Frequently Asked Questions

Mentoring and coaching are related but distinct. Coaching typically focuses on developing specific skills or behaviours and is generally more structured and goal-directed. Mentoring is a broader advisory relationship in which an experienced practitioner provides guidance, perspective, and support across a range of situations.

At Meridian, our executive mentoring engagements are structured and goal-informed, but they allow for the kind of open, discursive conversation that is appropriate for senior leadership challenges — which rarely fit neatly into a coaching framework.

Our mentoring clients are typically senior managers, directors, or executives who are navigating a transition, facing a complex challenge, or simply seeking the kind of honest, independent counsel that is difficult to access from within their organisation or peer networks.

There is no single profile. Clients range from first-time chief executives to experienced board members entering new contexts.

Most mentoring engagements run for six to twelve months. Shorter engagements (three to six months) are possible where the scope is well-defined. We occasionally work with clients on an ongoing basis over several years where the relationship continues to add value.

The most common rhythm is monthly — one session of ninety minutes to two hours per month. Some clients prefer fortnightly sessions, particularly in the early stages of an engagement or during periods of particular pressure. We agree the format at the outset and review it at the mid-engagement point.

We take on strategic advisory assignments where an external, independent perspective genuinely adds value. This typically includes strategy reviews, organisational design assessments, leadership team effectiveness reviews, and governance advisory work.

We do not take on large-scale implementation or programme management work — our strengths lie in analysis, facilitation, and advisory support rather than execution.

We discuss the nature and scope of each assignment in detail before agreeing anything. Most engagements are priced on a fixed-fee basis, agreed in advance, so that clients have complete clarity about commitment. We do not charge by the hour for advisory work.

We are happy to discuss budget constraints openly — we would rather structure an engagement that is genuinely affordable and useful than propose something that strains the relationship.

Yes. A significant part of our practice involves smaller organisations and not-for-profits. We adjust our approach and our fee structures to reflect what is appropriate for the organisation, and we do not reserve our best work for our largest clients.

We will respond to all enquiries within two working days. For most enquiries, we suggest a brief initial call — typically twenty to thirty minutes — to understand your situation and discuss whether we might be a good fit. There is no obligation at this stage, and we will tell you honestly if we think another provider might serve you better.

Confidentiality is fundamental to our practice. Nothing discussed in the context of a mentoring engagement is shared outside our firm without the explicit consent of the client. For consulting work, we agree the terms of confidentiality formally at the engagement outset.

We never discuss client names or situations in public forums, publications, or presentations. The case studies on this website are published with client permission and with identifying details adjusted.

You will be introduced to your adviser before any engagement begins, and you will work with that same adviser throughout. We do not transfer engagements to other advisers without your agreement. If, for any reason, a change is necessary, we will discuss it with you directly and in advance.

Yes. All of our services are available in fully virtual format. We use whatever video conferencing platform your organisation prefers, and our experience since 2021 has given us a well-developed approach to effective virtual mentoring and facilitation.

For some engagements — particularly longer-term mentoring — we recommend at least occasional in-person sessions where geography allows.

Our practice spans a wide range of sectors, including financial services, professional services, technology, healthcare and the NHS, education, infrastructure, retail, and not-for-profit. We have particular depth in financial services, professional services, and public sector organisations.

We do not claim to be sector specialists in every area, but our advisers bring genuine experience of the sectors in which they practise, and we are transparent about this when it is relevant.