Improving gender inclusivity within companies has known benefits: boosting creativity, staff retention and financial performance to name but a few. The real discussion, however, needs to focus around the practical steps required to ensure this ideal becomes a sustained reality.
Mentorship – whether implemented as a formal structure or an informal relationship building exercise – is a proven method to enable women to progress faster in the workplace, diversifying skills and encouraging entrepreneurial thinking. While systemic challenges remain within the more traditionally male dominated workplaces, there are clear signs that mentorship is having a tangible impact throughout many industries.
Global research from Women in Tech shows the potential for mentorship schemes – with 89% of women who have participated in related programmes feeling empowered by the experience and 97% finding it valuable. Just recently, Microsoft announced its Xbox mentorship programme to encourage more women into the gaming industry. Where forward thinking giants such as this tread, others are sure to follow in their footsteps.
Creating mentorship programmes for female employees already within or entering the workplace, can be extremely valuable but how about starting this process even earlier, to foster entrepreneurial mindsets and pave the way for the leaders of the future?
Here at LSE Generate, we have been embedding and promoting mentorship through our “Mentorpreneurship” programme in partnership with OakNorth bank. The initiative is the first of its kind to engage past, current and future student entrepreneurs in a ‘life-cycle’ of mentoring and as part of the programme, we’ve partnered with Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) to offer an entrepreneurship certificate course for children across a number of UK schools.
Since June last year 1,800 school children and undergraduates have participated, 500 of them having received mentoring so far. The goal is to hit 20,000 participants across 100 schools and universities by 2026. This ‘life-cycle’ mentorship model challenges traditional methods of mentoring by introducing reverse and peer to peer collaborations in order to question biases and encourage innovation. For example, participants are enabled to not only receive mentorship but also ‘mentor upwards’ offering unique perspectives to senior leaders in business.
Furthermore, to support a wider pool of new and existing businesses, employees and entrepreneurs benefit from mentorship, we have also recently launched a new Certificate in Mentorship – which looks to break new ground by providing formal training and recognition to aspiring mentors, through the knowledge and experience of the existing LSE network.
Mentorship that begins within education and continues throughout various career and business stages has the added advantage of instilling, early on, abilities such as resilience and adaptability, as well as problem solving and communication skills. Learning how to bounce back from setbacks, take risks and deal with failure are essential for anyone looking to start their own business or move into a position of leadership.
To achieve this, traditional ‘top down’ mentorship methods can be combined with innovative practices such as reverse and peer to peer approaches, to help inspire creative thinking and see challenges in a fresh light. The important thing to remember is flexibility is key and the style of mentorship should reflect the objectives and needs of the participants and promote transparency, honesty and trust.
We know the theory around the positives of gender diversity in business, but now it’s time to put more practical steps into action and implement programmes and initiatives that will truly help the female leaders of tomorrow flourish. Mentorship can provide just this, and it’s never too early to start.
Laura-Jane Silverman is Head of LSE Generate, the entrepreneurship hub at The London School of Economics.
May
19may18:0020:30The Future of Fairness in Leadership and Business | WBS
19/05/2025 18:00 - 20:30(GMT+01:00)
WBS at the Shard
London, SE1 9SG
This is your chance to engage in powerful dialogue and spark meaningful change in your professional sphere. After the panel discussion, network with peers from across industries
After the panel discussion, network with peers from across industries over drinks and canapés, against the vibrant backdrop of London.
This event is held annually in collaboration with our partners We are the City, Women Engineering Society, Forte, City Women Network and 30% Chair; We are delighted to welcome a distinguished line-up of keynote speakers:
Dr Dawn Eubanks – Associate Professor of Behavioural Science & EI and Panel Chair
Rukasana Bhaijee – Global Head of DEI at the Financial Times. A DEI leader with over 13 years of experience across media, technology, professional services, and higher education. Formerly led DEI for Google’s EMEA tech division and consulted at EY, Rukasana brings deep expertise in strategy, race equity, and inclusive culture change.
Geraldine Gallacher – CEO of the Executive Coaching Consultancy, author of Coaching Women: Changing the System, Not the Person, and City Women Network Board member.
Mark Swain – WBS Client Director & Executive Coach, and Fellow of The Learning and Performance Institute. With over 20 years experience in leadership development Mark has developed a framework supporting Women in Strategy.
Ben Evans – New Business Director, AtkinsRéalis, ED&I Advocate and Warwick MBA Alumnus (2013)
Together, they’ll share their invaluable insights, strategies, and real-world experiences in fostering fairness and driving success in today’s dynamic and changing corporate landscape.
Key Topics Include:
Whether you’re a mid-career professional, an established leader, or an entrepreneur passionate about shaping the future of fairness, this event will leave you inspired and equipped to make a lasting impact.
Free
21may12:0013:00Master the Art of Incredible Interviews | WeAreTheCity & City CV
21/05/2025 12:00 - 13:00(GMT+01:00)
WeAreTheCity & City CV are thrilled to present a
Do interviews leave you feeling uneasy, underprepared or unsure of how to showcase your best self? Are you stuck in a loop of missed opportunities, wondering how to stand out and seal the deal? You’re not the only one. On average, people apply for 27 roles before they land just one interview.
But don’t worry – you’re in the right place. Whether it’s been years since your last interview, you’re chasing a promotion or new role, or simply trying to stay sharp, this free one-hour masterclass will give you the edge to win your next role. Your interview isn’t just a conversation – it’s a marketing pitch where you’re the product. Discover how to demonstrate your value, convince employers you’re the best investment they can make, and leave them thinking, “We’d be foolish not to hire you.”
In this jam-packed session, Victoria McLean, Founder & CEO of City CV, guides you through the art of wowing interviewers. With a proven track record of helping people at all career levels secure their dream roles, Victoria brings decades of expertise, countless success stories and award-winning career strategies to the table.
What you’ll learn:
Looking for more career support? Explore our Career Resources page. Ready to take the next step? Browse the latest opportunities on our Job Board and find your perfect role today!
23may10:0012:00Online* Pelvic Floor Recovery Workshop FREE | Karen Ellis - Postnatal Recovery Expert
23/05/2025 10:00 - 12:00(GMT+01:00)
With former Midwife, Karen Ellis. *Available on replay. Exactly how to rebuild strength in your pelvic floor after pregnancy. All the information you should have got from
All the information you should have got from your midwife about how to recover your pelvic floor PROPERLY after having a baby and how to exercise SAFELY so you can smile with excitement and enjoy the moment when your toddler takes your hand and pulls you towards the bouncy castle instead of the feeling of dread taking over as you decline their invitation.
You are a mum who;
And so you can have dry knickers!
Free