Coaching and mentoring have become an increasingly important tool for personal and professional growth, positive change and performance. At PTC, we have implemented these development practices, which have proven to be beneficial for both employees and the organization by enhancing career and leadership development and employee satisfaction.
In 2023, PTC launched a formal Coaching and Mentoring Center of Excellence (CMCE) that aims to provide guidance and inspiration, engage and empower employees, and act as a catalyst for positive change. Sophia Andeh, Executive Director, Global Medical Information and Training, PTC and Jessica Moore, Manager, Talent Management, PTC, started the program and co-lead together. Both are uniquely suited to leading the program: Sophia holds a master’s degree in coaching and mentoring practice and Jessica is a certified Gallup Clifton Strengths coach, certified HBDI practitioner and professionally trained coach.
Delving into PTC employees’ experiences with the CMCE demonstrates how invaluable the program is for both individuals and our organization.
“Before launching the center, we conducted an assessment on coaching and mentoring within PTC to gauge employees’ interest,” says Sophia. “The response was extremely positive, with a large pool of employees desiring these types of developmental relationships. As interest has continued to grow, we have been developing and promoting internal coaches and mentors.”
PTC now has 17 internal coaches and approximately 90 employees who have acted or are acting as mentors.
“We’ve facilitated hundreds of coaching and mentoring relationships, spanning different departments, job levels and geographic locations,” adds Jessica. “Employees have shared that the program has opened up new channels of communication, collaboration and growth. We are proud to hear of the meaningful connections coming out of these partnerships”.
Coaching and Mentoring Success Stories
Hannah navigated work challenges and grew professionally thanks to mentoring.
“For me, being mentored was a bit like having a mirror held up to myself. It allowed me time to reflect on challenging situations at work – how I felt about them, why I felt that way about them, what approach I would usually take, and what other approaches I could try that might lead to greater development. My mentor listened to me, shared perspective and experience from both their professional and personal life which I could draw on and offered a safe space in which I felt comfortable being fully open and honest. I feel this ability to be open and the trust we developed in each other was the foundation of our sessions and was crucial for the mentoring process to encourage actual growth. My mentor’s voice of encouragement has stayed with me even after our period of mentoring has ended, giving me the confidence to continue challenging myself with things outside of my comfort zone.”
Hanna Brennan, Associate Director, Medical Information, PTC
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Lorraine appreciated mentoring’s impact on her personal and professional development.
“My decision to be intentional about choosing my mentors at this stage of life was very personal. Being part of the mentorship program at PTC and having the ability select the mentors who aligned with my career aspirations was incredibly impactful. Through this program, I built meaningful relationships with my peers and received valuable guidance on various topics. This opportunity not only enhanced my professional skills but also significantly increased my self-confidence. I would definitely recommend mentoring to others.”
Lorraine Bracy, Director, Global Legal Operations, PTC
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Jason gained new perspectives and guidance on career development.
“At PTC, mentoring is ingrained in our culture, and we pride ourselves on offering an environment that fosters personal and professional development. I am very grateful for my own experiences with mentoring at PTC. I have had a mentor in my own area of Human Resources which has been invaluable for me and has allowed me to receive guidance on development in HR and navigate my way through HR specific challenges.
“Having a mentor from another part of the business has been equally beneficial. It has broadened my perspective on the company operations and allowed me to understand how different departments interact and collaborate. I have really enjoyed hearing stories about development and important moments in individuals’ careers.”
Jason McGraynor, Associate Director, Human Resources EMEA APAC
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“As coaches and mentors unlock potential, share wisdom, and expand perspectives, they exemplify our core values and shape the future of leadership at our company,” note Sophia and Jessica. “We look forward to nurturing this community and evolving the program in the years ahead.”