The British Chamber of Commerce for Luxembourg (BCC) marked an important milestone with the launch of the pilot cohort of its Emerging Leaders Mentorship Programme, inaugurated by Sara Speed (BCC Financial Secretary) during a kick‑off session held on 24 March 2026 and kindly hosted by EY Luxembourg.
Photo: @byeilijah
This initial cohort is designed as a pilot phase, allowing the BCC Emerging Leaders Group to test, refine and optimise the programme, with the clear objective of welcoming a larger number of mentor–mentee pairs in future editions. The programme is structured as a six‑month initiative aimed at supporting high‑potential professionals through one‑to‑one mentoring, while fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing across Luxembourg’s broader business ecosystem.
The kick‑off session brought mentors and mentees together for the first time, creating a constructive and open environment in which participants could align on expectations, objectives and the approach for the months ahead.
Programme structure and mentoring foundations
Participants were introduced to the programme’s objectives, timeline and working principles, including regular meetings, monthly check‑ins, and ad‑hoc workshops. Emphasis was placed on mentoring as a two‑way partnership rather than a top‑down relationship, grounded in mutual trust, curiosity and commitment.
Clear roles for both mentors and mentees were outlined. While mentors are encouraged to guide, listen and challenge through thoughtful questioning, mentees are expected to actively drive the relationship, come prepared to meetings, and follow through on agreed actions. This structured approach is intended to ensure meaningful development for all participants during the pilot phase and beyond.
Photo: @byeilijah
Workshop I: Building a professional brand
The first part of the workshop, facilitated by Katie MacWilliams, focused on building a professional brand. Participants explored how professional reputation is shaped by visibility, consistency and intentional communication, both online and offline.
Key topics included defining a professional brand, understanding target audiences, building professional relationships with intention, articulating a clear personal narrative, and effectively using platforms such as LinkedIn in a professional context. The session reinforced the idea that a professional brand is not static, but an asset that is built and refined over time through deliberate choices and behaviours.
Photo: @byeilijah
Workshop II: Mentoring relationships in practice
The second part of the workshop, led by Genevieve Machin, focused specifically on the mentor–mentee relationship. This session addressed what effective mentoring looks like in practice, moving beyond outdated stereotypes and positioning mentoring as a confidential, development‑focused partnership.
Participants explored key principles of strong mentoring relationships, including active listening, asking open‑ended questions, building trust, and maintaining regular engagement. The session also clarified boundaries and expectations, helping both mentors and mentees understand how to make the most of the relationship from the very first meeting.
Photo: @byeilijah
Supporting Luxembourg’s business ecosystem
The Emerging Leaders Mentorship Programme reflects the BCC’s broader commitment to talent development beyond its membership, contributing to a more connected, inclusive and resilient Luxembourg business environment. By encouraging cross‑generational dialogue and cross‑sector exchange, the programme aims to create lasting value for participants while strengthening the wider professional community.
The initiative is led by the BCC Emerging Leaders Group, chaired by Juan Gasca Aristeguieta, Chair of the Emerging Leaders Group and Council Member of the BCC. He is supported by Yulia Kulakova (Vice‑Chair), Natalia Yaneva (Vice‑Chair) and Roberto Baptista, whose collective efforts made the pilot programme possible.
Photo: @byeilijah
Acknowledgements
The British Chamber of Commerce for Luxembourg extends its sincere thanks to EY Luxembourg for hosting the event, and in particular to Monika Reshka for welcoming participants. Appreciation is also extended to Genevieve Machin and Katie MacWilliams for delivering insightful and practical workshops that set a strong foundation for the mentoring relationships.
With high engagement already demonstrated by both mentors and mentees, the pilot cohort of the Emerging Leaders Mentorship Programme represents an important first step, with the ambition to expand the programme and welcome more mentoring pairs in the future, further supporting professional growth across Luxembourg’s dynamic business ecosystem.
