From Mentoring Match to New Colleagues: The Haileybury Leaders Mentoring Programme.

We spoke to recent mentor–mentee pair Sofia Tseliou (current parent) and Adam Emam (Thomason, 2021)  to explore how the Haileybury Leaders Mentoring Programme helped shape career goals, strengthen confidence and even spark a professional connection that now thrives within the same infrastructure consulting firm.

When Adam joined the Leaders Mentoring Programme, he was partway through his university degree and unsure which area of architecture to pursue. “I was looking for some guidance from a professional in the industry,” he explains. “I’d never had that kind of support before, so the idea of being matched with an experienced mentor really appealed to me.”

Soon after joining, Adam was paired with Sofia, a practising architect who saw the programme as a meaningful way to give back. “Mentors have played an important role throughout my career,” she says. “They helped me broaden my perspective, build confidence and navigate key decisions, so this was a valuable opportunity to offer that same support to someone else, while also learning from their fresh ideas and different experiences.”

Their meetings took place regularly, usually once a month, with flexibility to suit Adam’s schedule. “We kept the structure informal, focusing on updates about his university progress, discussing any challenges, exploring his aspirations and identifying practical next steps.” says Sofia, “We also reviewed his CV and design portfolio to ensure he would be well prepared to apply for suitable career opportunities when the right timing arose.”

Adam’s perspective

For Adam, Sofia’s experience within the industry provided valuable clarity. “She was very supportive from the beginning, providing me with clear information about the industry as well as insight into her own experiences and background,” he shares. “One key piece of advice which stuck with me was about what leading firms look for in a graduate. She helped me understand that in architecture it’s not just about grades, but the technical skills you bring and your willingness to keep learning.”

As their relationship developed, Sofia helped Adam refine his CV and portfolio, encouraging him to treat both as creative expressions of his personality and design style. “Unlike many other industries, architecture students are encouraged to design unique CVs to showcase our creativity and flair,” Adam explains. “Sofia helped me by being a creative critic to my CV, helping me lay out all the relevant information I would need in a concise, readable document.”

Sofia’s reflections

For Sofia, watching Adam’s progress was both rewarding and inspiring. “One of the most noticeable moments was when Adam began to speak more confidently about his own design work, his love for music and ideas,” she says. “There was a turning moment when he advised me that he would like to focus on his music career prior to deciding if he would like to pursue a career in the building industry. From my point of view, that was an important moment to be supported even though it was not my field of expertise. It is important to support mentees in exploring their own passions and making decisions that are authentic to them, rather than steering them toward a predefined path.”

Later, when Adam decided to apply for a role at Sofia’s infrastructure consulting firm AECOM, Sofia was delighted to see his growth come full circle. “I was delighted when Adam contacted me asking to apply for a role in AECOM,” she says. “Seeing him take the informed decision to explore the building industry and apply what we had discussed, was a clear sign of his development. It was especially rewarding to see him recognise his own potential and that he has multiple talents and options.”

New beginnings, shared success

Adam now prepares to start his new role at AECOM, where Sofia also works, and reflects on the excitement of joining a familiar environment. “It is exciting! Although we won’t be working in the same departments, I am grateful there will be a friendly face at work,” he says. “It is good to know that I have an extra person who may be able to support me whilst I am integrating into the workplace. I’m also thrilled at the possibility of working alongside Sofia on future projects.”

For Sofia, that transition from mentor–mentee to professional peers is a highlight of her mentoring experience. “It’s incredibly rewarding and a proud moment to now have Adam join the company as a colleague,” she adds. “Seeing his journey from mentee to team member is a testament to his hard work and commitment. It also reinforces the value of the Leadership Mentoring Programme in creating meaningful opportunities.”

Why get involved?

Both Adam and Sofia encourage others to take part in the Leaders Mentoring Programme.

Adam shares: “Even if you don’t fully understand what you want to get out of it, it is a great way to meet someone in your industry informally. They can help you understand all the possible opportunities in your field and provide their experiences to help inform you of what possibly may be ahead

Sofia agrees: “Mentoring is a genuinely rewarding experience that benefits both the mentee and the mentor. You have the opportunity to make a real difference in someone’s confidence and career direction, while also developing your own communication skills. It’s also a chance to gain fresh perspectives and build meaningful professional relationships. The impact can be far greater than initially might be expected.” 

Interested in seeing what the Haileybury Leaders Programme could do for you?
Mentees can apply to register their interest for the 2027 cycle here

If you’d like to give back and become a mentor, contact the team at association@haileybury.com