P&G Mentoring Program Fosters Growth, Belonging, and Longevity

P&G's mentoring program has been instrumental in growing talent from within the company. Employees like Ela Matunakova have found belonging, navigated complex issues, made career-changing decisions, and grown their skills through mentorship. Matunakova has paid it forward by leading a regional mentoring initiative in Central Europe and organizing speed mentoring events to connect new hires with leaders. She values the opportunity to get a fresh perspective and adapt her mentors depending on the situation.

Procter & Gamble (P&G) has been leveraging its mentoring program to foster a thriving and inclusive culture that grows talent from within. The company's robust leadership development curriculum includes mentorship, which has significantly contributed to employees' career advancement and skill development.

One of the standout success stories is Ela Matunakova, a Data Asset Manager in Digital Experiences. Matunakova joined P&G in April 2020, during the pandemic, and benefited from a mentoring relationship that helped her navigate remote onboarding and build confidence. This experience inspired her to lead a regional mentoring initiative in Central Europe, where she organizes speed mentoring events to connect new hires and early career employees with leaders [1].

Matunakova values the adaptability of mentorship, changing her mentors based on specific situations or issues. She appreciates the fresh perspectives that mentors provide, which she believes are essential for personal and professional growth. Her initiative has been instrumental in creating a more connected and supportive work environment [1].

Arthur Ramalho, a Digital Product Manager, also found mentorship crucial in pivoting his career. In 2016, he was struggling in a complex role at the Louveria manufacturing plant in São Paulo, Brazil. With the help of a mentor, Ramalho discovered his strengths in data, analytics, and innovation, leading to a transition from Product Supply to Information Technology. Now, Ramalho mentors a college student through the "P&G for You" program, sharing his experiences and helping others navigate complexity [1].

Ana Delgado, a Talent Management professional, credits her longevity at P&G to mentorship. A native of Venezuela, Delgado faced the possibility of leaving the company due to operational changes. Her mentor's support gave her confidence to transition into Human Resources and remain at P&G for 38 years. Delgado has since mentored numerous employees, helping them grow and advance in their careers [1].

P&G's mentoring program aligns with best practices in mentoring, as outlined in a systematic review of mentoring techniques for new teachers. The program emphasizes building relationships, identifying mentees' needs, and providing meaningful support, all of which are critical for personal and professional growth [2].

By fostering a culture of mentorship, P&G has created a pipeline of skilled and experienced employees who can drive the company's success. The mentoring program's positive impact on employee development and retention underscores its value as a strategic investment in the company's future.

References:
[1] https://us.pg.com/blogs/mentorship-fuels-growth/
[2] https://sciencepublishinggroup.com/article/10.11648/j.edu.20251402.13