FAQ
Global Thinkers Forum
1. What is the Global Thinkers Forum (GTF)?
Global Thinkers Forum (GTF) is a non-profit organisation with a core mission to promote values-based thinking and accountability in leadership. Over the years we have been building our diverse network of thought leaders to share their vision for the future, create meaningful conversations and to achieve positive change through our mentoring programmes that support youth and women around the world.
The Forum is London-based and was incubated at Oxford University’s Said Business School in 2011. It was launched in 2012 under the patronage of Her Majesty Queen Rania al Abdullah in Amman, Jordan.
Global Thinkers Forum has a network of influencers and partners that reach more than 70 countries around the world and engages leaders across business, philanthropy, academia, science, civil society, NGOs and government. GTF has partnered with some of the world’s leading brands, organisations and foundations and has an advisory board consisting of social impact focused leaders from over 20 countries.
2. Why did GTF create the Global Thinkers Mentors programmes?
We live in a world full of new opportunities, where innovative thinking, entrepreneurial endeavours and technological advancements have the potential to transform the way we interact with each other and our ability to make positive change in the societies in which we live.
WE BELIEVE today’s leaders must take an inclusive approach to the way they lead, using diversity of thought to inform decisions and ethics to guide actions.
WE BELIEVE in the importance of bridging the gap between the current and future leaders of the world.
WE BELIEVE that young people are the catalyst of change and that harnessing untapped potential of women can transform societies.
WE BELIEVE that mentoring is a bridge leading to inspiration and positive change for the individual and the world.
WE BELIEVE that it is our duty to support the Sustainable Development Goals and help move the needle for youth and women worldwide.
The programmes
3. When do the Programmes start?
Our mentoring programmes ‘Telemachus’ & ‘Athena’ commence in January every year and have a duration of eight months. During the course of the year we may add a second cycle.
Applications for the 2024 “Telemachus” & “Athena” mentoring programmes are now closed.
Subscribe here to receive our news and updates and we will let you know when the cycles commence.
4. Can you tell me more about the ‘MMP’ (Mentors-Mentees-Pairing) Process?
GTF will pair mentors with mentees. The areas of mentorship are: Governance & Public Office, Accountable Leadership, Media, Business, Entrepreneurship, Corporate Career, Academia, Non Profit, Science. GTF mentees will be provided with a personalised development opportunity to address individual learning needs. This opportunity will help them over a period of eight months to develop new skills and expertise, and to enhance, enrich and expand their professional and personal perspectives.
There are 3 general rules:
1. The mentor/mentee relationship cannot be between individuals who work together regularly
2. The relationship and its content are confidential
3. Mentor & mentee schedule a minimum of a monthly virtual meeting
Each mentor/mentee is provided with a toolkit at the beginning of the programme. Our team is at hand to help throughout the process.
Our Mentors’ Profile Our Mentees’ Profile
Age: 100% are between 40 and 65 Age: 33% are between 31 and 55 & 67% are between 18 and 30
Gender: 31,4% Men – 68,6% Women Gender: 31% Men - 68% Women - 1% Other
Professional Affiliation: Academic Degrees:
- Consulting – 28% - STEM – 35.7%
- Career Professionals - 22% - Social Sciences – 16.4%
- Entrepreneurs – 14% - MBA – 12.8%
- Academics – 14% - International Studies – 6.6%
- Media – 13% - Law – 5.5%
- Non-Profit – 6% - Media – 3.6%
- Diplomacy – 3% - Other – 19.4%
5. What happens if I need to leave the programme before it is concluded?
It is not recommended to leave the programme before it is concluded, as it is a unique opportunity and experience that will add value to you from the beginning to the end. Its flexible nature allows you to accommodate other responsibilities, while participating in the programme. If however you have to leave the programme, please notify us immediately so that we can give the space to someone else.
Mentors
6. How can I become a mentor?
You are welcome to express your interest of becoming a mentor by submitting your application or by contacting us at info@globalthinkersforum.org. and someone from the Global Thinkers Forum team will be in touch with you.
7. As a mentor how much time do I need to dedicate?
As general guidelines, we recommend a minimum requirement of communicating with your mentee at least once a month. We expect you to dedicate at least 2 to 3 hours a month in communications with your mentee, in order to support the objectives you have set together. The whole programme lasts eight months. It is highly recommended to also have in person meetings when mentor and mentee are located in the same country.
Please note that if you are a mentor based in countries where technology platforms are banned, you should notify us about any communications issues.
8. Can I support the programmes financially?
Yes, mentors can support the programmes by donating any amount or they can become full sponsors of the programmes and receive various privileges and promotion throughout the Global Thinkers Mentors and Global Thinkers Forum platforms. For more info please contact Katerina Chatzi (Project Coordinator) at katerina.chatzi@globalthinkersforum.org.
9. How do I meet my mentee?
GTF will be in touch with you to introduce you to your mentee. After this introductory communication, it is up to you to reach out to one another in order to arrange your first meeting and initiate the mentoring experience.
10. What are my roles and responsibilities as a mentor?
As a mentor, you will have the opportunity to inspire another individual as they face some of the most significant decisions of their lives. You will serve as a role model, and an independent sounding board, provide insights on career and choices, share general advice on career and life planning and help to prepare mentees for their roles as strong leaders.
Although we understand and respect our mentors’ professional and personal commitments, we would expect from mentors to be responsive, committed and engaged throughout their relationship with their mentee. We leave it to the mentors and mentees’ discretion to agree upon the frequency and preferred methods of communication throughout the programme.
