Last Thursday, 5 February, the Official Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Belgium and Luxembourg organized, in collaboration with its benefactor member Santander Asset Management, a Speed Mentoring event in the framework of its “Women Who Inspire” project.

This innovative format brought together 24 women from different sectors and with diverse professional backgrounds, who took on the roles of mentors and mentees. The session was opened by the Chamber’s Secretary General, Marta González, who welcomed the participants and explained the dynamics of the event. She was followed by Amaya Martínez, CEO of Santander Asset Management, who highlighted the importance of creating spaces where emerging talent can find role models, guidance and advice to support their professional and personal development.

Following this introduction, and over the course of approximately one hour, participants engaged in fast-paced and dynamic five-minute meetings. To facilitate meaningful exchanges and make the most of each conversation, the participants were provided with a set of guiding questions designed to explore key aspects of their professional paths, interests and challenges. Although brief, these meetings enabled the mentees to gain a clear understanding of how each mentor’s experience, background and perspective could serve as a valuable source of guidance and support for their professional growth, while also establishing an initial personal connection between both parties.

Once the Speed Mentoring phase had concluded, participants enjoyed a networking cocktail that allowed them to continue and deepen the conversations initiated earlier. The cocktail, kindly offered by Santander Asset Management, was catered by Macellum.

This event marked the first of a series of three meetings. Following this initial contact and the exchange of professional journeys, experiences and expectations, mentors and mentees will be paired in mentoring relationships to be further developed in future sessions, with the aim of continuing to foster professional development, the sharing of experiences and the creation of networks among women leaders and young professionals.

In collaboration with: