MENTORSHIP PROGRAM GUIDE

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About the program

This program is open to all members who have an enthusiasm for peer-based networking and skill sharing.

The TPA Mentorship Program is an initiative designed to accelerate learning and professional growth by connecting members with experienced peers. This program fosters connections across content creation and business development to open up new opportunities for collaboration and innovation among TPA members. The program is structured to be mentee-led and mentor-supported, with additional support from TPA staff.

Mentees meet with TPA staff twice the first month to set goals and an achievable timeline so they are ready once they meet with their mentor.

Groups meet and work on mentee-established goals over the course of 3 months, with at least one meeting a month.

The TPA Mentorship program has two seasons:

  • Spring: February - May,  with applications opening  January 2nd

  • Fall: August - November, with applications opening July 1st.

Our goal is to establish a structured yet supportive mentorship program within the podcasting community. By grouping mentees and mentors based on shared roles, interests, and goals, we aim to tailor the experience to address individuals’ specific needs.

Mentors may be assigned up to 4 Mentees and will participate in monthly meetings with Mentees to facilitate discussion, knowledge sharing and peer-support. 

Guest Speaker Series

Starting with the winter 2025 session, mentees will have the opportunity to participate in a monthly guest speaker series. Guest speakers will provide a monthly webinar to give current mentees a glimpse into different areas of the podcasting world. We are excited for this new addition and feel that it will give mentees the opportunity to further growth and connection.

How many times can I participate as a Mentee?

You can participate as many times as you like! We encourage mentees to take their long-term objective and break it down into smaller goals that can be achieved in a four-month period. Reaching your North Star Goal is a journey, and having a mentor by your side for each step of the way is an option open to you as a TPA member.  So feel free to participate in the mentorship program multiple times as you progress through each of your smaller goals.

Should I be a Mentor?

Not sure if you are ready to be a TPA mentor? If you identify with the criteria listed below, then you are ready!

  • I have 3+ years working in podcasting.

  • I am passionate about helping others.

  • I can commit to around 10 hours of service across four months.

Bonus if you have mentored or coached in a professional or structured setting previously!

Baseline Expectations for Program Participants

Mentees:

  • Proactive Goal Setting: Mentees are responsible for defining their goals, sharing them with their mentor, and  taking steps to achieve those goals throughout the program. 

  • Preparation: Mentees will come prepared to each meeting with their Mentor – ready to discuss what they have worked on since their last meeting, and seek the guidance/input needed to take the next step towards their goal. 

  • Find Your Voice: Communicate clearly with your mentor about your goals. If you feel you're not getting what you need from the program, have a conversation to realign and refocus your direction

Mentors:

  • Professionalism and Support: Mentors are responsible for setting a professional tone and creating a supportive environment.

  • Equitable Conversations: Mentors must aim to keep the conversations balanced and fair amongst all mentees.

Mentors and Mentees:

  • Adherence to Policies: Commitment to TPA’s  Code of Conduct and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policy.

  • Program Feedback: Complete the two surveys providing feedback on the program.

  • Confidentiality: Keep all discussions private.

  • Active Listening: Strive to practice active listening.

  • Engagement: Show enthusiasm and actively participate in peer-based networking and skill-sharing activities.

Who will I work with and when do we meet?

Mentors may be assigned up to three mentees and will participate in monthly meetings to facilitate discussion, knowledge sharing, and peer support. If you have multiple mentees, it is expected that you will meet with them as a group.

What will i do the first month without a mentor?

Mentees will meet TPA staff twice the first month prior to meeting with their mentor. Thanks to previous feedback we our aiming at being more involved with our mentees so that they feel more empowered during their mentorship. In our meeting we will work on creating goals and an achievable timeline during the mentorship. By meeting as larger mentee group we hope to foster connections amongst the mentee group. Once this month is completed mentees should feel prepared to be the driving force of their mentorship relationship.

