Life and Business is like the Great North Run. There will always be people in front of you and there will always be people behind you, no matter how much you try.
So, what you really need are people who will be right there for you, by your side no matter what stage of the race you are at.
In the same way I believe that everyone has something to teach, and everyone has something to learn, no matter what stage of your career or business life you are at.
With this in mind I recognised that after 10 years of self-employment (and with many more ahead) I had a bank of knowledge and skills to share but I also had things to learn.
And so it was born, the mentoring circle that would keep us all on our toes, with accountability, with challenge, with care and consideration, with critical questions to each other so that we could all benefit from having a safe space to connect, unload, progress and develop ourselves and our businesses.
‘Wear 5’ was created in June 2025 a lateral mentoring group. ‘Wear 5’ were carefully chosen through mutual respect for their achievements to date, for their personalities, for their energy and for how I believed we would all fit together and wow wow wow! We were like jigsaw pieces that have now been put together to complete the puzzle, with absolute full appreciation for each other, our work ethics, our personal values and our business acumen.
“I can share openly, without worry of judgement and I always come away from each meet up buzzing and extremely grateful”
Peer to Peer Mentoring –
It happens between individuals that are of a similar ‘level’. It’s based on sharing experiences and offering support, whilst also providing a different knowledge bank and set of skills grown from a wide range of sectors.
The Benefits –
Each mentor in the group is trusted implicitly; they therefore become a critical friend. They help each other to overcome challenges, they help each other to celebrate their wins and they help each other to grow both personally and professionally.
The Must Haves –
A group which is confident enough, comfortable enough and willing enough to exchange skills, bring ideas for best practice and suggest change all within a safe environment. A mix of career backgrounds will naturally offer a wonderfully diverse perspective.
The How To –
A small group – perhaps just 4 – 6 people, so it’s large enough to create diversity but most importantly it’s small enough to create trust, trust, trust all the way.
Structure – it can be as informal or formal as you like and can even change each time you meet.
Timings – you decide, but we go with every 6/8 weeks for 2/3 hours and although we don’t have a facilitator formally it could be a good suggestion to rotate this role.
Agenda – split the time to cover each other’s wins and updates, then deep dive into 1 or 2 specific challenges, then its peer feedback before commitment and accountability.
“Being in business can be lonely and overwhelming, but this is a refreshing and supportive group, we are all from different backgrounds but we support each other in so many ways which has been invaluable”
The Outcomes –
We all agree it has boosted our self-assurance, we feel more empowered, it has reduced our imposter syndrome, improved our focus and been a room full of enthusiasm and positivity.
“I have grown so so much in my confidence, I feel in such a safe place in the group to share my business worries, knowing that I am getting really good strong advice”
So, I would encourage anyone out there who feels they would benefit from a peer group to go out there and find your people. I cannot express how grateful I am to these wonderful business professionals who said ‘yes’ to my invite and have since brought so much including superb smiles.
theefficientelephant.co.uk