Mentoring Program

Meet Paul Wearing

Senior Farm Safety Advisor 
AIHS Mentor

Going into the program, what did you hope to get out of it? Are you on track to accomplish your goals?

• I joined the program to enhance safety both personally and professionally, as well as within my workplace. I am on track to achieve my goals.

What do you think the 'secret' is to a good mentoring relationship?

•  I believe the key to a successful mentoring relationship lies in honesty, experience, knowledge, building strong rapport, open communication, and emotional intelligence.

How has mentoring changed your professional or personal life - or for your mentoring match?

• Mentoring has changed me in that it has helped me develop, built my knowledge and experience, provided me with a fresh perspective, and benefited from someone who is more experienced and knowledgeable than myself.

Lastly, what tips or advice would you like to share with those new to mentoring?

• My advice would be to stay opened to the experience, look to make the most of the opportunity, don't hold back, be respectful, and bring your whole self to the party.

Meet Kristine Cotter

Principal Inspector WHSQ
AIHS Mentor

• Yes. My goals are the mentee's goals, focusing on achieving their short-term objectives between meetings.

• Keep it relaxed and conversational. Share your experiences and suggestions without dictating actions. Listen to understand and ensure the mentee feels valued.

How has mentoring changed your professional or personal life - or for your mentoring match?

• Networking and business connections often appreciate seeing my commitment to giving back. This is important to me because my mentors were never part of a formal program—they were individuals I admired, learned from, or observed, whether through conversations, books, or from a distance. Having the opportunity to pay it forward fills me with gratitude and purpose.

Lastly, what tips or advice would you like to share with those new to mentoring?

•  Give it a try—you can always adjust later. Let the mentee set the goals and guide the process. Listen more than you speak; even your everyday experiences might inspire or help in unexpected ways.

Meet Michael Middleton

Managing Director/Principal Consultant
AIHS Mentor

• Yes, we're working it out as we go.

What do you think the 'secret' is to a good mentoring relationship?

•  Building an understanding of each other's perspectives and discovering the reasons behind their decision to participate..

How has mentoring changed your professional or personal life - or for your mentoring match?

• I have been mentoring for many years, though informally, when I encounter WHS professionals in need of support. As a consultant, mentoring naturally aligns with my goal of helping individuals and organisations strive for higher levels of achievement and compliance.

Lastly, what tips or advice would you like to share with those new to mentoring?

•  Be open, listen actively, show faith in the other person, and find simple ways to help them grow. Most importantly, be yourself.