Mentoring

Whereas as a Coaching engagement is normally time-based, delivered via one or more structured methodologies, and generally focused upon the examination and improvement of one or more identified “gaps” in an executive’s style, tone, manner, voice, and execution, a Mentoring engagement is more open-ended, and focuses upon providing business advice and counsel to an individual executive or team.

Waterfall in Matthiessen State Park Illinois

An Acorn Growth Partners executive mentor provides deep subject matter expertise, coupled with many years of complex operating, managing, and leadership experience to other executives or teams who find themselves:

in new roles
newly identified as a successor to a more senior executive
working with entirely new stakeholders (a la new ownership via private equity, venture capital, newly empaneled Board of Directors, etc)
in a stalled career, or switching careers or industries
in new operating realities (a la pandemics, recessions, mergers and acquisition, business restructurings to name a few)

Acorn Growth Partner executive mentors can be counted on to be empathic and active listeners who:

Maintain the mentee’s privacy and confidentiality
Act as a sounding board, thought-partner, and action plan facilitator
Empower the mentee to handle his/her problems independently
Identify skill or competency gaps through a “third party” lens
Help the mentee develop a “can do” mindset which effectively differentiates between problems and opportunities
Positively provoke, push toward the highest standards
Share best practices in operating principles, management methods, and leadership philosophy
Guide the mentee in navigating company politics
Give needed support and enhance mentee self-esteem
Provide strategies to mentee to elevate his/her visibility and recognition

What Our Clients Have to Say

“Dave has been a tremendous resource to myself and my leadership team. He weaves management consulting practices into his mentoring and coaching conversations, constantly probing and pushing us to see challenges and opportunities in new ways. He has helped us establish a common understanding of and agreement as to what great management practices and leadership principals look like, both in theory and in our day-to-day work. Our business seen significant top and bottom line improvement since Dave began working with us.”

Steve A., President, national manufacturer

“Through her coaching, Jessica enabled me to completely reframe some major challenges I had been experiencing and opened me up to a whole new raft of opportunities. Our time together was truly powerful and transformative.“

GP, CEO, creative / digital agency
“Leslie’s executive management and mentorship was invaluable to me during my mid to late 20s. Her guidance and support provided me with the direction and perspective that I needed to navigate my career path. I am deeply grateful for her insights, advice, and mentorship, which helped me grow and develop in my career. The lessons I learned from Leslie continue to influence my professional and personal life.”
Thomas C., Deputy Executive Director, Statewide political / government relations organization
“Leslie facilitated a workshop on a complex topic and made it understandable for every level of participant. She is an excellent communicator,  skilled at reading the audience and adjusting her facilitation to deliver content in a way that people understand.  Her ability to engage the participants and generate discussion leads to great understanding by all who attend the workshops.”
Jenifer W., Program Manager, higher education
“Dave’s coaching and mentoring were instrumental in helping me “re-conceive myself” in terms of my career ambitions and the behaviors and attitudes I needed to focus on in order to be seen as an executive promotable to the highest levels of a company. I value Dave’s casual but smart style: he’s a “been there, done that” kind of mentor, but he always seemed open to learning and growing right alongside me.”
Susan T., Chief Corporate Counsel, global medical device manufacturer

“Jessica’s sessions are grounded in structure and accountability, ensuring that I have left each one armed with a set of tools, learnings and actions.  I have been able to repeatedly apply what we’ve discussed together in practice, back in my working environment, and then reflect back on progress in our next meet.”

Lucy A., Start Up Founder, food-related services industry

“Over the past four years, Dave’s coaching and mentoring have seen me through two promotions and two significant role changes. I deeply value my relationship with Dave, who has taught me to “see myself in the room,” to honestly self-appraise and work through my limitations, keep my cool, and be a materially better colleague, manager, and leader.”

Nick V., EVP, global travel services company

Are you ready to change your management growth trajectory?

LEARN HOW ACORN GROWTH PARTNERS CAN HELP.