Why Mentorship Is the Most Underrated HR Strategy | Lisa Fain

This episode is sponsored by ‘Deel: Your Forever People Platform’.

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What if the key to transforming your culture, retaining top talent, and driving inclusion isn’t another DEI initiative.

But a better mentoring strategy?

In this episode of the HR L&D Podcast, Nick Day is joined by Lisa Fain, CEO of the Center for Mentoring Excellence and co-author of Bridging Differences for Better Mentoring. Together, they unpack how mentoring, when done right, can become the most powerful tool in your leadership and talent strategy.

Lisa shares practical frameworks for building high-impact mentoring programs, avoiding the “pair and pray” trap, and designing mentorships that thrive across differences in identity, background, and culture. You’ll learn why mentoring is especially crucial for Millennial and Gen Z retention, how to train mentors for success, and what most companies get wrong when trying to scale mentoring initiatives.

If you’re serious about creating a more inclusive, engaged, and future-ready workforce—this episode is your blueprint.

Connect with Nick Day: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/

Connect with Lisa Fain: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisazfain/

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(00:00) Intro

(01:35) Meet Lisa Fain

(04:06) Coaching vs. Mentoring: Key Differences  

(08:23) Using Mentoring to Attract & Retain Talent  

(10:55) Mentorship as a Practical DEI Strategy  

(12:55) Building High-Impact Mentoring Programs  

(20:52) Common Mistakes in Mentorship Program Design  

(27:02) How to Build Trust and Openness in Mentoring  

(30:31) Making Mentorship Inclusive and Accessible  

(33:46) How to Start a Mentorship Program  

(37:39) One Piece of Advice for HR Leaders  

(41:32) The Future of Work & Mentoring