Meet WIN’s Mentorship Committee
Launching Leaders!
The Women In Nutraceuticals’ Mentorship Committee is comprised of esteemed leaders in the global nutraceuticals industry who are paving the way for future generations of female leaders by providing mentorship opportunities.
“Mentorship provides guidance, support, networking opportunities, and the confidence needed to navigate challenges and advance in our careers,” said committee member Solenn Gouilly-Frossard, MSc Nutraceutical Engineering.
Committee members include business owners, CEOs, coaches, and consultants, as well as experts in finance, marketing, science, and nutraceutical engineering. These members are passionate about helping women “unlock their personal and professional goals,” said committee member Cedric Bourges, Goheloe Investment & Coaching.
WIN’s strategic goals are to bring more gender diversity to industry leadership by increasing the number of women serving in leadership positions and ensuring better opportunities for rising female leaders. The Mentorship Committee facilitates these goals by launching leaders, “through successive cohort/classes and the volunteer committee members to build a community of leaders. We hope to expand gradually to a broader audience,” said committee co-chair May Yamada-Lifton, CEO at Maypro.
The Mentorship Program
WIN’s Mentorship Program launched in January and is designed to support senior-level women interested in advancing their career to C-suite and board positions. At the beginning of the year, mentors and mentees were matched-up and are currently working together during the 6-month program.
“Working with your mentor is life changing. You will be empowered and validated as you discover that you can achieve your goals. In fact you can achieve anything that you desire. You will fly!” said committee member, Joyce Casella, Key Account Management at Gnosis USA Inc.
“A mentor helps bridge aspiration and achievement, connecting inquisitive minds of today with seasoned expertise that paves the path for success tomorrow,” said committee member, Stacey Smith, Marketing and Communications Manager at NORAM at Gnosis USA Inc..
The program is focused on improving soft skills, including critical thinking, creativity, effective communication, and empathy. Mentees are women who are passionate about the nutraceutical industry, comfortable with objective feedback and proactive learning, and committed to investing time in the relationship and professional development.
“The WIN Mentorship Program is a great opportunity for women in the nutraceutical industry to form a relationship that can provide professional guidance on how to navigate challenges and career advancement. We carefully select our mentors, make matches, set expectations, and guide (not instruct) to reach your life & career goals,” said committee member Anand Swaroop PhD, President at Cepham.
Mentors Influence
Many of the committee members are senior level executives who have benefitted from the influence of mentors. “Research has proven that having a mentor enhances both success and job satisfaction—I’ve personally witnessed the impact on several occasions,” committee member Julia Wiebe, Managing Director at red otc- a Finzelberg company.
“Mentors have played such a critical role in my own career, and I am excited to wish all of you, an amazing journey,” said committee member Doug Lynch, CEO at MarketWell Nutrition.
“Having a mentor is like attaching an engine to your paddle board. Mentors have the experience young professionals, especially women, can leverage to navigate the tricky waters of career building; and having a mentor who understands the unique challenges women face in professional life is then a truly powerful thing,” said committee member Sara Lesina, General Manager Business Units Europe and America Sirio Europe GmbH & Co. KG.
The Mentorship Program Journey
“Use the 6 month journey to clarify your goals. Set regular meetings with your mentor and maintain an open communication,” said committee co-chair, Dr. Sybille Buchwald-Werner Co-founder & Managing Director at Vital Solutions GmbH.
Sybille also added that “mentorship is a two-way street where both parties contribute and benefit”.
MENTEE BENEFITS
- Self-awareness of gaps, refinement of soft skills such as critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, effective communication, inter-relationships, empathy and attitude
- Insights into how to market yourself authentically for success in the executive world
- Clear understanding of expectations, rewards, benefits, and realities of C-Suite leadership
- Develop self-confidence and feel empowered
- Expanded leadership network
- Connections to people who can help open doors for you
“Being a mentee is a great opportunity to learn from who already went trough the same challenges that you may be facing at present or you may want to achieve. Do no hesitate to try it… just simply do it as you have nothing to lose,” said committee member Sara Rosário, Founder and Managing Director Rosapharma.
“Having a mentor can offer guidance, support, and advice on navigating unique work challenges. I believe this program will open new doors and opportunities for all,” said committee member, Lauren Clardy Founder/CEO NutriMarket Business.
“My advice to mentees is to speak up, ask questions and take chances!” said committee member Gina Benninger, Director of Sales and Marketing, Arizona Custom Blends.
Mentors are men or women who offer significant experience and stature, understanding of the nutraceutical industry, and a desire to collaborate on the mentee’s professional development goals.
MENTOR BENEFITS
- Rewarding experience with satisfaction of supporting future industry leaders
- New industry connections and opportunities
- Opportunity to build upon best practices in mentorship with a group of peers
- Gain perspectives, catch the spirit of, and interact with, new business practices and mindsets
For more information on how you can get involved, click here.
Questions? Contact the Mentorship Team at [email protected]
