The Los Angeles chapter of IPG’s Women’s Leadership Network (WLN) is proud to share the success of its Mentorship “Champion” Circles, which began in 2015 and is currently in its third cycle of the program. The circles are a group mentoring format and run for six months with monthly in-person meetings. They have over 100 participants and are led by mentors who are senior leaders from various LA-based IPG agencies, including Deutsch, Initiative, Golin-Harris, UM, PMK:BNC, Orion, Weber-Shandwick, Mullen Lowe, RG/A, Frukt, Rapport, and Rogers & Cowan. They are designed to support IPG’s objective of supporting a mentorship culture throughout all its agencies and to advocate IPG women in career-building, leadership and management skills training, work:life balance, and agency collaboration opportunities.
“These circles provide a wonderful opportunity to share knowledge and experiences and for mentees to develop a meaningful network of current leaders who can champion them as they grow within the ranks of IPG,” said Kristin Glushon, SVP, New Business, Orion Worldwide, who created and leads the program and is the co-chair of the WLN-Los Angeles chapter. “We hear great feedback from women who have used the skills and relationships developed from the program to achieve promotions at their agencies. These women say they also intend to pay it forward by advocating for women and diversity groups as they have opportunities to lead. So, in many ways the program has played a part in progressing a culture of inclusivity.”
In addition to the monthly mentoring circles, the program offers 1:1 mentorship opportunities, professional development webinars, guest speaking events, and a private Facebook group for communication. Survey results from the program show that 96% of respondents found the mentorship circles to be relevant and over 80% of participants continue in ongoing cycles of the program.
“Ultimately, we want the circles, as well as all programming and events hosting by WLN-Los Angeles to be engaging and useful for the local IPG agencies in Los Angeles,” said Glushon. “We’re always looking for ways to grow and improve the program.”
If you’re interested in participating in the program as a mentor or mentee and/or have questions or want information on WLN-Los Angeles, please reach out to Kristin Glushon at Kristin.glushon@orionworldwide.com.