29 Oct The Benefits of Executive Mentorship
Brett Koch, Vice President at a leading biopharma company and Chris Clark, retired President & COO of Dentsply International, discuss the long-term benefits of executive mentorship. They share how their mentoring relationship, helped Brett further develop his leadership skills, build trust, and achieve personal and professional growth.
Key Leadership Development Areas
Together, Chris and Brett identified several crucial skills that executive leaders must develop, particularly in cross-functional roles:
- Empathy: Understanding the concerns and motivations of colleagues and team members.
- Connectivity: Building meaningful, non-transactional relationships within and outside the organization.
- Vulnerability: Sharing challenges openly to build trust and deepen relationships.
“Leadership is a collection of micro-moments, and building trust is essential to making those moments count.”
Key Takeaways for Leaders
- Step out of your comfort zone: Personal growth requires embracing discomfort.
- Invest in meaningful relationships: Success depends on building trust and strong connections.
- Focus on self-awareness: Understand how your actions impact others.
- Commit to mentorship: Both mentors and mentees grow through authentic relationships.
Why Menttium Mentorship is Powerful
- Mentoring relationships outside the company offer objective, unbiased feedback.
- Brett initially had concerns about structured mentoring but saw significant value in discussing challenges without corporate filters.
- Chris’s guidance focused on helping Brett develop leadership skills that complemented his strategic thinking, from navigating organizational dynamics to influencing senior leaders.
- Brett applied these insights to develop his team and strengthen interdepartmental collaboration. As an effective leader, he was promoted to a broader role and has successfully led his team through a major acquisition.
The Long-Term Impact of Mentorship
Brett and Chris highlight that the benefits of mentorship extend beyond time bound programs. Even after their official Executive Mentoring program ended, Chris remains available for continued guidance. Both Chris and Brett emphasize the importance of self-awareness and trust as essential components of leadership. Their original partnership launched during the pandemic in 2020 and they remain as trusted advisors today.
About Chris Clark
Chris Clark brings over 30 years of leadership experience across brand management, general management, and executive roles. He began his career with Procter & Gamble before spending 25 years at Dentsply International, the world’s largest manufacturer of professional dental products. During his tenure at Dentsply, Chris led teams across the globe, overseeing $4 billion in sales, 16,000 employees. For the last 11 years of his career, Chris served as President & COO and CFO, guiding the company’s strategic growth. Now retired, he devotes his time to mentoring and coaching younger executives, offering wisdom and support to help others thrive in their personal and professional journeys.
About Brett Koch
Brett Koch brings a unique blend of biology and business expertise to his role as Vice President at a leading biopharma company. After starting his academic journey in biology, Brett pivoted from pre-med to business, setting the stage for a dynamic career that spans consulting and corporate strategy.
Brett began his career in management consulting, working with a variety of industries for six years before earning his MBA from the University of Chicago, where he deepened his knowledge in economics, marketing, and strategy. He returned to consulting with a focus on corporate strategy, due diligence, M&A, and operating models, gradually honing in on the healthcare sector. Brett has led the development of a strategy team within a biopharma company in Chicago, later expanding his role under R&D leadership. Following an acquisition, Brett now serves as Vice President in a larger biopharma organization, leveraging his cross-industry experience to drive innovation and growth.