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Careers
Mentorship at Octapharma: Investing in the future
09/05/2025
Our employees
As part of our strategy to remain an employer of choice, Octapharma is encouraging mentorship across the organisation to help foster a culture of growth and development. By empowering senior leaders to guide and inspire the next generation, we continue to prioritise leadership development, talent retention and employee engagement.
Research shows that 70%1 of people who have had a mentor report that the relationship directly influenced their career trajectory, whilst 87% of both mentors and mentees said it helped them build confidence in their roles.2 As former General Electric CEO Jack Welch said, “Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.”
At Octapharma, mentorship plays a crucial role in nurturing both individual and organisational success. To uncover the real impact of this initiative, we asked two mentors – Delphine Vivier, Group Senior Expert Operational Excellence, and Andreas Volk, Head of Virus & Prion Validation – and their mentees – Mario Di Odoardo, Group Associate Engineer Data & AI and Erik Lundberg, Associate Responsible Scientist – a few thought-provoking questions.
This week, we speak with Delphine and Mario. Stay tuned for next week’s conversation with Andreas and Erik.
What motivated you to be part of this mentor-mentee relationship?
Delphine Vivier: I wanted to be a mentor to share some of the experiences which have been passed down to me. But being a mentor also allows me to refine my leadership and communication skills and helps me develop stronger interpersonal management skills. It’s been great to be able to build authentic relationships which transcend traditional professional boundaries, and which are ultimately mutually beneficial.
Mario Di Odoardo: At this stage in my career, and especially after just joining Octapharma, I thought that a mentor could really help me gain more confidence in my work, give me suggestions for improvement, and pointers for my future journey, where needed.
What's the most important thing needed for a successful mentor-mentee relationsip?
Delphine Vivier: Trust is the cornerstone of effective mentor-mentee relationships. Without that foundation of trust, meaningful dialogue can’t flourish. If there is trust, mentees can candidly share their worries, and mentors can provide honest, constructive feedback without reservation. Complementing that trust with active listening and empathy creates a conducive environment for growth and development. This combination establishes a psychologically safe space where both parties can explore ideas, address challenges, and celebrate achievements.
Mario Di Odoardo: I believe that trust is the most important quality for a successful mentor-mentee relationship. Trust allows both parties to feel secure and confident in sharing their thoughts, experiences, and challenges. Additionally, the ability to communicate openly is crucial, as it fosters a supportive environment where constructive feedback and honest discussions can take place. Mutual respect and a willingness to learn from each other are also key elements that contribute to a strong and effective mentoring relationship.
Can you describe a challenging moment in your mentorship journey and how you navigated it?
Delphine Vivier: One significant challenge was establishing a meaningful connection despite differences in professional backgrounds, work environments and geographical locations, which could have presented obstacles to us building a close rapport. By recognising those challenges, we intentionally committed to regular, dedicated sessions which created opportunities to share experiences, gain perspective on each other's professional contexts, and gradually develop the mutual trust necessary for productive mentorship.
Mario Di Odoardo: Initially, I struggled to understand what to focus on and what issues to bring to my mentor's attention. However, after we both worked hard to share our backgrounds and experiences and get to know each other, I overcame that hurdle, and everything improved significantly.
What is one key lesson you've learned from this relationship?
Delphine Vivier: The value of fresh perspectives. My mentee’s insights challenge my assumptions and encourage me to reconsider how I approach various situations. It’s a reminder that we can always learn from others, regardless of their experience.
Mario Di Odoardo: The most valuable lesson I've learned from my mentor is to be proactive. If I believe something isn't going how it was planned, I need to take action and provide feedback.
How do you ensure both parties are contributing to equally to the relationship?
Delphine Vivier: The value of fresh perspectives. My mentee’s insights challenge my assumptions and encourage me to reconsider how I approach various situations. It’s a reminder that we can always learn from others, regardless of their experience.
Mario Di Odoardo: My mentor has never forced me to do or say anything. Her advice consists of suggestions and ways to think differently about something I have done or need to do. Ultimately, I always have the final decision on whether to implement her advice or not. This approach allows me to benefit from her insights while maintaining my autonomy and making decisions that align with my own judgment and goals.
What advice would you give to someone considering starting a mentor-mentee relationship?
Delphine Vivier: Approach mentoring with humility and curiosity. Set clear expectations early, but stay flexible: every mentee’s needs differ. Focus on listening more than speaking, and embrace the mutual learning journey. Celebrate small wins, and don’t be afraid of admitting you don’t have all the answers. The rewards – seeing someone grow and evolving yourself – are deeply fulfilling.
Mario Di Odoardo: My advice is to remember that the relationship is not one-sided; it requires effort and commitment from both parties. It’s important to understand that the relationship needs to be built over time. As mentees, we must do our part by preparing ourselves, knowing what we are looking for, or at least having some ideas. Look for a mentor who is approachable, knowledgeable and willing to invest time in your development. Ensure that there is mutual respect and open communication, as these are key to a successful mentoring relationship.
How has this mentor-mentee relationship changed your perspective on your personal or professional goals?
Delphine Vivier: For me, mentoring has reinforced the value of continuous learning and personal growth. By guiding my mentee, I’ve gained new insights into my own experiences, helping me recognise areas where I can improve. This continually reminds me that success isn’t just about individual achievements; it’s about supporting others and helping them succeed along the way.
Mario Di Odoardo: I don't believe my ambitions have been changed; rather, my mentor has helped me to properly formulate them, and is helping me understand, step by step, where I can improve to achieve those ambitions and goals, and how I can navigate my path forward.
What's the best way to ensure that this mentor-mentee relationship is sustainable and continues to grow? What are your expectations for the future of this mentorship?
Delphine Vivier: For me, mentoring has reinforced the value of continuous learning and personal growth. By guiding my mentee, I’ve gained new insights into my own experiences, helping me recognise areas where I can improve. This continually reminds me that success isn’t just about individual achievements; it’s about supporting others and helping them succeed along the way.
Mario Di Odoardo: To keep the mentor-mentee relationship dynamic and effective, I need to regularly set clear goals, be open to feedback, maintain consistent communication, and express gratitude for my mentor’s contributions. I believe that this approach fosters a positive and supportive environment, encouraging continued collaboration and mutual respect.