The Business and Leadership Coaching Company (BLCC)1 has launched the Optimise Your Career Value Chain Mentoring and Coaching Programme, a transformative initiative designed to elevate professionals across various industries and position them to work on their careers rather than just in their jobs.

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BLCC’s director and career and leadership coach, Briony Liber, who has served the mining industry since 1998, has designed and led the mentoring programme since 2021. The programme has been offered in partnership with Women in Mining South Africa (WIMSA) to women in the mining industry. Since 2021, 150+ mentees have successfully completed the programme.

Briony Liber says, “This year, we are excited to extend the programme’s reach beyond the mining industry, making it accessible to all professionals with 3+ years’ work experience, regardless of their background or gender. We want to emphasise that this year the mentoring programme is open not just to women, but men as well. I am confident that by opening the programme to professionals irrespective of gender, we have the opportunity to mentor young professionals on the value of identifying as well-rounded professionals in their industries and owners of their careers, rather than perpetuating some of the limiting narratives around gender that seem to limit the career trajectories of some professionals.”

Testimonials from previous mentees

“Being a part of the mentoring programme led by Briony has truly been a transformative experience that positively impacted my life in profound ways. This programme not only focused on reshaping my career trajectory but also played a pivotal role in altering my entire perspective on self-leadership. This journey has taught me that embracing challenges is an integral part of personal growth. I can genuinely attest that I am now equipped with the tools and mindset needed to navigate both personal and professional landscapes!” – Phathutshedzo Musalafa, account manager at AECI Water and 2022 Mentee.

“The mentorship programme has turned my mental construct on its head! I have three degrees, including an MBA and I have not previously come across the personal mastery covered in this programme. I now know how to integrate who I am into any environment. I no longer feel alone or isolated, and that the challenges that I have encountered are unique to me. I now know that I have a tribe. I left session after session in awe of the quality of the programme.” – Jennine Osborne, process engineer, Weir Minerals, 2023 Mentee.

“Looking back to how I have grown professionally and personally in the past year. I must say, I would have never imagined it in a million years. Once you start thinking like a CEO, knowing who your board of directors are and dealing with your inner critic, you can overcome many obstacles. If you are a man (or woman) and you are thinking of being part of such an amazing life changing initiative, rest assured Briony Liber has got the programme specifically designed for you.” Emily Masanabo, maintenance planning manager, Northam Platinum, 2023 mentee.

“The programme was life changing and helped me elevate my work performance and also ensure a balance in my personal life. The course and coaching helped me enhance those soft skills needed in business, improve my networking skills and clearly align my work targets to my career goal. Through the course I was able to develop the brand I want to portray in the business world. I highly recommend this programme to everyone.” Carmel Pillay, senior accountant, BB Transport, 2023 Mentee.

Key programme highlights

  • Online accessibility: The programme is conducted entirely online, allowing participants to join from anywhere – this has enabled mentees to connect with each other from across the country and even from outside of South Africa and has enabled participants located in remote environments access to a programme that they normally would not be able attend.
  • Comprehensive learning: Over the course of the programme, participants will engage in 36+ hours of contact time online. This includes 13 group sessions, one personalised one-on-one session, and three webinars. In addition, participants receive ongoing support between sessions through a WhatsApp community group.
  • Practical and based on experience: The programme is based on practical and lived experiences of the mentors and is structured with concepts from business, career, coaching and positive psychology literature. In addition, as a peer group mentoring programme, mentees learn from each other’s practical experiences in solving challenges that are common to many on the group.
  • Group mentoring approach: Unlike traditional one-on-one mentoring, this programme fosters a collaborative environment. Participants learn not only from experienced mentors, but also from their peers within the group. It’s a dynamic exchange of knowledge and insights.
  • Career value chain focus: Our holistic approach considers every aspect of a professional’s career journey. Participants will learn to view themselves as a business within a business. They will gain skills in positioning their expertise, building robust networks, staying relevant, practicing effective self-leadership, and optimising their overall professional impact, communicating for impact and connection, cultivating self-care in a world that is demanding more for less, and developing a vision and goals for the future version of themselves and defining an action plan gets them there.

For more information go to: www.brionyliber.com/optimiseyourcareer

Source: Supplied by BLCC, edited by Sharyn Macnamara