Mentees
11. What are the criteria?
To apply for the “Telemachus” programme, you should be between 18-29 years old. To apply for the “Athena” programme for women you can do so as long as you are above the age of 22 and regardless of your age. To join the “Athena MENA” programme you should be a woman above the age of 22 and from and based in the MENA region. We also require good command of the English language for all our programmes. Applicants that have completed a Bachelor’s degree or have equally-relevant professional experience of a minimum of 5 years will be prioritised.
For all our programmes we expect our candidates to manifest motivation, commitment and critical thinking skills.
12. How can I become a mentee?
When the call for applications opens you will be expected to write a motivational letter explaining what you would like to achieve through the mentoring process. In your letter you have to show a clear understanding of your motivation to be mentored. You can send it directly to mentoring@globalthinkersforum.org indicating 'Mentee Application' and the mentoring programme you are applying for in the title. In addition, you will be asked to complete a questionnaire. Someone from the Global Thinkers Forum team will be in touch with you.
To receive updates for when the next call of applications will be open subscribe here.
13. As a mentee how much time do I need to dedicate?
We provide a flexible platform, where you and your mentor can directly arrange how often you will be in touch. So, it is really up to you and your mentor, your availability in time and energy to make the most out of this experience. A minimum of once a month is required, we recommend that our participants dedicate a total of 2 to 3 hours to their communication on a monthly basis.
Please note that if you are an Athena MENA mentee based in a country restricting access to some online platforms you should notify us immediately to help you with advice on how to best communicate smoothly with your mentor.
14. How do I meet my mentor?
If your application is successful, we will be in touch with you. We will allocate and introduce you to your mentor and it is up to you and your mentor to agree upon the frequency and preferred methods of communication throughout the programme.
15. What are my responsibilities as a mentee?
As a mentee, you are given the once in a lifetime opportunity to meet a very successful and experienced individual who will provide you with valuable expertise and insights. You will benefit from your mentor as a role model and an independent sounding board, you will receive insights on career development as well as general advice on career and life planning to help you prepare for your role as a strong leader.
As a mentee you are expected to be fully engaged in the mentoring programme, committed to the opportunity and respectful of the mentor’s dedication and external responsibilities, responding and communicating in timely and appropriate fashion.
If you have any challenges during the process you should get in touch with us immediately.
16. Is mentoring for Athena MENA offered in Arabic?
Depending on mentors’ linguistic predispositions and preferences, bilingual mentorship (Arabic and English) could be offered for the Athena MENA programme. If you prefer to hold your mentoring sessions in Arabic, please inform us and depending on availability we will try to facilitate your request, but kindly note that this is not guaranteed.
17. As a mentee what happens after I conclude one of the programmes?
Upon successful completion of the cycle, you will have gained valuable insights for your career, new perspectives and new skills. Moreover, you will most probably have gained a lifelong friend!
You will receive a programme completion certificate and you will become part of the broader GTF community which will be a network of support to you. You will also earn an optional 3-month internship with GTF.
18. If my application is not successful can I apply for a second time?
As long as you still meet the eligibility criteria, you are welcome to apply again! Please note that due to the high volume of applications we will not provide any feedback on unsuccessful applications.
19. In Support of the UN Sustainable Development Goals
Our mentoring programmes support the UN Sustainable Development Goals. We aim to support our mentees to launch projects of social impact in their countries.
Disclaimer (Please read)
Successful mentees understand and accept that the purpose of providing mentoring is to support their decision making process with diversity of perspectives and not to provide advice on decisions the mentee may or may not take. Our mentoring support does not represent financial, management, consultancy or any other professional form of advice. Information and insights provided during the mentoring programmes are based on the individual's personal journey and professional career and the mentee should use their own judgement at all times.
Mentors are selected by the GTF executive team and drawn from the ranks of the GTF membership/network. GTF introduces the mentee to the mentor.
Whilst GTF has taken all care to ensure mentors are appropriately qualified to fulfill the role of a career mentor, GTF does not accept responsibility or liability for any act, advice, omission or error on the part of the mentor and any advice given as part of this programme.
Where the mentoring relationship is not functioning as desired by either or both parties, the mentor and the mentee have the right to terminate the relationship at any time. Neither party shall have any claim against the other or against GTF in respect of any matter arising from the relationship.
The mentor is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of any information provided to the mentee. The mentee is advised to take suitable independent professional advice before acting on any information, suggestion, or guidance given by the GTF mentor. The programme is voluntary.
The mentor will not, in any circumstances, be liable to the mentee or to any third party for any loss, damage, cost or other liability which occurs as a result of, or in connection with providing mentoring services to the mentee.
The organising entity will not, in any circumstances, be liable to the mentee or to any third party for any loss, damage, cost or other liability which occurs as a result of, or in connection with providing mentoring services to the mentee.
Participating mentors and mentees agree to indemnify and hold harmless the operators of this website and our mentoring programmes from any and all claims, suits, actions or proceedings of any kind arising out of, or in connection with, any advice or guidance given in relation to these programmes.
If it is brought to our attention that a mentor or a mentee has provided false information or operates against the guidelines, code of ethics and principles of GTF, he or she will be immediately removed from the programmes. GTF is not obliged to provide details on this decision.
Mentees who have participated in a programme or cycle are not eligible to participate again.
GTF retains the right to publish the profiles, interviews and quotes of mentors and mentees participating in its programmes.
All participants in the Global Thinkers Forum and Global Thinkers Mentors programmes acknowledge and accept the above.