Mentoring Initiative

Professional development for executives & current and future leaders of not-for-profit super funds

FEAL Mentoring initiative

The seventh round of the FEAL Mentoring Initiative has closed. If you would like to find out more about the Mentoring Initiative Program, please complete the form below and we will be in touch when details of the 2026 program are available.

The FEAL Mentoring Initiative has been developed to support the professional development of senior executives and current & emerging leaders 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 & 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

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

Applications for the 2024/25 Mentoring Initiative closed in February 2024.

If you are interested in participating or would like to find out more about the Mentoring Initiative Program, please complete the form below and we will be in touch when details of the 2026 program are available.

Name

First Name

Last Name

Subject

Message

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 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 Enablement & Business Management, UniSuper

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.