Lynn Sontag
Menttium CEO & Owner
A Statement from Menttium’s Owner on Promoting Gender Parity Through Mentorship
In recent years, the conversation around gender parity in the workplace has evolved, yet challenges remain. A growing concern is the hesitancy among male managers to mentor female colleagues, which could hinder progress towards achieving gender equity in leadership roles. According to recent surveys, the number of men uncomfortable with mentoring women has increased significantly, posing a threat to the advancement of women in professional settings.
There is abundant evidence supporting the benefits of having women in leadership positions across all sectors, including better financial performance, more inclusive workplace policies, and reduced incidents of harassment. Organizations worldwide are actively striving to diversify their leadership teams and boards, recognizing the value this brings. Mentoring is a pivotal strategy in promoting women and professionals of color into leadership roles, and it is crucial that mentors, often men in senior positions, step up to support this cause.
At Menttium, we have dedicated over 27 years to fostering formal mentoring relationships, with a special focus on mentoring women. Our roots are in supporting female leaders in Minnesota, and although we have expanded to include leaders globally, our women’s program remains one of our most sought-after offerings.
The impact of mentoring is profound and well-documented. Our 80,000+ participants worldwide attest to the significant role mentors play in accelerating their development and opening up new advancement opportunities. Surveys from our programs reveal that mentees experience increased engagement, retention, and job performance, with results in the 90+ percentile, alongside substantial boosts in confidence.
The benefits of mentoring extend beyond the mentees. Mentors report enhanced coaching and leadership skills, fulfillment from giving back, and valuable insights gained from engaging with emerging leaders. Men who mentor women, in particular, benefit from a more diverse professional network and a reputation for championing gender diversity within their organizations. As one of our long-standing mentors, a former senior executive at Occidental Chemical, reflected, “Why mentor? It’s about sharing knowledge and experiences to help others grow. My greatest joy is seeing mentees push their boundaries, gain confidence, and achieve career success. Over my 20 years as a Menttium mentor, I have predominantly mentored women, and I’m proud of their accomplishments.”
Cross-gender mentoring partnerships offer unique, diverse perspectives, challenging participants to view the world through different lenses and fostering mutual growth and learning. This aligns with our philosophy that learning happens at the point of difference.
Achieving gender parity requires collaboration between women and men to break away from the status quo and work towards a more equitable future. While movements like #MeToo have raised awareness about the challenges women face, it is initiatives like #MentorHer that propel us forward by encouraging men to actively support and mentor women.
The Menttium team stands firmly behind the efforts to promote gender parity through mentorship. As we continue to push for progress, I invite both men and women to join us in becoming formal mentors. Together, we can support each other and strive for equity in the workplace.
For more information on becoming a mentor, please reach out to us.