Rather than traditional long-form mentoring, this workshop focused on short, structured “mini mentoring” conversations, a format that demonstrated just how powerful even brief exchanges can be.

Participants took part in two rounds of mentoring practice, working in pairs and switching roles between mentor and mentee. Each round guided participants through three key stages:

• Listening – practicing full attention and creating space for the speaker to explore their thoughts
• Asking open questions – encouraging reflection through curiosity-led conversation
• Reflecting together – sharing insights and deepening understanding

This structure was rooted in three core pillars of effective mentoring highlighted during the session:

• Active listening
• Asking open, thoughtful questions
• Sharing experience without trying to “fix”

Together, these elements helped participants build confidence in having meaningful conversations and discover how mentoring can unlock clarity, insight, and new perspectives.

Meaningful Conversations in Action

Throughout the workshop, the room quickly filled with lively discussion as participants explored topics ranging from creative challenges and career transitions to new project ideas and personal goals.

The speed mentoring format created a unique energy where connections could form quickly, ideas could flow freely, and participants could learn from a diverse range of perspectives across different disciplines.

By the end of the session, many had not only practised mentoring skills but also built new connections and gained practical insights they could immediately apply in their personal and professional journeys.

Participant Feedback

The response to the workshop was overwhelmingly positive, with participants highlighting both the structure and the atmosphere as key strengths:

“This workshop is very helpful, would definitely like to engage with future opportunities.”

This feedback reflects the appetite for more accessible, low-pressure ways to engage with mentoring, particularly formats that make it easy to get involved, regardless of prior experience.

About Creative Edinburgh

Creative Edinburgh supports the city’s creative community to develop and thrive. With over 6,500 members, they are the biggest membership organisation for creatives in Scotland and their diverse membership comes from right across the creative industries. Their mission is to unite and support artists, practitioners, makers and small creative businesses across Edinburgh. They do this by providing a huge range of vital services, from mentoring, advocacy, professional development and training to networking, peer learning and knowledge exchange through their events programme and digital platforms.

Looking Ahead

This workshop was a fantastic example of how mentoring can be made accessible, inclusive, and impactful through innovative formats like speed mentoring.

We’re excited to continue creating opportunities like this, bringing people together to share knowledge, build confidence, and grow supportive networks across Scotland.

If you’re interested in future training, workshops, or mentoring opportunities, subscribe to our newsletter and join our Friends of Equate community to stay tuned for upcoming events.