The Transformative Power of Reverse Mentoring

The Transformative Power of Reverse Mentoring: My Journey with Virgin Atlantic’s CEO in 2018, I was presented with an extraordinary opportunity: to become the first reverse mentor for Craig Krieger, the then CEO of Virgin Atlantic. This experience not only reshaped my understanding of mentorship but also had a profound impact on my career and personal growth. I used to call myself “the un-intended spokesperson” because in all the organisations I have worked for, I end up being in a position where I am nominated as a representative to be the voice of the employee. The Transformative Power of Reverse Mentoring: My Journey with Virgin Atlantic’s CEO.

The Backdrop: A Culture of Inclusivity
Before diving into the mentorship, it’s important to understand the context. I joined Virgin Atlantic as the Head of Commercial Finance, a role I had previously held at British Airways. This position allowed me to explore my other passions: people and legacy.

One of the first things I noticed was the absence of a graduate programme in the finance department, which meant that we were missing out on tapping into future potential talent pipelines. Drawing upon my experience with HR at PwC and British Airways, I spearheaded the creation of a new finance apprentice programme, collaborating with finance leaders, HR, and the apprentice lead.

I also became involved in Springboard, a women’s development programme. I was the first non-HR individual permitted to be a facilitator. The goal was to empower women in the organisation by enhancing their confidence, assertiveness, and networking skills. This was a step towards making a broader impact, not just within my team but across the entire organization.

The Birth of Reverse Mentorship

When the opportunity arose for Craig Krieger to have a mentor, my track record of organisational involvement made me a natural fit. I had never heard of “reverse mentoring” but Estelle Hollingsworth, the people experience lead, clearly outlined the rules of engagement. This ensured a psychologically safe environment for both Craig and me, allowing us to lean into this relationship and get the most out of it.

A Journey of Mutual Discovery
The mentorship was a revelation. For the first time in my career, someone took the time to understand me as an individual. As a Black female, my experiences were different, but the focus was not on “my trauma” instead, it was an exploration of how my experiences had shaped me and the barriers I had faced.

I guess the question was – with my aptitude, grit and focus, might my experience have been different if I had not been back and female? Specifically, how I have felt the need to over-perform to prove my worth.

The Power of Curiosity
Over five months, Craig and I found several similarities, despite our different backgrounds. He is a second-generation immigrant to the U.S., and I am a first-generation immigrant from Jamaica to the UK. The foundational revelation was the importance of curiosity, especially among leaders. A “similarity bias” often exists in leadership, but being curious about those who are different can break down these barriers and foster a more inclusive environment.

The Lasting Impact: A New Chapter
The impact of this reverse mentoring experience surpassed all my expectations. For the first time, I felt genuinely acknowledged and appreciated for who I am, not just for my professional skills or titles. The need to conform to a pre-existing template vanished; I could embrace my authentic self without reservations. This sense of empowerment paved the way for my appointment as the “lead mentor “in a pilot program at Virgin Atlantic.

My educational background, which includes a degree with a focus on accounting and psychology alongside a postgraduate diploma in coaching, has always fuelled my insatiable desire for knowledge and, more importantly, my commitment to nurturing impactful leaders. Recognizing the immense potential of reverse mentoring, I delved deeply into understanding its nuances.

I committed myself to mastering the most effective ways to establish such programs, and this led me to implement them across various large organizations. This experience didn’t just change a part of me; it revolutionized how I approach leadership, mentorship, and personal development. My journey didn’t stop there; I have now authored a book on the subject and have had the privilege of sharing my insights on global stages.

The Lasting Legacy
Reverse mentoring changed my life. It’s a powerful tool for fostering inclusivity, breaking down barriers, and enriching both the mentor and the mentee. It’s not just about transferring skills or knowledge; it’s about opening doors to new perspectives and creating a more inclusive environment.

For organisations looking to make a real impact, reverse mentoring could be the key. For me, the journey has been unequivocal: reverse mentoring didn’t just change how I viewed mentorship; it changed how I viewed myself and my place in the world.

Patrice Gordon is the founder of Eminere, which provides reverse mentoring and inclusive leadership programs, executive coaching and strategic business development. She is also the author of Reverse Mentoring: Removing Barriers and Building Belonging in the Workplace.

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