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IDEA Advocates

IDEA Advocates

A facilitated mentorship and ally program – because “30 minutes of your time” is not enough!

Effective mentorship is being an advocate and sponsor of future talent.  It is much more than imparting your journey and history.  Great mentorship, the kind that inspires and creates access to executive leadership positions, is about empowering future leaders to be their best and authentic selves.  IDEA Advocates is a facilitated mentorship program, where support and coaching are given to both the mentor and the mentee.  It is a step by step, guided initiative for the Advertising, Marketing & Communications Agency sector delivered by psychologists, trainers, counsellors and other experts.

Objectives

  • To drive inclusivity, diversity and equity in advertising leadership.
  • To pave a pathway for junior to senior level employees to have career progression, including achieving executive level positions through leadership, communication, critical thinking, professionalism, networking and other skills.
  • To create an executive mentor group of allies and advocates.
  • To equip junior to senior level mentees with the understanding and tools to be active and authentic participants in their professional development.
  • To champion equity over equality.
  • To focus on Black team members in cohort one.

The Program For Mentors And Allies 4 Sessions

  • Understanding Structural and Systemic Racism and Discrimination
  • Becoming an Effective Ally and Mentor
  • Mechanics of Inclusive Sponsorship
  • Mentorship Onboarding and using the Mentorship Topics Guide

Ongoing Facilitated and Structured Pathway:

  • Monthly scheduled virtual group check-ins for mentors
  • Monthly scheduled virtual group check-ins for mentors with mentees
  • A private, one-2-one session to address emerging issues
  • Email/Phone support

The Program For Mentees 4 Sessions

  • Managing Your Career and Effective Networking
  • Avoiding Burnout During the ‘Double Crisis’ of COVID-19 and Racism
  • ‘Covering at Work’ and Navigating Professional Boundaries
  • Managing Upwards with You Authentic Self
Ongoing Facilitated and Structured Pathway:
  • Monthly scheduled virtual group check-ins for mentees
  • Monthly scheduled virtual group check-ins for mentees with mentors
  • A private, one-2-one session to address emerging issues
  • Email/Phone support

Participants

  • 10 Mentees (Cohort 1 is focused on Black and Indigenous agency people)
  • 10 Mentors
  • Up to 10 Allies

When

  • Cohort 1 – the pilot – Winter 2020
  • Cohort 2 and beyond – as demand requires and donations provide for

Duration

  • 9 months

Tuition

Dr. Helen Ofosu and associates
  • Dr. Ofosu has 20 years of experience using Work and Business Psychology (officially known as Industrial / Organizational Psychology) in the government, business, and non-profit sectors. Dr. Ofosu brings her vast knowledge, sensitivity, and special brand of humour to her career consultations, leadership development, executive coaching and group coaching. Part of what makes her advisory services powerful and unique is that they all grounded in Industrial / Organizational (I/O) Psychology. Further information click here.
For more information contact the ICA: