Learn about Group Mentoring in Second 50
We're excited to build a mentoring culture of experienced women giving and receiving their knowledge and experience in the spirit of shared learning and reciprocity.
We don’t get as many opportunities to access mentoring as we get older - too often we are called upon to be mentors to younger people, rather than having mentors to help us learn and grow. In Second 50, we want everyone to have the opportunity to be a mentor or a mentee at different times, as the need arises.
Our co-founder, Melissa Richardson, dedicated over 25 years to designing and running best-practice, evidence-based mentoring programs. Formerly a co-founder and CEO of Art of Mentoring, she brings this expertise, together with many of the training materials she created, to the members of Second 50, with the kind permission of Second 50 partner, Art of Mentoring.
Mentoring opportunities - for mentors and mentees - are part of our Second 50 Group Mentoring program.
Second 50’s group mentoring program
In this program, mentoring groups form around specific challenges or opportunities (eg. transitions of the second fifty years; building a new business or social enterprise) and all members have an opportunity to opt in to a group, suggest a new group, or request to mentor a group.
Groups have up to 8 members - one mentor and 4 - 7 mentees initially. All mentoring groups have access to the mentoring training, so anyone who joins feels well equipped to fully engage in the group.
In all of our Second 50 groups and forums, experienced women gain and give by listening, sharing, asking questions and offering support without judgment. Each person gets the space to find her own answers.
Our mentoring groups meet every 4-6 weeks on Zoom and stay together for around 6 months (or longer by agreement).
2024 - Second 50 mentoring groups:
“Better than Normal’ Mentoring Group: Led by Second 50 co-founder and mother of 3 x neurodiverse teenagers, Carolyn Betts, this group is for women who are caregivers to neurodiverse family members (Started April 2024)
Transitions Mentoring Group #1 & #2: Led by Second 50 co-founder, coach and mentoring expert, Melissa Richardson, this group focused on life transitions of all kinds - whether personal, emotional, or practical. Suited to women navigating changes outside of career. (#1 started March 2024; #2 started October 2024)
Navigating Career Transition Mentoring Group : Led by experienced career coach Nicole Glasgow, this group is perfect for women considering, planning, or currently experiencing a career shift. (Started Nov 2024)
2025 - Second 50 mentoring groups:
Solopreneurs & Startups Mentoring Group: Led by solopreneur, marketing expert and mindset coach Karen Robertson, this group focuses on helping women navigate the unique challenges of working for yourself, offering Second 50 women a supportive space to share experiences and learn from others; tackle business and personal development challenges; build meaningful connections with like-minded members; gain support, encouragement and practical advice. (Starting January 2025)
Portfolio Careers Mentoring Group: Led by seasoned portfolio careerist, Cheryl Hayman, with experience spanning consulting, non-executive director roles and volunteering. This group is for women who are ready or want to explore the transition from full-time employment to a more flexible and fulfilling way of working; or who have already embraced a portfolio career, blending consulting, board roles, and volunteer work. This mentoring group is perfect for exploring whether a portfolio career is right for you; designing your ideal portfolio; navigating the transition to portfolio work; and supporting one another on the journey. (Starting March 2025).
Transitions Mentoring Group #3: Led by Second 50 co-founder, coach and mentoring expert, Melissa Richardson, this group focuses on life transitions of all kinds - whether personal, emotional, or practical. This group is perfect for women navigating changes outside of career. (2025 date tbc)