Almost all of those surveyed – 98 per cent - who took part in the 2015 pilot Global Mentorship Programme found it ‘very successful’ or ‘successful,’ according to a new report released by the programme, and 100 per cent of participants said they believe the programme benefits the spa industry.

Jean-Guy de Gabriac, president of Tip Touch International and co-chair of the programme, spoke about it at GWS.

“Therapists and receptionists can get training, but there’s normally no budget to help spa managers,” said de Gabriac. “We developed the mentorship programme to make spa managers better leaders.”

Sixteen mentors and 33 mentees took part in the 2015 pilot mentorship programme, and De Gabriac expects the 2016 programme to grow to include 50 mentors and 100 mentees across more than 30 countries. He said the mentorship programme provides handbooks to both mentors and metees to be sure they both know what’s expected of them in the programme.

When asked to assess their effectiveness in areas such as leadership and management, strategic planning, human resources, and priority management, 77 per cent of mentors reported that their mentees are better leaders due to their participation and 97 per cent of mentees said they are more effective thanks to the programme.

The full report, including reflections from participants in last year's programme, can be read online here.