Mentoring Programme
The programme is currently running, and applications are now closed. If you wish to participate in the next edition of the ILA Mentoring Programme, contact ILA at [email protected].
The ILA Mentoring Programme is a nine-month formal programme in which a cohort of aspiring non-executive directors (mentees) is matched with a group of experienced and respected board members (mentors). These mentors will guide and advise mentees on developing their directors' skills and advancing their careers as non-executive directors.
The programme aims to foster strong interactions and insights among participants, benefiting both mentors and mentees. It is also designed to foster diversity of thought and complementarity at the board level and to provide both aspiring and experienced board members with a safe space and a forum in which to challenge their practice, discover new perspectives and develop professionally.
The journey is based on an individual, specific set of goals that participants aim to achieve by the end of the programme. Each mentee will define their aims in relation to their current board role(s) and/or their future board career. Mentors volunteer their expertise and time to maximise their contribution to mentees' professional development.
IMPORTANT NOTES
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- The ILA Mentoring programme is dedicated to aspiring non-executive directors and is exclusively open to ILA members. This ensures a high‑value experience that is fully aligned with our training courses and events. As part of the programme, participants are encouraged to join ILA activities to enrich their journey, expand their network and accelerate their path towards governance roles.
- The number of places in the programme is limited, and some mentors/mentees might not be paired. This should not discourage mentors and mentees from applying and participating in the launch event.
- The goal of this programme and the role of the mentors are not to provide mandates for the participants.
Eligibility for mentees
- Being an ILA Member (mandatory)
- Holding at least one Board or committee position from any sector or industry (e.g., corporate, non-profit, government agency, private companies, etc.) with generally less than three years of Board experience
- Having attended ILA training courses such as ILA Bootcamp and So you want to be a Director?
Eligibility for mentors
- Being an ILA Member (mandatory)
- Being a seasoned director with more than five years of board experience.
Interested mentors and mentees who meet the criteria above must complete the mentee/mentor application form by the deadline that will be communicated by ILA.
Once the application forms are submitted, the mentoring task force of the ILA Nomination & Remuneration Working Committee, together with the ILA Executive Committee, will review all profiles and confirm acceptance for both mentors and mentees.
Based on each mentee’s objectives, the task force will suggest 2–3 potential mentors. During the launch event, mentees will first meet their pre‑selected mentors in a speed‑networking format, followed by open networking with all mentors during the cocktail. Participation in the launch event is mandatory for informed matching.
After the launch event, mentees will submit their mentor wishlist, and mentors will confirm the mentee(s) they wish to support. Once pairings are validated, each duo will sign a mentorship agreement.
Paired mentors and mentees will then set their own meeting rhythm. While we recommend at least one session per month, tandems are free to choose the pace that works best for them. Each pair is asked to schedule at least six sessions upfront and share their plan with the task force.
In June/July, both mentors and mentees will complete a mid‑programme survey, and the programme will wrap up with a networking event at the end of the year.
Mentoring is a highly effective development tool, offering clear advantages for both mentors and mentees. Historically rooted in informal learning, it connects experienced leaders with emerging talent.
Mentors expand their network, engage with future directors, gain fresh governance insights, and reflect on their own board practices. They also have the opportunity to contribute to the next generation of directors. In addition, ILA Associate Directors and ILA Certified Directors acting as mentors will be rewarded with CPD hours.
Mentees will benefit from the support of qualified and experienced directors, based on the goals they have individually set at the beginning of the journey. The programme's role is to offer them an opportunity to learn from highly skilled and well-respected peers how to address governance challenges and develop the skills needed for a successful career as a non-executive director.
Mentees: 375,00€ (VAT excl.) The fee includes:
- Access to the opening event (including mentoring training and networking cocktail)
- At least 6 mentoring sessions
- Access to the closing networking event
Mentors: The programme is free of charge for mentors. Mentoring is done on a voluntary basis.
It’s a real pleasure to assist a motivated mentee on their journey. It’s rewarding to help them learn and become aware of the pro’s and cons of the role of an independent director in Luxembourg. The ILA framework ensures the mentor/mentee relationship is professionally structured while allowing both parties the flexibility to work within their constraints. Definitely recommend it to experienced independent directors looking to ‘give back’ to the industry and community in general.Tony Whiteman • Non-Executive Director and former Mentor
Mentorship is a real win-win if both sides are honest, ready to share without taboos and if you take your role as Mentor, not a coach, seriously.Georges Kohr • Non-Executive Director and Former Mentor
I attended both past editions of the ILA Mentoring programme, in 2020 and 2021. Both editions helped me in my personal and professional journey, thanks to an aligned mindset with the Mentors, mutual challenges and fruitful exchanges.Moritz Von Kunow • Non-Executive Director and Former Mentee