Mentoring Programs in the Workplace for Brown-Forman

Situation and Challenges

Brown-Forman, makers of Jack Daniel’s whiskey and many other brands of liquor and wine, sold its products to a diverse, global population. Its senior leadership didn’t reflect that diversity, mostly comprised of persons of a similar race, religion, age, nationality, and gender. Senior leadership ranks for the company of 8,000 employees included one woman and no minorities. The firm wanted to help employees advance their careers and to increase diversity among senior management. It also wanted to encourage top talent to move to Louisville, Kentucky, and join the company. It was clear they needed to encourage more mentoring programs in the workplace.

Solution

We met with the leadership team, along with a committee of diverse employees, for six months. That information formed the foundation of a comprehensive mentoring program, which included:

Testing a pilot program
Choosing mentors
Training mentors
Selecting protégés for mentoring
Measuring the program’s effectiveness

Approximately 90% of the firm’s executives chose to be mentors, and the number of employees who volunteered for mentoring increased every year. The careers and opinions of mentored employees was compared with a similar group of employees who were not mentored, tracking career progress and other key factors. We managed every aspect of the program, including marketing the program to employees, adjusting the program based on participant feedback, continually expanding the program, and measuring and analyzing the results.

Results

There were significant, positive differences in career advancement and job assignments among the group that experienced the mentoring programs in the workplace. Employee surveys showed much higher levels of job satisfaction for both mentors and protégés. The program has become a powerful recruiting tools for the company, and women and minorities now comprise about 20% of executives. The program was so successful that it received the Athena Award for Excellence in Mentoring two years in a row, and it has been a core part of the company’s operations for 20 years.

“

The service provided by Lindenberger Group is an invaluable resource to ensure staff retention and fiscal responsibility. Don’t go it alone. Trust the professionals who will get the job done with the accuracy one needs when running an organization.
–CEO, WOMEN AWARE, INC

”

“

While working with Judy over this past year, she has exhibited great expertise while assisting us with various projects. She is extremely knowledgeable about HR laws and regulations. She also shows dedication to her work and always keeps us promptly informed of any legal changes.
–PRESIDENT AND CEO, VISIONARY BRANDS, INC.

”

“

We initially engaged Lindenberger Group to support a small ILT project and were very pleased with their work. Then, we engaged them to support several follow up L&D initiatives, and one was quite complex. Judy and her team were great listeners and marvelous collaborators. We look forward to a long, fruitful relationship with Lindenberger Group.
–DIRECTOR OF WORKPLACE LEARNING, CUNY SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES

”

“

My most recent experience with Lindenberger Group exhibited, once again, first class delivery of consulting services which included design of the entire project, phone interviews with several executives, a synopsis with recommendations, and an articulate, easy to follow listing of next steps. Thanks again for all your help! We’ll be calling on you soon!
–SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, BROWN-FORMAN CORPORATION

”

“

I contracted with Judy to serve as an executive coach for senior business leaders for more than eight years. I consistently heard that her coaching was insightful, targeted, and practical. Judy’s ability to build trusting relationships was augmented by her capacity to understand an organization’s culture. Her actions resulting in improved performance for everyone she coached.
–DIRECTOR OF EXECUTIVE LEARNING, HORIZON BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD

”

“

Judy and her team have taken over our HR functions with amazing results. In addition to HR, Judy's team is providing training and coaching for all employees most notably, supervisors. Our organization has improved greatly and continues to improve daily!
–BUSINESS MANAGER, IUOE LOCAL 825

”

Brown-Forman

Situation and Challenges

Solution

Results

Let’s talk

Find out how Lindenberger Group can benefit you!

-Judith Lindenberger