Jane Simmonds has been a business leader in consultancy for most of her career, on the executive boards of the UK’s leading branding agencies. Latterly as CEO of Fitch and, for the 11 years prior to becoming an Executive Coach, as Managing Partner of Conran Design Group. She has led global branding work for clients such as Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, pwc, Coats plc, Shell and Procter & Gamble and was pivotal to the longevity of those relationships.
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11/10/2018
Twenty/Twenty Mentoring: ‘why wouldn’t you?’
“A genuinely shared experience.”
Twenty/Twenty mentor, Jane Simmonds has been a business leader in consultancy for most of her career, on the executive boards of the UK’s leading branding agencies. Latterly as CEO of Fitch and, for the 11 years prior to becoming an Executive Coach, as Managing Partner of Conran Design Group.
In this quick read, Jane shares her thoughts on the rewarding experience of being a mentor on the DBA’s Twenty/Twenty programme.
Why did you decide to become a Twenty/Twenty mentor?
I learned the best of my craft from those with experience; it’s rare to get that opportunity.
How would you sum up the experience?
Collegiate, supportive, rewarding, stimulating, privileged. A genuinely shared experience.
What would you say to someone who was undecided as to whether they should get involved as a mentor?
It’s about mutual learning, a finer understanding, the exchange of ideas with someone as passionate about what they do as you are…why wouldn’t you?
What has surprised you the most about the programme?
The level of trust that is reached and so soon. Having the subject in common is an instant leveller and that makes for the most valuable conversations.
Twenty/Twenty Mentoring
DBA Twenty/Twenty pairs rising industry leaders with established design pioneers for a 12-month one-to-one mentoring relationship. Applications for the 2019 programme are open until 23 November 2018 so why not think about what you need right now, or what you can give. Find out more and apply.