The Mentor Collective

Coen Jeukens: Navigating Life's Path with Heart and Mind

In this episode of the Mentor Collective Podcast, host Chris Matthews talks with Coen Jeukens, a seasoned professional whose diverse cultural experiences and unique career journey have shaped his perspective on work and leadership. Coen reflects on his evolution from a curious teenager, unsure of his path, to a prominent figure in the software and service domains. He emphasises the importance of following one’s curiosity, as demonstrated by his bold decision to make an unsolicited bid for a role at ServiceMax, underscoring his belief in embracing opportunities over conventional career paths. Throughout the discussion, he highlights the balance between rational decision-making and emotional intelligence, crediting his wife for encouraging him to integrate his heart into his professional choices. Coen also explores the intricacies of leadership, advocating for an environment that values diverse opinions and collaborative decision-making rather than rigid hierarchies. He shares his philosophy on mentorship, which involves giving back to emerging professionals and encouraging them to navigate their journeys with an open mind. By challenging conventional views on career planning, Coen inspires listeners to embrace their experiences and explore various paths, ultimately demonstrating that growth often arises from unexpected opportunities and the willingness to learn from every phase of life.

Vince Robbins: From Adversity to Advocacy

Join us for a heart-to-heart conversation with Chris Matthews as he sits down with Vince Robbins, the co-founder of AretiForce. Vince's story isn't just a success tale; it's a journey of resilience, a testament to what it means to rise above challenges with grace and tenacity. Throughout this enlightening chat, Vince opens up about his humble beginnings, the trials he faced and how these obstacles became the stepping stones on his path to becoming a recruitment mogul who doesn't just chase success but cherishes the value of giving back to the community and safeguarding our planet. Chris and Vince's dialogue unfolds like a series of life lessons wrapped in anecdotes, illuminating the essence of perseverance, the beauty of forging meaningful connections, and the joy of making a difference in the world. This episode is more than just a narrative; it's a reflection on the power of human spirit and an invitation to listeners to embark on their own journey of self-discovery and impact. If you’re in need of a spark to reignite your ambitions or a reminder that you, too, can be an agent of change, regardless of the hurdles, then this conversation is a gift wrapped in wisdom, waiting for you to unwrap it. So, grab your headphones, find your favourite spot, and let Chris and Vince guide you through an emotional and motivational landscape that promises to leave you inspired, thoughtful, and ready to carve out your own legacy of persistence, purpose, and compassion.

Katie Sutton: Empathy-Driven Leadership & From Call Centre to Corporate

In this episode of The Mentor Collective, host Christopher Matthews chats with Katie Sutton, a senior manager at Salesforce. They discuss Katie's career journey, her leadership style, and the importance of mentorship. Katie shares how her experiences, especially at Direct Line Group, shaped her career. A key moment for her was an emotional customer call with an elderly woman, which taught her the value of empathy in customer service—an insight she applies in her leadership. The conversation highlights the importance of building strong relationships and emotional connections at work, which can enhance career growth and fulfilment. Katie expresses her core values: balance, family, loyalty, and well-being, guiding her interactions and helping create a supportive work environment. Katie credits much of her success to mentors, particularly women in leadership. She values authenticity, expertise, approachability, and the ability to inspire joy. Her experience reinforces that effective leadership prioritises team members' well-being and personal development. Achieving career goals involves nurturing emotional connections. Katie’s journey shows how empathy and positive relationships are essential for both personal and professional success. This episode offers valuable insights for anyone interested in personal growth, leadership, and mentorship.

Hannah Kromminga: Fashioning Sustainability

In this episode, Chris talks with Hannah Kromminga, CEO of GIFTD, as she shares her remarkable career journey. From her beginnings in the arts and her decision to pursue a business degree, Hannah reflects on pivotal moments, including her adventurous gap year in China and her entry into the world of startups. With a focus on authenticity and personal fulfilment, she discusses how she transitioned from traditional employment to entrepreneurship, emphasising the importance of creating something meaningful while navigating the challenges of building her company in the sustainable fashion space. Hannah also delves into her insights on leadership, persistence, and the role of a supportive network in achieving success. She candidly addresses the pressures of ambition and societal expectations while advocating for individuals to pursue their passions without looking back. Tune in to explore Hannah's rich experiences and the wisdom she has gained along her entrepreneurial journey.

Heather Black: Social Enterprise, Super Mums and mentorship

In this episode of the Mentor Collective podcast, host Christopher Matthews sits down with Heather Black, a pioneer in leveraging technology to amplify social enterprises. Heather shares her journey to running a successful social enterprise, Supermums, that aids women in accelerating their careers within the Salesforce ecosystem. The conversation touches on her early realisation of the power of blending business acumen with social missions, her experience navigating the complexities of social enterprise structures, and her achievements in scaling social impacts through technological integration. The conversation emphasises the significant role social enterprises play in marrying profit-driven models with social impact, using Heather Black's career journey and the formation of Supermums as a case study. It highlights the crucial role of technology, specifically the adoption of Salesforce, in amplifying the reach and efficiency of social enterprises. By illustrating both the benefits and challenges of leveraging technology for community betterment, Heather shows us a balanced view. Furthermore, it offers practical advice to aspiring social entrepreneurs on the importance of technology, investment, clear social objectives, and open communication for fostering sustainable growth and achieving long-lasting social impact.