SFNet’s Mentoring Program has long served as a national member benefit, connecting more than 200 mentoring pairs and supporting professionals as they develop new skills, expand their networks, and advance their careers.

Building on that success, SFNet is introducing a new Reverse Mentoring Program designed to foster two-way learning, strengthen cross-generational connections, and help leaders at every level gain fresh perspectives on the future of secured finance.

Conventional mentoring focuses on experienced professionals sharing knowledge with those earlier in their careers; reverse mentoring recognizes that leadership, innovation, and insight exist at every stage of a professional journey.

The program co-chairs are Boudewijn Smit and Eunice Kepka, active members of SFNet’s Emerging Leaders community and co-chairs of the 2026 Emerging Leaders Conference.

“Throughout my career, I’ve benefited most from colleagues who challenged my assumptions rather than confirmed them. Reverse mentoring creates space for those conversations, regardless of title or seniority, and that’s invaluable,” said Smit.

The program is further strengthened by Terry Keating, business head of Valley National Business Credit and former chair of SFNet’s traditional Mentoring Program, who serves as a strategic advisor.

As I reviewed applications from professionals across our industry, it became obvious this is more than another mentoring initiative. Traditional mentoring remains essential, but reverse mentoring creates conversations that bridge generations, encourage curiosity, and prepare leaders for a rapidly evolving business environment.

Why Reverse Mentoring Matters Today

The secured finance industry has always been relationship driven. Trust, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing remain fundamental to our success, even as artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and a multi-generational workforce reshape how we work.

Harvard Business Review authors Jennifer Jordan and Michael Sorell describe reverse mentoring as a leadership strategy that helps executives gain fresh perspectives on technology, workplace trends, and younger generations while strengthening collaboration, innovation, and inclusive leadership.

Perhaps most importantly, reverse mentoring reminds us that effective leadership is not about having all the answers, it is about asking better questions.

Listening to the Next Generation

Executive applicants consistently expressed interest in learning more about AI, digital transformation, and the changing workplace. Emerging leaders emphasized that technology should enhance—not replace—the relationships that define our industry.

Leadership Is No Longer One-Way

Traditional mentoring develops future leaders. Reverse mentoring complements that tradition by recognizing that learning flows in both directions. Emerging leaders gain confidence and executive exposure, while senior leaders gain candid insights into evolving technologies and workplace expectations.

Investing in the Future of Secured Finance

The 11-week SFNet Reverse Mentoring Program brings together emerging leaders and senior executives in a structured two-way mentoring experience. Applications are open through August 28, 2026, with the program beginning September 15, 2026.

Program information: https://www.sfnet.com/home/events/event-detail/2026/09/15/default-calendar/mentoring-program-fall-2026

Application: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=PB_mDCQ8PE68YnyaZvLpqRsJPDIwB8dNnySK_oeEV61UMDlRRFlBQkg2WVZKUldUWkdPSzA2QVI0Ty4u

Looking Ahead

Every generation has something to teach. The organizations that will thrive over the next decade will intentionally combine experience with fresh perspectives, technological fluency, and continuous learning. Reverse mentoring is more than a leadership program, it is an investment in the future of secured finance.

Reference

Jordan, J., & Sorell, M. (2019). Why Reverse Mentoring Works and How to Do It Right. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2019/10/why-reverse-mentoring-works-and-how-to-do-it-right