The place to build meaningful connections and support career development – one step at a time

Mentorship has shaped my career more than almost anything else. Senior leaders who gave me their time during genuinely difficult periods changed my trajectory. Participating as a mentor now is simply the most direct way I know to pay that forward — my mentee reminded me of advice given to me and the importance of resilience and creativity when someone is working through uncertainty. Mentorship will continue to be a core part of my career – presenting a sounding board during challenging times.

For mentors, it’s a fantastic opportunity to give back to the community and connect with people outside your own firm. I had a delightful time walking and talking with my paired mentee – we explored her wish to transition into a new role and mapped out her strategy together. The interaction was definitely two-way; I learned about some best practices at another asset manager that differ from ours, which gave me plenty of food for thought. It’s rewarding to see how sharing perspectives benefits everyone involved. I’d love to see more of our colleagues take part, so please do sign up! 

Mentoring isn’t about advice — it’s about using your influence to open doors you once had to knock on. Being a mentor has reminded me that career progression accelerates fastest when someone believes in you before you fully believe in yourself! 

What has stood out to me thus far is the balance and reflection the exchange provides.

Participating in this programme whilst walking though Central London has renewed my appreciation of our amazing capital for the unique balance of buzz and dedicated green spaces it offers-which in turn can erase anonymity and provide an opportunity for meaningful connection. 

The experience and concept have been both enjoyable and thought provoking as it has made me reflect differently on my own career journey and leadership approach.

I’ve really enjoyed the experience so far – it’s a rare combination of exploring the city on foot, having a genuinely deep conversation, and supporting someone at a key stage in their career. It also satisfies my step-counter obsession, which is a bonus! I came away from my first walk feeling energised and reminded of how valuable it is to make time to listen and share perspectives. 

I always find mentoring to be every bit as beneficial for me the mentor as hopefully it is for my mentee. And this time is no different. AND we got to walk for an hour through the beautiful City of London. 

As a mentor, I received so much in return from my mentee during our walk. His experiences resonated with my own career, and he gave me fresh perspectives to consider. The Walking Exchange has allowed us to connect, reflect, and hopefully grow together. I look forward to more inspiring walks and conversations. 

There’s something special about taking a conversation outside of the traditional workplace setting. Walking side by side creates an environment where people can talk openly, share experiences, ask questions and learn from one another in a way that feels natural and genuine. I really enjoy being a mentor on this Programme.

This is a great programme – meeting someone new, hearing about their challenges, and getting some exercise at the same time. Walking side by side creates a more relaxed space for conversation, reflection, and actually noticing the views we normally rush past.