Part of the Aboitiz Group’s strategic objectives to support our mission to create long-term value for all our stakeholders is Building Human Capital. The aim is to continuously develop A-People by providing opportunities for growth within the organization and preparing them for future roles through initiatives like the Aboitiz Mentoring Partnership Program.
Established in 2016, this mentorship program has been nurturing team leaders and team members by encouraging self-driven career development through continuous improvement and taking ownership of one’s own professional path. It has been a tried and tested way to address competency gaps, improve leadership effectiveness, increase a team member’s morale and engagement, and build organization capability. At the same time, it facilitates effective succession planning and business continuity by allowing a new generation of talents to learn directly from experienced Aboitiz leaders in preparing to take on larger responsibilities in the future.
Mentoring Partnership Program is an opportunity to learn from experienced team leaders and subject matter experts. In Aboitiz, we believe in the vital role that mentors play in the personal growth of our team members. It also comes full circle – many mentors say that the rewards they gain are as substantial as those of their mentees.
–Marla Guevarra, Talent Optimization Manager, AEV
Mentors are usually executives who volunteer their time to develop interested team members and support their growth both professionally and personally. Mentees are team leaders or team members who seek guidance from the executive mentors.
Mentors complete an application form and indicate their topic preferences and focus areas. Mentees also identify their topics of interest and their preferred mentors. Matching them is made based on availability of the preferred mentor, proximity of location between the two parties, as well as compatibility with chosen focus areas. Mentors and mentees are encouraged to meet at least once a month. Best of all, applications for either roles are open the whole year.
Given my technical expertise, I signed up for the Mentoring Partnership Program to improve on my weak points on leadership. My coach and mentor, Joseph Yu, has been an inspiration and an epitome of the leader I want to be.
– Ruth Jade Simbulan, Business Process and Quality Management Specialist, AboitizPower
The COVID-19 situation has made face-to-face mentorship meetings possible, but the program continues and is even more needed especially in the time of the pandemic.
For Crystal Llante (or Tal) of AEV, wise words from her mentor struck her in shifting her perspective while Manila is on lockdown. She recounts her go-to quote from her mentor, Nina Pedro of Aboitiz Construction: “Sometimes it’s not about what you get out of it. Sometimes it’s just the experience that you get out of it.” Given this mind shift, it is easier for her to adapt to the job’s learning curve.
I was barely 6 months in the organization when we all had to start adjusting to the new normal. Through the uncertainties, Ms. Nina suggested that I experiment with out-of-character experiences that don’t need much thought. So I did, and I realized that simple unusual activities – like walking backwards, trying out new food, and watching shows that I normally wouldn’t pick – can be liberating! I was able to see her point – how new experiences force us to think on our feet, loosen the tight threads, and end up feeling a little more courageous each time. A little more ready for the unknowns and out-of-the-comfort zones ahead.
– Tal Llante, Succession Management Officer, AEV
Dana of AEV Risk has never met her mentor Eleanor Blomdahl of SN Aboitiz Power in person but believes a virtual mentorship is just as effective.
It’s amazing to think about how we’ve managed to build this partnership solely through virtual tools (like video calls and quick chats), without sacrificing any of the genuineness face-to-face conversations would have had. I’m glad we’ve both been so willing to make the virtual mentorship possible and productive—Eleanor’s insights and advice have been indispensable as I build a career in these uncertain times. One thing’s for sure: there’s value in a virtual mentorship!
– Dana Macarilay, Risk Management Specialist, AEV
The Aboitiz Mentoring Partnership Program continues to thrive and help team leaders and team members hone their skills while creating more mentoring partnerships that uncover the potential in each team member. In the future, the program intends to introduce a “reverse mentoring” setup where team members from manager-level and below will also have the opportunity to share their knowledge and expertise to executive team leaders.
For more information, join the Aboitiz talent community today. Visit this LINK to get started.
