Business Women Scotland and STV launch women's mentoring scheme

A new mentoring scheme has been launched – aimed at women looking to progress in business.
MacPhee became Waldorf Astoria’s first female GM in 2010. Picture: contributed.MacPhee became Waldorf Astoria’s first female GM in 2010. Picture: contributed.
MacPhee became Waldorf Astoria’s first female GM in 2010. Picture: contributed.

The mentoring programme run by Business Women Scotland, in partnership with STV, matches business owners with experienced mentors who can share information about their own career path as well as provide guidance, motivation, emotional support and role modelling. Mentors taking part in the initiative come from the worlds of leadership coaching, finance, hospitality, marketing and public relations.

Those behind the initiative say it comes at a crucial time as women have been shown to be one of the groups worst affected economically by coronavirus. “For women who have recently set up in business or are looking for advice on the way forward, this new initiative offers vital help,” they said.

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Dale MacPhee, GM of Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian, will be sharing her insight. Picture: Ian Georgeson.Dale MacPhee, GM of Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian, will be sharing her insight. Picture: Ian Georgeson.
Dale MacPhee, GM of Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian, will be sharing her insight. Picture: Ian Georgeson.
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Working together, they can explore careers, set goals, develop contacts and identify resources. There will be four intakes over the course of the year, with the first on 3 August for two weeks.

Lynne Kennedy, founder of Business Women Scotland, commented: “I believe mentoring is one of the key strategies that can help to close the gender gap in leadership, not just in Scotland but around the world.

“Mentoring is a vital lever we can activate to advance more women in work, help them gain access to capital and economic opportunities they might otherwise miss and be better prepared for opportunities when they come.”

She added: “One of the responsibilities of being a woman committed to working towards a more just world is being willing to be a mentor when and where needed. We need the support of each other – both mentors and mentees – at all levels. That’s what we’re here to offer.”

Pioneer

Dale MacPhee, general manager of Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian, will be sharing her experience and expertise. The businesswoman, the company’s first female general manager, said she has helped to reshape the business and lead an award-winning team.

“I became Waldorf Astoria’s first female general manager in 2010 and believe passing on my skills and expertise is an important part of my leadership role. Mentorship is crucial to help people grow and reach success.”

She added: “This programme couldn’t have launched at a more appropriate time for woman who want to develop their brand and set a path for the future.The full list of mentors also includes Michelle Ferguson, director of Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company; Yvonne Greeves, head of women in business at what is becoming NatWest Group; and Celia Tennant, chief executive of Inspiring Scotland.

Also signed up are Danielle Kelly, director of strategic development at STV; Heather Little, MD of Little’s Chauffeur Drive; June Walker, founder of Strathblair; Barbara Brown, founder of Positive Momentum; Yvonne Webb, owner of Engage & Grow; leadership expert Fiona McNeill; and Alan Morrison, founder of ASM Media & PR.

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The move comes after Women’s Enterprise Scotland last month launched a digital platform to help women at the pre-start-up and start-up stage of their business journey.

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