In a world where professional guidance can often feel out of reach, Mentor Walks offers a refreshing approach to mentoring—combining the simplicity of walking with the power of conversation. Founded in Australia in 2016 by entrepreneurs Bobbi Mahlab AM and Adina Jacobs, Mentor Walks has grown into a global movement, connecting aspiring women with accomplished female leaders for one-hour walk-and-talk sessions in cities across Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Canada, and the UAE.
The Concept: Intimate, Accessible, and Impactful
Mentor Walks is built on a straightforward yet powerful idea: match senior female leaders with women seeking guidance, and let them walk and talk together in a relaxed, natural setting. These sessions are designed to be intimate without being intimidating, providing a safe space for mentees to discuss career challenges, aspirations, and questions with experienced mentors.
Each walk involves up to three mentees paired with a mentor, fostering a collaborative environment where participants can learn not only from their mentor but also from each other. Mentees are encouraged to come prepared with a specific question or issue they'd like to explore, ensuring that the conversation is focused and meaningful.
A Growing Community of Women Supporting Women
Since its inception, Mentor Walks has facilitated over 474 walks, connecting more than 13,943 mentees with a network of 800+ mentors. These mentors are accomplished women from diverse industries, including CEOs, directors, executives, and founders, all volunteering their time to support the next generation of female leaders.
The program's impact is evident: 48% of participants report a positive impact on their careers, with 23% taking significant career steps such as promotions or new job opportunities. Additionally, 75% say that participating in Mentor Walks has helped them think differently about tackling career issues.
Expanding Reach and Accessibility
Mentor Walks is committed to making mentoring accessible to women from all walks of life. Events are held regularly in major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth, as well as in regional areas and internationally. The program also offers virtual walks, ensuring that women in remote locations or with scheduling constraints can still benefit from mentorship.
Corporate partnerships have further expanded the program's reach. For instance, Westpac and Coles have both collaborated with Mentor Walks to support their female employees' professional development, hosting bespoke walks and encouraging participation across their organisations.
The Science Behind Walking and Talking
Walking has been shown to enhance creativity, clarity, and open communication. By moving side by side in an outdoor setting, participants often find it easier to engage in honest, reflective conversations. This dynamic breaks down traditional hierarchical barriers, fostering a sense of equality and mutual respect between mentors and mentees.
Joining a Mentor Walk is straightforward:
- Register and book your spot for $33
Visit Mentor Walks to find an upcoming walk in your city or online. - Submit your career question
Share the topic or issue you'd like to discuss during the walk. - Get matched with a mentor
You'll be paired with a mentor best suited to address your question, along with up to two other mentees. - Walk and talk
Engage in a one-hour conversation, gaining insights, advice, and new perspectives. - Stay connected
Many participants continue to network and support each other beyond the walk, building lasting professional relationships.
A Step Towards Gender Equality
Mentor Walks exemplifies the power of women supporting women. By creating accessible, impactful mentoring opportunities, the program helps to bridge the gender gap in leadership and empowers women to achieve their career goals. As co-founder Bobbi Mahlab puts it, "Helping other women is just what good women do."
Whether you're seeking guidance on a specific career challenge or looking to expand your professional network, Mentor Walks offers a unique and effective way to connect, learn, and grow. Take the first step—literally—and discover the difference a walk can make.