The Mentor Collective

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.

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.

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.

In a revealing and enlightening conversation, James Naylor, a seasoned entrepreneur and the creative force behind Naylor Games, unfolds his diverse career trajectory, entrepreneurial spirit, and leadership philosophy. Starting from his formative experiences in China, exploring the nuances of work culture, to his passionate venture into the board game industry with 'Magnate: The First City', James shares insights into the transformative journey that led him to where he is today. Not only does this discussion delve into James's entrepreneurial endeavors, but it also touches on personal challenges such as his battle with altered smell perception post-COVID-19, demonstrating his resilience and adaptability. James's initiation in China's extended work culture offered him a nuanced understanding of contrasting work ethics, which later influenced his work philosophy and entrepreneurial drive. In launching Naylor Games and creating 'Magnate: The First City', James intricately details the joys and challenges of bringing a passion project to fruition. His journey from ideation to the actual game development and subsequent management lessons underscores the multi-dimensional role of a creator and entrepreneur. James underlines the importance of honesty, enthusiasm, and encouragement as key tenets of his leadership style. He reflects on the mentorship he has received throughout his career and how various mentors, including his father, have significantly shaped his approach. Additionally, he shares his personal battle with altered smell perception post-COVID-19, crafting a narrative of perseverance and adaptability. As the conversation unfolds, it becomes clear that James Naylor is not just an entrepreneur but an artist and a fighter. His vivid recount of career highs and lows, interwoven with personal battles and philosophical musings, offers an invigorating look into the essence of creativity and leadership. This podcast not only uncovers the layers of James's multifaceted journey but also serves as an inspiring testament to the power of resilience, curiosity, and passion in navigating the unpredictable waves of life and business.

On this episode I was joined by Trevor Alexander, Product Manager in the Field Service and Tech space. Navigating significant shifts in his life and career, Trev brings to the table an unguarded look into the reality of embracing change, pursuing passions, and the art of balancing work, life, and mental health. Our discussion meanders through Trev's personal and professional experiences. From his decision to leave an employer he'd been with for years to his thoughts on parenting in the age of digital technology, Trev's story is a compelling narrative of growth, self-discovery, and resilience. Hear Trev's honest reflection on the impact of mental health on career paths, the importance of professional support, and how personal challenges can deeply influence professional journeys. His take on parenting amidst technology's rise, advocating for active engagement over passive consumption, adds a thought-provoking dimension to the conversation. Moreover, Trev's passion for music and its role as a catalyst for emotion and memory will strike a chord with many. His personal insights into mentorship and leadership reveal a leadership style rooted in trust, empowerment, and understanding, offering a fresh perspective on guiding others. As the episode unfolds, Trev's reflections are an open invitation for listeners to contemplate their priorities, the essence of self-care, and the pursuit of happiness. His journey, marked by thoughtful introspection and a relentless pursuit of fulfilment, serves as a beacon for anyone navigating the complexities of life’s unpredictable paths.