Clerk John Hannaford Welcomes New Cohort of Lifting as you Lead Mentoring Circle Participants - Building Community Through Mentorship: The LLMC Program

November 21, 2024 - Defence Stories

Estimated read time – 2:00

The Lifting as you Lead Mentoring Circles (LLMC) program is building community and thousands of inclusive leaders through mentorship.

Organized annually by the Diversity and Inclusion Office, Materiel Group, National Defence, LLMC is the largest group mentoring initiative in the public sector. Now in its fourth year, the 10-week program launched on September 17, 2024, bringing together 1,100 participants from 60 organizations. The event featured opening remarks by John Hannaford, Clerk of the Privy Council, and Masterclass Teachers Richard Sharpe and Gérard Étienne, setting the stage for a transformative experience.

Wisdom from the Clerk: Advancing Careers Through Mentorship

Clerk John Hannaford emphasized the importance of mentorship in shaping leaders and transforming workplace culture. He called for strategic efforts to bridge gaps between current realities and aspirational goals, focusing on fostering safe, inclusive environments. Drawing from his 30-year career, Hannaford highlighted the value of interpersonal relationships and leveraging diverse expertise. He encouraged participants to actively seek mentoring opportunities and build connections that enhance career growth and collaboration.

Insights from Masterclass Teachers

Richard Sharpe spotlighted the ongoing challenges of racism, ableism, and sexism in the workplace. His Masterclass on values and ethics underscored the need for continuous learning and systemic change to address discrimination. While acknowledging fatigue around human rights discussions, Sharpe emphasized engaging approaches to maintain momentum and highlighted the mental health impacts of inequity.

Gérard Étienne provided a critical analysis of the public service's staffing regime, noting persistent barriers for Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, and Black employees, particularly at senior levels. He stressed the importance of sponsorship in breaking these barriers and urged leaders to leverage programs like LLMC to create more equitable opportunities.

Looking Ahead

LLMC’s fourth cohort represents a renewed commitment to mentorship, leadership, and inclusion. By building connections and fostering collective effort, the program creates a thriving environment where all public service members can realize their potential. Through initiatives like LLMC, organizations are paving the way for a more inclusive and effective workforce.

More to read from the Diversity and Inclusion Office

• Planting the Seeds of the Future: A Conversation with Indigenous Thought Leader Bob Joseph
• Spotlight on Co-Conspirators for Positive Change – Insights from the Ask Me Anything Series
• Ask Me Anything: Reconnecting with identity: A courageous conversation in honour of National Indigenous History Month