Episode 21: Everybody Needs A Mentor

Our guest today is David Clutterbuck, who is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of modern coaching and mentoring.

Over a career spanning more than fifty years, he has helped shape the profession, authored more than 80 books, contributed to countless research projects, founded professional bodies, and through Clutterbuck Coaching and Mentoring International has influenced the development of well over a million coaches and mentors around the world.

So what is he focusing on now?

The answer isn’t another leadership framework, accreditation or executive programme. It’s much more intriguing… David is helping establish a foundation with the ambitious goal of equipping five million schoolchildren around the world with coaching and mentoring skills.

Because of a career spent studying how people learn, grow and lead, he believes many of the capabilities we associate with great leadership are being developed far too late.

Listening. Questioning. Empathy. Reflection. Helping others think for themselves.

These are skills we often try to cultivate once people become managers. But it needs to begin much earlier.

This fascinating conversation explores the evolution of coaching and mentoring, the role of curiosity in lifelong learning, the value of reflective space, the opportunities presented by AI, and why helping people think for themselves remains at the heart of great coaching, mentoring and leadership.

This episode offers a rare opportunity to hear from someone who has helped shape an entire profession and who is still asking what comes next.