Mentoring Initiative

Professional development for executives & current and emerging leaders within the profit-to-member superannuation industry

Applications to participate in the 8th round of the FEAL Mentoring Initiative now open.

To apply to participate as a mentee in the Mentoring Initiative for 2026/27 complete and submit the Mentee Application form and arrange for the individual that you report to to complete the Endorsement form. Both forms need to be submitted by close of business Monday 16 February 2026.

The FEAL Mentoring Initiative is an integrated career development program designed to accelerate leadership capability and foster industry growth in super. By providing a mentoring framework, facilitated mentor and mentee matching, leadership development content and connection opportunities across the mentor & mentee cohorts, the initiative enriches existing and emerging leaders in our industry through:

Sharing of insight, knowledge and skill between fund executives & leaders;
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 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

FEAL Mentoring initiative

The 2024/25 Mentoring Initiative included 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.

Application Process

To apply to participate as a mentee in the Mentoring Initiative for 2026/27 complete and submit the Mentee Application form and arrange for the individual that you report to to complete the Endorsement form. Both forms need to be submitted by close of business Monday 16 February 2026.

The 8th round of the Mentoring Initiative will run for 12-months across 2026/27 with key dates:

December 2025 to February 2026

Applications open

February 2026
Selection of successful applicants as mentees

March to April 2026
Matching of mentors to mentees

May 2026
Virtual induction session and completion of Ennegram profiling tool

June 2026
Workshop & kick-off events in Sydney and
Melbourne and virtual for interstate participants:
9 June in Sydney
10 June in Melbourne

July 2026 to May 2027

Mentor & mentee meetings
Online masterclasses
Connection through mentee pods

November 2026

Virtual check-in for all mentees
Mid-point events in Sydney and Melbourne:

10 November in Sydney

11 November in Melbourne

June 2027

End of Initiative
Wrap-up events in Sydney and Melbourne:

9 June in Sydney

10 June in Melbourne

Benefits

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

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.

Training & Support

FEAL is delighted to partner with career and leadership development expert and founder of Future IM/Pact, Yolanda Beattie, to support mentee and mentor development.

To set participants up for success, the Initiative includes:

Facilitated content that primes growth: In-person and virtual sessions focus on building purposeful careers, achieving development goals, mastering self-leadership, and leveraging mentor relationships for maximum impact.
Interactive masterclasses: Virtual sessions on Career strategy, Feedback, Personal brand, Self-leadership, Adaptive challenges, Networking, Self-belief, and Energy management - designed to deepen skills and accelerate growth.
Powerful profiling tools: Mentors and mentees gain deep insights into their leadership styles and strengths through Enneagram profiling, fast-tracking connections and understanding.
Structured peer learning: Facilitated peer pods and virtual breakout sessions deepen networks and create collaborative learning opportunities.
Mentor and mentee panel events in Sydney & Melbourne at the start, mid-point and end of the Initiative: Amplify the voice of senior leaders and showcase mentee growth stories.
Multi-format delivery: Virtual, digital, and in-person experiences maintain momentum and engagement throughout the 12-month program.
Expert facilitation: Ensures content and conversations are high-impact, relevant, and aligned with participant goals.

Participants have access to an online portal with all workbooks and program materials. Additional mentee virtual check-ins are scheduled throughout the program, with ad-hoc phone and email support available to all participants as needed.

The Fund/Organisation

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 2024/25 and was partnered with Jo Brennan (Group Executive, Member Engagement, Education & Advice, Aware).

This has been one of the best mentoring programs I have been part of and met all my goals, firstly, due to the calibre of the Executive level mentors and matching process. Jo is a seasoned and respected Executive who provided me insights on her career, how she approaches leadership and relevant frameworks that could be beneficial but importantly, challenged and kept me accountable to think differently and try out new ways of approaching key challenges or opportunities and elevate my thinking to that of an Executive.

Secondly, the pre, during and post mentee support and education through FEAL and Rebecca Neylon, was fantastic as it helped me be prepared and focus each mentor conversation on a specific leadership capability or challenge and provided useful frameworks to apply and be clear on what support, guidance, or questions I had of my mentor.

I would recommend the FEAL mentoring to senior leaders looking to hone their leadership skills and are considering their next steps into executive level roles. Thank you to FEAL and the sponsors, IFM Investors, for the opportunity to be part of the 2024/25 program.”

Louise Clarke, Head of Member Services, UniSuper

Requirements

Mentors

Mentors should occupy a senior position in their fund or organisation (eg, CEOs and deputies, divisional and department heads and deputies). Retired CEOs and executives are welcome to continue their contribution to the industry.

Each Mentor should have:

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;
The ability to commit to the necessary time required for the 12-month initiative, which includes:
- 1-hour virtual induction meeting
- 3 times 2-hour workshops held in Sydney and Melbourne, followed by a panel and drinks event (separate 90 minute virtual events for interstate participants)
- 1-hour meeting with your mentee every 4-6 weeks (face-to-face where feasible)
- Optional monthly virtual masterclass sessions to support deeper learning and career development for mentees (mentors welcome to attend)
- 1-hour virtual wrap-up meeting
- Responding to feedback surveys to enhance further rounds of the Initiative

Mentees

The Mentoring Initiative caters for executives and current and emerging leaders within the profit-to-member superannuation industry, who are ready to take the next step in their career. Mentees must be members of FEAL, either through the corporate membership of their employer fund or organisation or though individual membership of FEAL.

Emerging leaders are senior managers or other high performers who aspire to be a future fund executive and are looking to develop their leadership skills.

FEAL mentees should have:

The ability to commit to the necessary time required for the 12-month initiative, which includes:
- 1-hour virtual induction sessions
- 3 times 2-hour workshops held in Sydney and Melbourne, followed by a panel and drinks event (separate 90 minute virtual events for interstate participants)
- 1-hour meeting with your mentor every 4-6 weeks (face-to-face where feasible)
- Monthly 2-hour virtual masterclass sessions to support deeper learning and higher impact mentoring conversations
- Taking responsibility for logistics and follow-through on agreed actions
- Responding to feedback surveys to enhance further rounds of the Initiative

Mentees should be supported by the individual that they report to, to be able to devote sufficient time to the Mentoring Initiative. FEAL may consult with this individual in identifying potential mentors and will report to this individual on the mentee’s level of commitment during the Initiative.