could have been avoided if we only hadn’t been too proud, embarrassed, self-absorbed, or [insert the word that describes you here] to consult someone else before proceeding.

As a young professional in 2005, I was at one of my lowest ebbs. After pouring my heart into cancer research since I graduated I was forced to admit at 25 that I just wasn't going to have what it takes to be successful and make an impact in the field.

It was at this point, at an Institute of Water dinner in Bristol, that I met Bob. At that time he was in his early 50's and we hit it off right away. He was successful, respected and established with a history of success behind him, in short, everything I wanted and thought I'd never get! He took time to listen to me that night over dinner and we promised to keep in touch.

After a few emails he flew over to Northern Ireland and sat with me for two hours, outlining how I could still have a successful career. At the end of the meeting he said:

"Now tell me Stephen, what three things will you do differently after this meeting"

I took his advice and guidance and it turned my career around. He gave me belief in myself and a vision of what I could be.

That's mentoring!

13 years on from that meeting, I am now in a position to help others. Working with no more than 4-5 individuals at any one time  I have designed a bespoke 20 week program focusing on three key "truths":

This mentoring program can be applied to anyone from a top manager with decades of experience to an unemployed school leaver with none.

This is very much not for profit, you pay what you can afford, all I ask is that you fully engage with the process.