Kick Off Meetings

TPA will  host a meeting for Mentors to ensure that each group is prepared to hit the ground running at the start of the program.  The kick-off meeting for mentors will cover expectations and available resources.

TPA will then host a joint Zoom session where  Mentors and Mentees meet, review the Mentee’s goals for the program and set meeting times for the next three months. Setting the cadence of meetings during this kick-off session ensures that everyone is committed to regular engagement This is a crucial step in laying the groundwork for a successful mentorship experience. Communication preference must be chosen at this meeting amongst groups.

Time Commitment for Mentorship Program*

(*Hours will vary depending on individual need. These are approximate.)

Mentors:

  • Total Commitment:  ~9  hours over 3 months

    • Meetings with Mentee(s) in group: 3 hours

    • Program Launch Meetings:   1 hour

    • Program Check-in Meeting: 30 minutes

    • Program Wrap-up Meeting: 30 minutes - just mentors, to allow for safe space.

    • Miscellaneous ad’l time: 4 hours spent touching base with mentees outside of the formal group setting and or TPA staff.

Mentees:

  • Total Commitment: ~10 hours over 4 months

    • Meetings with Mentorship Group: 3 hours

    • Goal setting meeting with TPA Staff: 30 minutes

    • Timeline creation meeting with TPA Staff: 30 minutes

    • Program Launch Meetings: 1 hour

    • Program Check-in Meeting: 30 minutes

    • Program Wrap-up Meeting: 30 minutes - just mentees, to allow for safe space.

    • Miscellaneous ad’l time: 4 hours spent working on goals and touching base with mentees outside of the formal group setting and or TPA Staff.

Note: The meetings listed above are the minimum required. Mentor/mentee pairs may choose to have more frequent or longer meetings and connections based on mutual agreement.

Program Calendar and Timeline

Click here to access meeting dates/times, and calendar invitations.

Pre-Program

  • Mentees and Mentors receive pairing or group information along with the mentorship program manual, program timeline, and meeting invitations, and mentees are added to their Peer Connection Groups in Slack.

Month 1 - February

  • Kick off meetings for Mentees (first and fourth Wednesday of February)

    • Mentees meet up: Program expectations and goals.

    • Goal-setting workshop.

  • Kick off meeting for Mentors (last Friday of February)

    • Program expectations of mentors &

    • Share resources for mentors, important dates, optional tools for structuring the next 3 months.

Month 2 - March

  • Program Kick off for All (1st Friday of March)

    • This is the Mentor/Mentee introduction!

    • Objective: Meet fellow Mentees/Mentors, lightly reiterate what was discussed in the prior week’s meeting , split into breakout rooms and conduct the first mentor/mentee meeting! Also set the cadence for your future check-ins! Sample conversation guide here. Choose type of communication that works.

    • March still requires a separate meeting.

      Guest Speaker Series begin

    • Date - TBD

Month 3 - April

Midpoint survey for check-in

  • Please fill out this survey before the mentorship program check-in meeting.

  • Mentee Check-in Meeting:

    • Date and Time: Third Wednesday of the month

    • Objective: Mentees share and discuss their experiences in a group setting.

  • Mentor Check-in Meeting:

    • Date and Time:  Third Wednesday of the month

    • Objective: Mentors share and discuss their experiences in a group setting.              

  • Mentor/Mentee Meeting:

Month 4 - May

  • Mentor/Mentee Meeting:

    • Frequency: Minimum of 1 meeting every month.

    • Objective: Discuss development and measure outcome of goals.  

      Guest Speaker Series - Final Session

    • Date: TBD

  • Wrap-up survey

    • TPA will send a program wrap-up survey. Please complete this survey before the close-out meeting.

  • Close-out Meeting:

    • Date and Time: First Monday in June

    • Objective: A wrap-up session for all program participants to be held separately for mentors and mentees.

Thank you to our Mentorship Partner!