Mentoring Initiative

Professional development for executives of not-for-profit super funds

FEAL Mentoring initiative

The seventh round of the FEAL Mentoring Initiative will run from April 2024 to March 2025. Applications closed Thursday 29 February 2024.

The FEAL Mentoring Initiative has been developed to support the professional development of Senior Executives in super. By providing a mentoring framework and facilitating the matching of mentors and mentees, the initiative enriches the leaders in our industry through:

Sharing of insight, knowledge and skill between fund executives;
Building business, financial and strategic acumen; and
The development of leadership skills that enable a higher level of influence and contribution to the participant’s fund, its members and the overall industry.

The 2024/25 Mentoring Initiative will include in-person events in Sydney and Melbourne at the commencement of the program in April 2024, mid-way through the program in October 2024 and at the end of the program in March 2025. Mentors and mentees are encouraged to attend these events to share their experiences.

Application Process

Applications closed Thursday 29 February.

This Initiative provides the opportunity to develop a formal and structured mentoring relationship with a senior executive from the superannuation industry.

The seniority of the mentors on the Initiative is a unique component of the FEAL program. Direct access to this experience and knowledge has provided previous participants with significant benefits in achieving their career objectives. Feedback from previous mentees has also shown many advantages of having a mentor external to their organisation, including a fresh perspective and a high level of objectivity in the mentoring sessions.

If you have any questions about the FEAL Mentoring Initiative please contact Katrina Bacon, CEO, FEAL katrina.bacon@feal.asn.au

Benefits

The program provides unique benefits for both the mentor, the mentee and their respective funds:

Mentor

An opportunity to transfer skills and knowledge;
Contribute to the development of the future of the superannuation industry;
Enhance leadership, communication and mentoring skills;
Stay connected to the issues that emerging leaders in the industry are facing;
Expand professional networks; and
Recognition of skills, knowledge and commitment to professional development.

Mentees

Develop skills and knowledge;
Build professional networks;
Increase confidence;
Increase likelihood of success and avoid mistakes;
Discuss and learn theoretical and practical issues with another senior colleague in the industry;
Be held accountable for professional development goals;
Reflect on professional growth and development;
A confidential opportunity to discuss skill and career development; and
A window into the experience of other senior fund executives.

The Fund

Increased productivity by both mentor and mentee;
Improved leadership and vocational skills;
Discovery and enhancement of latent talent;
Re-motivation of senior staff (mentors); and
Development and improved retention of skilled executives.

Testimonial

“I completed the FEAL mentoring program in 2022. Keen to set myself goals and work towards the next stage of my career development, I was immediately impressed by the organisational and program framework. Working as a mentee group to set your key objectives early ensures that your mentoring has a clear focus, and receiving key resources along the way from FEAL to guide discussion on certain areas, was invaluable.

However, it was the calibre of the mentors you can access, that for me made it a standout program. Being mentored by the CEO of another super fund was an incredible privilege and I gained so much from their knowledge and expertise and the way they challenged and held me accountable each month to actively implement my learnings. It’s not often you have that unparalleled access to someone in a senior position who so generously gives of their time and expertise.

It’s the ideal program for those in senior leadership roles who are keen to transition to Executive positions, or Executives interested in how to transition to CEO. The program exceeded my expectations; I have continued to implement my learnings and am now equipped to seize future opportunities.”

— Amy Ridley, Head of People & Culture, CareSuper

Mentor Requirements

Mentors should occupy a senior position in their fund or organisation (eg, CEOs and deputies, divisional and department heads and deputies) and ideally have:

Mentor

At least 10-12 years professional experience and industry expertise;
Effective communication skills, particularly listening;
A desire to contribute to the future of the superannuation industry;
Stay connected to the issues that emerging leaders in the industry are facing; and
The willingness to commit to at least one 60 minute meeting every 4-6 weeks for the duration of the 12 month program..

Mentee Requirements

FEAL mentees must be:

Members of FEAL;
Have at least 3-5 years professional experience and expertise;
Be poised for future leadership in the industry;
Be willing to show strong initiative in utilising the mentoring opportunity; and
Commit to at least one 60 minute meeting every 4-6 weeks for the duration of the 12 month program.