A mentorship grounded in safety, representation, and navigating complexity

When Ross joined the Young Workplace Pride Mentorship Program, he was looking for guidance on how to better navigate corporate environments — especially from the perspective of gender identity, cultural context, and working across borders. What he found with mentor Maxim was something more profound: a trusted relationship built on openness, shared understanding, and mutual growth.

“For me, the mentorship brought someone I can reach out to as part of my safety network — someone I trust to help me navigate challenges when they arise.” — Ross, mentee

From the start, their connection was shaped by a low‑key and personal approach. Rather than jumping straight into goals and expectations, they focused on getting to know each other — sharing backgrounds, experiences, and the realities of working in very different contexts. This created a sense of psychological safety that allowed conversations to move beyond surface‑level career advice.

For Ross, who works from Peru and navigates professional life as a transgender man, the mentorship became a crucial part of his safety network. The sessions offered space to reflect on identity, work permits, cultural differences, and how to position oneself in corporate environments that are not always designed with LGBTQIA+ inclusion in mind. Knowing there was someone he could reach out to — someone who understood these layers — brought reassurance, confidence, and clarity.

“Mentoring is not one‑sided. You learn just as much by listening and reflecting as by giving advice.” — Maxim, mentor

Maxim experienced the mentorship as equally meaningful. Supporting Ross was not only about sharing practical advice, such as reviewing a CV, but also about listening, reflecting, and learning. The conversations reinforced that mentoring is never one‑sided: different cultures, countries, and life paths often reveal shared experiences underneath — and those moments of recognition are what make mentoring truly impactful.

Their story highlights the essence of the Young Workplace Pride Mentorship Program: when representation, trust, and curiosity come together, mentoring becomes more than guidance. It becomes a space where people can see themselves reflected, feel validated, and grow — personally and professionally.

Maxim, Aegon – mentor
Ross, International Tech firm – mentee
Interview: Sanne Brons, Young Workplace Pride Core Group
Date: 20-2-2026

Interested in joining?
The next Young Mentorship Program starts in October.
Sign-ups are open until September 30 for mentors and mentees from Workplace Pride member companies.

Important to know:
The Young Workplace Pride Mentorship Program is exclusively available to members of Workplace Pride, connecting professionals from organisations committed to advancing LGBTIQ+ inclusion across sectors.

Not a member yet?
If your organiation wants to invest in meaningful connection, inclusion, and leadership development, now is the time to join Workplace Pride.