Mentor Pronto! Program 2008 Participants

 The model of bringing together a diverse range of professions and sectors for a short period to focus on a set of goals has proven to be very effective. Our thanks for everyone who got involved and supported the initiative and especially the participants who embraced the concept with honesty, bravery and generosity.

• Anne-Marie Turner, Visual Artists
• Ben Farinazzo, Maketo Coaching
• Beth Webb, Artist
• Bonnie Montgomery, Family Relationships Services Australia
• Brian Miller, Luxgraphics
• Caterina Giugovaz, ACT Cancer Council
• Chanel Cole, Canberra Arts Marketing
• Claire Connelly, Papercut Design
• Clint Wright, Threesides Marketing
• David McKeon, APS Graduate
• Donna Alexander, APS Management Systems
• Dorothy Barclay, Forest Inn Motel
• Emilia Rossi, Carmen Steffens Fashion
• Hal Judge, ACT Writers Centre
• Isobel Griffin, ArtsoundFM
• Jacqueline Lewis, Artist Jacpots Cermanics
• Julie Pope, Busy Bodies ACT
• Kirstie Douglas, Manuka Traders Association
• Narelle Phillips, ANCA Gallery
• Pete Smith, Carers Australia
• Phillip Jones, Schmooze Network
• Rod Farrer, Paladin Risk Management Services
• Suzanne Lawrence, Artist.
• Tanya Henshaw, Canberra Institute of Technology

Comments FROM PARTICIPANTS

• "I was fortunate to be partnered up with Clint (3 sides marketing). After the initial meeting I knew we would both get a lot more out of this program then first anticipated. I found the program was run in a very easy, relaxed and professional atmosphere which enables all participants to really let their guard down and make the most out of the program. For me personally it was very rewarding being able to meet and discuss with Clint very confidential material in regards to my business without having to worry. He provided me with amazing information that I would not have come across if I did not participate in this program." Emilia Rossi

• 'Claire and I met once and spoke on the phone a couple of times which was great. Our main focus was staff and relationships and how to continuously improve communication! We both thought the program was a fabulous idea we would like to continue it on in some sort of vein.' Dorothy Barclay

• 'Mentor Pronto came along at a crucial time in my life. I was doing some work on myself personally, but needed a bit of a look at my career and where it was heading. Along popped Mentor Pronto and Ben from Maketo, who mentored me for four sessions on what I wanted to do and where I wanted to go. He really got me focussed on what I could do right now, as well as what I was aiming for in the future, both near and far. I was thrilled to be invited to Mentor Pronto by Phillip and Chanel Cole.' Tanya Henshaw

•  'Congratulations to everyone involved in the design and implementation of the inaugural Mentor Pronto! In particular, a special thank you to Phillip and Chanel. The first mentoring program was extremely enjoyable and provided a unique opportunity to bring together a diverse range of professions and sectors to focus on personal and professional development.As a mentor it provided a strong sense of contribution and also created an environment for gaining fresh perspectives and ideas.

Key to the success of the activity was the professional approach developed by Schmooze and Canberra Arts Marketing as part of the Creative Canberra,Creative Exchange program and the honesty and commitment by the mentorees to apply themselves and embrace the process. I look forward to maintaining contact with our ‘mentor-mentoree team’ and eagerly await the next program.' Ben Farinazzo, Maketo Coaching

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• "The Mentor Pronto program allowed me to reflect on where I am currently with my career, discussing my situation with someone much more experienced than myself. The interaction, feedback and guidance from someone with a wealth of experience like Ben was highly valuable.
  
  The most useful part of the program was the self-reflection that I went through. A lot of the things I discovered about myself throughout the mentoring sessions I already knew, but it was the guidance of Ben that challenged me to really take a look at the reasons behind my career decisions and other lifestyle choices that I have made. 

It is important to set a direction prior to beginning a mentoring sessions. Without measurable outcomes identified at the beginning of the sessions, value of the exercise is severely limited. With this in mind it was most useful to have Ben, as an experienced mentor, as he was able to obtain as much value out of the sessions as possible.” David McKeown

• "Ben Farinzarro has been a great mentor … actually a great pest to tell you the truth … He has made me accountable for taking the initiative in some important aspects of my life which go beyond the usual role of a career mentor. Sometimes you know what you gotta do but a mentor can clear away the distractions by asking “What exactly are your important values and why the hell are you not pursuing them and when and how are you going to start!” Annoying questions. “Transformational” to quote Ben. Anyway you can quote me on that." Hal Judge

• 'Being a mentor to Narelle, Tanya and Kristie was a real pleasure and challenged me in some really interesting ways. Its one thing to know something, another to describe it or relate it to someone in a form they can actually use. I was very mindful of the responsiblity of the suggestions and comments I provided, but happily it seemed to be the right things! I was very impressed with the seriousness they approached the program and the willingness to try something new and risk failure- very admirable.

One more thing- as the co-designer of the initiative-we all can be mentors to each other if we are in the right space and frame of mind. What Mentor Pronto has provided to those involved is that safe environment where that engagement can take place. Even in the introductory networking event before the programs started the conversations between participants sparked off so many ideas and insights that some said to me later they felt that event alone was worth it! ' Phillip Jones

• "I was approached by my good friend Chanel Cole to get involved in a great new networking idea - Mentor Pronto. It was very easy to register. Just download the application form, fill in the appropriate boxes and send it back. Only difficulty was that I wasn't sure if I should be a mentor or mentoree. I chose the latter as I feel you can never learn enough. My area of interest was PR, time management and promotions. At the introduction evening I was very lucky to be paired off with the very inspiring Phillip A. Jones of Schmooze fame as my mentor.
  
  After a week or so Phillip and I organised a one hour meeting. He asked me to send him a list of questions that I may have for him so that he could prepare his answers. Of course I didn't manage to do this on time and so I turned up with a list of questions for Phillip to answer off the cuff. At the end of the hour I had pages of notes and some fantastic personal and professional tips. We covered time management, websites, promotions and personal development.
  
  Even though I did not utilize the four hours that we are meant to be mentored over the month, I found it a very beneficial experience. I would recommend any one interested in learning more to join this programme.Thanks to Chanel and Phillip for a fantastic idea!" Kirstie Douglas

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• Project Management Support from Pete Smith- From the outset of our partnership Pete was approachable and insightful, offering an excellent sounding board for my ideas. With the bones of a significant project already formed, it was integral for me to get a kick-start – to learn how to make it happen. It was also no small thing to have an impartial voice confirm the value of the project and sound excited about its fruition – a lovely confidence boost which can be so helpful when you are an “emerging” curator, as they say!
  
  Pete’s advice and input based upon his experience within the arts sector allowed me to look at the project critically and practically, and to break it into achievable chunks. The deadlines of our fortnightly chats were the impetus I needed to formalise my thoughts and aspirations, and I look forward to keeping in touch with Pete as the project is realised.
  
  Promotions and Marketing advice from Phillip Jones- When Phillip offered to workshop some marketing ideas I jumped at the chance to receive input from someone so enthusiastic and passionate about networking, promotions and Canberra’s art sector.
  
  Working at an Artist Run space means that I don’t have a big budget for marketing products or support, so Phillips’ lateral thinking and creative suggestions were most useful and will be easily put into practice (some of them already have been!).
  
  Phillip listened to my ideas, and considered the organisations goals, and based on our discussions I now have a “to do” list of inclusive, idealistic and practical ideas to raise our profile, engage our local community and offer more on the Canberra art scene. Narelle Phillips