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DBA Twenty/Twenty Mentoring: the mentee’s perspective
Applications are now open for the DBA’s mentoring scheme Twenty/Twenty, which connects the next generation of industry leading lights to some of the most respected and esteemed figures in design for a 12-month transformational journey.
Applications to join the programme will close on 28 November 2025 ahead of the new cohort starting in January 2026.
Since its launch in 2011, the innovative programme has gone from strength-to-strength, with almost 600 participants from over 300 businesses and impactful results. But don’t just take our word for it:
“100%, it’s helped to shape my thinking about how we can continuously look to improve the business at every juncture.” DBA Twenty/Twenty mentee
Having a mentor with a vast wealth of experience, who helps you better understand the opportunities for your business and to tackle your fears in a supportive, exploratory way, can help you take a firm control of your agency’s future and deliver transformational results.
“Speak to previous cohorts and I guarantee you’ll jump on it like a shot.” That’s the advice a previous Twenty/Twenty mentee gave to anyone considering the programme, and here’s what a few others had to say about the experience:
“I couldn’t recommend it more highly.”
“Genuinely pivotal.”
“Investing in yourself is one of the most effective things you can do.”
“As a business owner with vision, goals and struggles, the value of being able to learn from, and bounce ideas off someone who has already walked a similar path can only be beneficial.”
“Almost every session reveals something that is incredibly helpful, insightful or that was hidden in plain sight!”
What is it all about?
The Twenty/Twenty programme is crafted for leaders in design looking to make their next big leap. Whether you’re focused on strategic growth, succession planning, scaling your business or the design function within your organisation – or something entirely different, imagine what you could do with a mentor by your side. Here are just a few of the reasons previous mentees have signed up:
“I felt I could do with some external advice and input to help us gear up for our next phase.”
“I was at a stage in my business where I wanted to grow it, but I needed to grow myself first.”
“My 60th birthday was coming up in a few years’ time, and I wanted to explore complementary or even different career paths in a safe space, and with someone who could help me realise what I wouldn’t be able to see for myself.”
“At 31 years old, I had spent most of my career in one agency and I really felt that I needed some external guidance and inspiration, some input and support that came from a different context.”
“The opportunity to learn from someone vastly more experienced at running a design business was too good to pass up.”
And what about the impact?
“Twenty/Twenty mentoring helped grow my confidence tenfold.”
“Mentoring helped me navigate some particular business challenges at a time when I didn’t have many answers to them.”
“For me, the access and exposure I got to another creative business through the programme was as impactful as the relationship I built over the year. I came away from the experience with a whole network of new contacts and learning, many of whom I am still in good contact with today.”
“This process immediately benefitted my new position – I was able to have challenging conversations that I might have previously shied away from.”
“Speaking to someone with deep expertise and experience, who has been through it all, provides incredible context.”
“Our conversations gave me both practical advice and reassurance that was invaluable in the coming years.”
“I would whole heartedly recommend the experience not only from a personal development standpoint, but also in terms of return on investment to the business.”
Who are the mentors?
DBA mentors are industry icons – visionaries from renowned DBA member businesses who bring a wealth of experience and a unique perspective. Our extensive matching process ensures you’re paired with a mentor whose journey aligns with yours, creating a truly impactful partnership. Our mentors come from organisations including: 2LK Design | Chaos Design | Coley Porter Bell | Design4Retail | ECHO | Else | PB Creative | Nestlé and many more.
“The Twenty/Twenty programme is a win/win for both mentees and mentors.”
Eric Quint, former Chief Design Officer at 3M and previous DBA Twenty/Twenty mentor.
How do I apply?
Step into the next stage of your career and unlock your full potential. Full details about the programme can be found here.
DBA members benefit from a reduced rate to participate in the programme. DBA members: £1999+ vat | Standard: £3500+ vat.
Applications are open, closing on 28 November 2025. Apply via this form or get in touch with Natasha Papa to discuss the programme.
