Another season of the Elevate Mentoring programme is done and dusted! After the recent wrap-up, we caught up with two of our TROers – Phoebe Wright, 3D Designer, and Peter Trapnell, Creative Services Director – to hear what they took away from the experience.
The Elevate programme pairs industry professionals for six months to work on career goals, tackle workplace challenges, and focus on personal development. So, what did they gain from the experience, and how will they apply it in and outside the workplace?
I went into Elevate not really knowing what to expect – and honestly, I was a bit sceptical (as a MAFS fan, I’ve seen how matchmaking can go wrong!). However, I got incredibly lucky with my mentor. Finding the right fit with someone you’ve never met isn’t easy, but we clicked straight away.
What surprised me most was working on things I hadn’t initially seen as priorities. Having someone to talk things through openly and honestly made it feel natural – it wasn’t just another task to tick off. I genuinely looked forward to every meet-up. We created a space where we could both be real and laugh a lot, which was key. We even continued our sessions beyond the recommended Elevate timeframe to make the most of every opportunity.
I’ve ticked off everything I hoped to gain from the programme and more. I’m leaving with greater confidence, clearer direction, and a reminder that support exists both within and beyond my agency.
My top three takeaways:
Would I recommend Elevate? Absolutely. Go in with an open mind – you might just surprise yourself.
As I wrapped up my second year as an Elevate mentor, I started thinking about the year ahead and whether I should get involved again. I was reticent in year one – not sure what to expect or if I even had anything to contribute! But as far as I’m concerned, every day is a school day. I went into Elevate with a desire to learn from others in the same industry and push myself to network more.
Elevate provides valuable framework materials to follow. In year one, this helped structure early conversations with my mentee and ensured we had a solid starting point. To be honest, conversations with my mentee have been guided by her own ambitions to grow and progress. Coming from a different business, it’s been fascinating to see this from the other side. We all face the same challenges it turns out! My mentee and I have stuck together for year two, continuing to work on her progression in the industry. I have to say, it is definitely a two-way street – I’ve learnt just as much from my mentee as I hope she has learnt from me.
One of the most valuable elements of Elevate is the Inspiration Sessions. These have ranged from confidence boosting guidance to presentation nirvana, all from industry experts who we can relate to. I have already been able to introduce some of this thinking in my own work presentations. Especially the confidence hacks.
My top three takeaways (specifically going into 2026):
Both of us entered the Elevate programme with some uncertainty, but we quickly realised the incredible mutual growth it offers. We’re both walking away with increased confidence, clarity, fresh perspectives, and valuable personal development. Elevate’s supportive structure and Inspiration Sessions helped unlock this progress, proving that mentorship isn’t just about guidance – it’s about transformation on both sides.
