Mentor: Eugene Coscarelli

Current job title: EHS national manager, Glen Carron Pty Ltd

Q: Tell us about your current role, education and career history?

I have worked for a number of different organisations in a variety of human resources positions over the past 25 years. During the past 15 years of my career, I have mainly had senior roles and been part of the organisational lead team. My career passion is creating or improving business management system architecture and working with the organisation to reach the next level of excellence, as part of a continuous improvement model. I am also working toward my MBA.

Q: What was your mentor/mentee relationship like?

The challenge for us was that we were quite a distance apart. Naomi and I committed to the principles of mentoring straight away, as we wanted this to succeed. We immediately put in place a plan where we would discuss a range of topics and found that there were quite a few. We revised our schedules and held weekly teleconferences that were both rewarding and challenging. I wanted Naomi to consider things from a different perspective and, most of all, to learn more about who she is and consider her career path as part of her journey through life.

Q: Have you learnt anything from Naomi?

I came into this program hoping that I would learn as well as share knowledge. The journey is an experience I have enjoyed and would most certainly do again. Naomi has taught me to consider different perspectives about particular issues and inspired me in a number of ways to develop in other areas. 

Mentee: Naomi Potts

Current job title: HR advisor, Wesfarmers Industrial and Safety

Q: What did you get out of the mentoring experience?

Euge and I developed a strong friendship throughout the course of the mentoring program. We challenged each other to think and work outside our comfort zone and were both determined to be flexible with our approach so we could get the most out of the 12 months. Once we had worked through my initial goals, we were able to refocus and set new goals for the remainder of the program.

Q: What is your dream HR job?

I’m currently working in an human resources generalist role,  but I’d like my next role to be an HR management position or something where I can specialise in either industrial relations or remuneration and benefits.

Q: What advice would you give to a mentee completing the program?

Be clear about what you want to achieve by participating in the program. Expect to be pushed and challenged. Enjoy it!

This article is an edited version. The full article was first published in the August 2015 issue of HRMonthly magazine as ‘Mentor.Mentee’. AHRI members receive HRMonthly 11 times per year as part of their membership. Find out more about AHRI membership here.