Professional Mentoring Programme: An interview with Bidjan Nashat

At the Hertie School, our commitment to nurturing future leaders extends beyond the classroom. Our Professional Mentoring Programme is a cornerstone of this mission. Connecting first- and second-year master’s students with seasoned professionals from the private, public and third sectors, the programme spans one year and provides a fulfilling learning experience for both mentees and mentors.

Today, we are excited to highlight the impactful work of Bidjan Nashat, a Hertie School alum (Master of Public Policy 2007) who has been a dedicated mentor for the past five years. As the co-founder of PotentialU, former CEO of Atlas Corps, and former Member of the Executive Team of Save the Children, Bidjan has mentored Hertie students, guiding them toward clarity and confidence in their career paths. 

In an interview, Bidjan shared his insights into the transformative power of mentorship. He emphasised the value of helping mentees define their goals and take concrete steps toward achieving them. This process not only benefits the students but also enhances Bidjan’s skills as a leader and mentor.

What was the most valuable outcome of the programme for you?

For me, the most valuable outcome over the past years of mentoring has been to see mentees increase their clarity about what they want to achieve and their confidence in making tangible steps toward it. Taking the time and discipline to write down goals and engaging with someone more experienced who has been in their shoes can create a safe environment to share where they struggle. I myself have benefited from strengthening my listening skills as a coach and mentor. After each session, you ask yourself: "Have I listened to what is being communicated between the lines?" and "Have I asked the right questions?" This has made me a better manager. 

How much time do you contribute to mentoring?

I usually set up a monthly check-in after a few sessions where my mentee and I develop goals and get to know each other. As a CEO, I started a listening tour to engage with all the young professionals we served directly. So, I just extended my calendar programme to Hertie’s mentoring programme, which made it very easy to connect regularly. But I also tailor the schedule to my mentee’s needs. With my last mentee, we agreed in the spring that she did not need me anymore. She was thriving in her career plan and had gained confidence in herself and what she brings to the table. Those are the moments that make your mentoring journey more than worthwhile.

How can mentees and mentors get the most out of the programme?

One of my favourite leadership writers, Marcus Buckingham, once said: "Clarity is the antidote to anxiety, and therefore clarity is the preoccupation of the effective leader. If you do nothing else as a leader, be clear." I've struggled with that in my own leadership journey because having hard conversations is not always comfortable. But to get the most out of any role, including the mentorship programme, my recommendation is to be as clear as possible about your expectations and how you will work together. Remember that this is valuable time; it's not a random chat but a structured programme that has goals and needs a plan on paper and work to reach those goals. Once you have your plan, create a safe space by being vulnerable about your own struggles in your leadership journey and how you relate to each other. To me, that's the combination that always works.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Bidjan Nashat and all our mentors who make the Hertie School’s mentorship programme possible. Their dedication and expertise are invaluable resources for our students, helping to shape the leaders of tomorrow.

If you're interested in becoming a mentor, please reach out to Career Development by 25 August. The team will match you with a mentee and provide guidelines on structuring your meetings throughout the year. The programme kicks off every September and runs for one year.