How can we learn from young thinkers?

The internet offers us phenomenal opportunities and spaces to connect with and learn from the world around us. I am a huge advocate and very bullish around the future of podcasts due to the direct relationship that they allow us to create with people that we may never meet in person.

If you type “reverse mentorship” into Google one of the first articles that pops up is on featured in Harvard Business Review titled Why Reverse Mentoring Works and How to Do It Right. It provides a great overview around practical elements of implementing reverse mentoring.

“Reverse mentoring pairs younger employees with executive team members to mentor them on various topics of strategic and cultural relevance. This approach has precedent: in the late 1990s, GE’s Jack Welch used reverse mentoring to teach senior executives about the internet.”

Jens Heitland, investor and co-founder of the XYZ Playground, and I met virtually mid-way through 2020. We were both reflecting the other day prior to a podcast recording how we have never met in person and yet have started a business together. An interesting question to consider and ask yourself if this is something that you would have ever considered prior to the year we have just experienced, where we were forced to be physically distanced?

The business we are building is called the XYZ Playground and utilises a reverse mentor model to create a space for exploration and learning across generations.

It’s a concept born from the vision we have to help the leaders of today learn from the leaders of tomorrow. We are passionate about connecting with people, learning from others, and creating solutions. Building good businesses and enabling conversations is one of the best ways to drive change. The XYZ Playground is a group of reverse mentors who are eager to help you navigate the future.

We don’t have all the answers, but have a different way of thinking that may help to shift the way you are considering the challenges you are facing or the change you are seeking to make.

As we continue to build out the business offering and tell our story, Jens and I kickstarted a weekly podcast session roughly 7 weeks ago. In each of the conversations we explore various topics and how the leaders of today can learn from the leaders of tomorrow.

Here are the latest two episodes

You can also find the audio versions of the podcasts on the Jens Heitland Show where ever you regularly listen to your podcasts.

If you want to learn more about reverse mentoring or get involved, head over to our website and let’s connect: www.xyzplayground.com

I am fortunate to have had a number of mentors who have influenced and continue to influence the person that I am today. Thank you for the lessons, opportunities and friendships that you have given me. The road ahead on this reverse mentorship journey is bound to be an interesting one.