The WISE Mentor Circle Program, now in its fourth year, provides an opportunity for Partner Members to network with a diverse group of industry counterparts. Our program connects thought leaders from varied positions in the Store Brands industry and provides a forum where diversity and leadership topics are explored.
“With an ever-changing landscape, now – more than ever – we need diversity of thought, background and perspective,” states Mentor Circle Member Mark Fields of SunMaid. “The benefit of embracing the concept of diversity affords teams the opportunity to rise to new challenges more holistically in ways that opens groups to new ways of thinking, behaving, and addressing hurdles and opportunities, alike. While it may challenge ‘norms’, it is essential in its celebration of evaluating circumstances from all angles and truly brings a fresher, more relevant and more well-informed approach. Most importantly, it elevates the practice of collective empowerment and gives a voice where historically there may have been none.”
In 2020, WISE is hosting seven Circles with 42 members. Six Circles are all-female while the seventh circle is co-ed. Each Circle has a volunteer leader that serves as the group adviser and point person. Virtual meetings are held each month featuring topics chosen by Circle Members and using content from InPower Coaching (www.InPowerCoaching.com), a Partner benefit site. To further strengthen individual leadership skills, each Circle meeting is led by a Circle Member. Polly Rowland, one of our Circle leaders, commented “Each time we meet, I am impressed by how our circle shows up and engages. Each member participates and contributes. It’s always a productive hour!”
If you are interested in joining a Mentor Circle in 2020, WISE will be hosting a Pop-Up Circle in September. The Pop-Up Circle will meet four times, once per week and is open to all WISE members, regardless of Partner status. To sign up for the Pop-Up Circle or get more information on our 2021 full year program, please e-mail Judy Clark, Talent Committee Chair, at Judy.Clark@freshfromtx.com.