By Tom Andrews, senior support advisor at ACEVO
“Dear ACEVO,
I’m the son of a Greek legend and I’m having personal problems. I feel confused, beset by challenges, and feel unconnected to the world and my past. My dad has just gone on an ‘epic quest’ and I’m left to hold the fort. I just need someone to talk to.“
Not the typical request we get as part of our mentoring programme, but Telemachus, the son of Odysseus, has a range of challenges that many CEOs face. He feels alone, he is suddenly thrust into a responsible role and he’s feeling overwhelmed.
The solution on the surface seems to be a wise old man called Mentor, entrusted to guide the young Telemachus. Mentor was unfortunately pretty useless; maybe like poor mentors today, he liked the sound of his own voice. Help was at hand though, as Athena, goddess of wisdom and war (as well as arts and crafts), inhabits Mentor and provides the guiding voice that Telemachus needs. She helps him think, act nobly and provides mental strength. This support saves him from assassination and guides him as he learns, grows and embarks on epic adventures (as documented in The Odyssey).
The origin of the word mentor starts in Greece but is as relevant today as it was then. And so on 27 October – National Mentoring Day – why not raise a tankard to Mentor (and Athena) and reflect on whether you might benefit from having a mentor, or by supporting other young Telemachuses.
Each year, National Mentoring Day celebrates the mentors, mentees and programmes that make a difference across every sector. It’s a reminder that mentoring isn’t just about advice. It’s about listening, reflection and shared learning. A good mentoring relationship provides space to think differently, step back from daily pressures, and grow in confidence as a leader.
For charity and social enterprise leaders, those opportunities for honest, peer-level conversation can be rare. That’s why ACEVO’s peer mentoring scheme exists: to help members connect with another leader who truly understands what it’s like to shoulder the responsibilities of a chief executive.
ACEVO’s peer mentoring scheme
Our mentoring process is delivered through an online matching platform. Mentors and mentees create profiles outlining their skills, experiences and preferences, and mentees can choose who they’d like to work with. We speak to each participant first to make sure mentoring is the right option, and once matched, pairs usually meet every six weeks for up to 12 months.
All our mentors have experience leading a charity or CIC. They volunteer their time to provide a confidential space for reflection, discussion and support. ACEVO’s peer mentoring is a free service for members, designed to strengthen leadership across the sector and help leaders at every stage of their journey.
And as you continue on your own epic journey of guiding your organisation, ACEVO’s peer mentoring scheme is here to connect you with another leader who’s been in your shoes (or winged sandals).
“Having an experienced and supportive guide to help me through some challenging periods has been absolutely invaluable. Being able to talk openly and honestly, without having to manage a relationship, has been absolutely invaluable.” Romily Greenhill, CEO, Bond