FOODSERVICE MENTORING PROGRAM

LEADERSHIP. ACCOUNTABILITY. GROWTH

WHY MENTORING MATTERS

Mentoring plays a critical role in developing leadership capability and strengthening organisational performance. When delivered with clear intent and structure, mentoring supports both individual growth and long-term business outcomes.

The FSAA Foodservice Mentoring Program is designed as a strategic development initiative for employer-endorsed emerging leaders. While specific development goals may vary by organisation or individual, the outcomes of effective mentoring are consistent and measurable.

Key outcomes include:

  • Stronger retention
    Mentoring supports engagement and professional confidence, contributing to higher retention of high-potential talent.

  • Accelerated leadership readiness
    Participants develop the skills, judgement and commercial understanding required for increased responsibility and leadership progression.

  • Cross-functional connection
    Mentoring strengthens professional relationships across roles, functions and organisations, supporting broader industry understanding and collaboration.

  • Capability and inclusion
    Structured mentoring supports the development of diverse leadership capability by providing access to guidance, perspective and opportunity.

  • Knowledge transfer
    Direct engagement with senior leaders enables practical knowledge sharing that benefits both the mentee and the wider organisation.

  • Continuous development
    Mentoring supports ongoing capability building, helping professionals adapt, refine skills and respond to changing business needs.

“Xanny’s mentorship has been invaluable to my growth over the past year. Her insightful guidance, fresh perspectives, and thought-provoking challenges helped me tackle obstacles, expand my thinking, and focus on my career and personal development. I’m grateful for the confidence and clarity her support has given me for the future.

Fiorella Boretti
National Key Account Manager & Corporate Chef - Sandhurst Fine Foods

2026 FSAA FOODSERVICE MENTORING PROGRAM

The FSAA Foodservice Mentoring Program is a members-only initiative designed for employer-endorsed emerging leaders within the foodservice supply chain.

The program pairs nominated participants with experienced senior industry professionals who provide structured guidance aligned to defined development objectives. The focus is on strengthening leadership capability, commercial understanding and professional judgement in preparation for increased responsibility.

Participation is by employer nomination and requires a clear commitment from both the individual and their organisation.

  • Looking to positively impact your career in the foodservice industry? Our Mentoring Program is a members-only benefit where you’ll be paired with industry professionals offering one on one guidance on on your chosen area of growth.

  • This program is designed for identified emerging leaders within FSAA member organisations who are already performing strongly and preparing for increased responsibility. Participants are nominated by their employer and engage with experienced industry leaders to support targeted leadership development and professional growth.

  • Participation in the FSAA Mentoring Program supports purposeful leadership development. The program provides structured guidance from senior industry leaders, helping participants strengthen their commercial understanding, refine their leadership capability, and broaden their professional perspective. It also offers meaningful connections with experienced peers across the industry, supporting long-term professional growth and influence.

  • The FSAA Mentoring Program is a structured leadership development initiative designed to support professional growth and increased responsibility. It provides participants with access to senior industry insight, practical guidance and clearly defined development outcomes. Participation is by employer nomination and reflects a commitment to building leadership capability aligned to organisational goals.

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RESOURCES

PROGRAM INFORMATION
MENTEE TIPS
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    • Planning and preparation are crucial for you to get the best of your sessions.

    • Carefully consider why you need a mentor and what you wish to achieve through the
      relationship.

    • Allocate sufficient time for preparation in between each mentoring dialogue and be
      dedicated to the process.

    • Be proactive, own the process.

    • You are responsible in driving the mentoring relationship.

    • You need to set goals, develop action plans and follow through on them independently.

    • You will exercise your own judgment in light of advice from your mentor

    • You need to accept full responsibility for your own actions and plans

    • It is not an expectation that the mentor is subsequently required to find you a job or
      to be your promoter

    • You are required to take an active role in reviewing both progress and the mentoring
      relationship

    • Be open to challenge and feedback

    • Be open to new learnings and feedback

    • Be open to being challenged and having your assumptions questioned

    • Maintain respect and manage expectations

    • Maintain a professional relationship with the mentor, accepting your mentor is a more
      experienced colleague and not a personal counsellor

    • Have realistic expectations of the mentoring relationship and the availability of the mentor

    • Maintain the confidentiality of discussions, except where agreed

    • The opportunity to learn from an acknowledged leader in the Foodservice industry.

    • The opportunity to make your own decisions based on what is learned.

    • Expanded career development and advancement potential.

    • Working with someone who can understand the issues you face

    • Meet with your mentor at mutually agreed times

    • Drive the mentoring relationship by deciding which issues and concerns you wish to discuss. Mentoring discussions can be held face to face, via Zoom or over the phone

    • Go to meetings with an agenda of what you would like to discuss

    • Keep the relationship informal and open.
      Be open to constructive feedback and keep your mentor advised of subsequent
      courses of action, where appropriate.

    • Make effective use of your mentor’s time by having focused sessions, at times it is
      advantageous to send your mentor the agenda prior to the meeting.

    • Remember that the mentor is giving his/her time and advice freely, but also are a very busy industry professional – stick to your set times.

    • Applicant must have been in the foodservice industry for a minimum of two years

  • As a company member of FSAA this is an exclusive membership benefit. No fee

  • Please contact Minnie Constan
    mconstan@fsaa.org.au 

FAQs

“George has been a terrific mentor over the last 20 months and I’m truly thankful for his support and guidance which has enabled me to take the next step in my career. The FSAA mentoring program has been very valuable and I would encourage others to take up this opportunity.”

— Michael Potts, National Account Executive | Inghams Enterprises Pty Ltd