Mentoring for Purpose and Perspective
George joined the Aleto mentoring programme after hearing remarkable feedback from fellow mentors at OVO. What began as an opportunity to give back became one of the most personally rewarding experiences of his career.
Why He Got Involved
George, Director of Propositions at OVO Energy, had heard about the programme through internal channels — and the feedback from previous mentors was hard to ignore. "The mentors had incredible feedback about how rewarding it was and how much you can give to your mentee," he shared. For George, joining wasn't just about giving back. It was also a chance for his own personal growth.
"It helps me as a team player to learn from others' experiences and share perspectives. It's an opportunity to make a difference — definitely worthwhile."
From the kick-off day, we were blown away by the brilliance of the mentees. It really set the tone.
The Relationship
George was matched with Tami, and the two embraced both virtual and in-person sessions throughout the programme. Tami built her network, engaged with colleagues across OVO's departments, and by the end of the programme had presented to a team of 30 to 35 people. George described this moment with pride.
Their work together was hands-on and practical. George helped Tami review and tailor her CV to target roles she was interested in, and they built a personal development plan together — mapping her blind spots and identifying clear growth opportunities.
But beyond the professional tools, George found the human side of the experience equally meaningful. "Getting to know her, her family, and her heritage was a privilege," he reflected. That genuine connection, built through shared stories, became one of the most valuable aspects of the experience.
We went through her CV together, tailored it to her target roles, and created a personal development plan to identify blind spots and growth opportunities.
What He Took Away
Through the programme, George gained a deeper understanding of the challenges young people face when starting their careers — from confidence to simply getting a foot in the door. "It made me more aware of the barriers they encounter," he reflected.
He also valued the wider community of mentors the programme created. The kick-off call, shared tips, and check-in sessions gave mentors new perspectives and fresh ideas from each other's experiences. George and Tami are still in touch, and he plans to support her as she settles into a new role.
His Advice to Future Mentors
George's message to anyone considering becoming a mentor is clear: go in fully committed. "You have to experience it and give it your all. It's not something minor — you've got to be ready to give your time and energy fully."
He also suggested that future programmes could benefit from more clearly marking the midway point and programme end — moments to celebrate progress and bring genuine closure to the relationship.