1. SOL2LEAD.CA
SOLDIER MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
Christopher Baird Hennebery

2. SOL2LEAD.CA
GUIDING PRINCIPAL
The military is heavily influence by the mentorship process. Our goal is to extend
mentorship beyond the military career and assist with transitioning soldiers into
successful civilians.
Military: If I say I want to develop a skill or trade, I’m put on a track to
achieve this. There are numerous SMEs available to give direction,
advice and mentorship.
Civilian: Although there are programs to assist with education and
employment post military, there are no programs to line veterans up
with mentors.
Our belief is that education and employment grants without
mentorship and guidance are less successful.

3. SOL2LEAD.CA
WHY IS THIS PROGRAM IMPORTANT?
1. They need our help. There are thousands of young veterans and
soldiers wishing to transition from the military to civilian careers.
Due to cultural and economic conditions, this transition can be
difficult and fraught with challenges unique to ex-military
personnel. By pairing the soldiers with an existing industry leader,
we hope to give them a relevant and valuable advisor who can
help kick-start their career.
2. They are valuable. We have a great deal of money and time
invested in our veterans and reserve soldiers. Their training and
experience are assets that can be transitioned over to civilian
careers to the betterment of the soldier and the company they
eventual find work with. By pairing them with industry leaders we
can educate those organizations on that untapped value and
create a lasting partnership.

4. SOL2LEAD.CA
WHY IS THIS PROGRAM IMPORTANT?
3. They are self-sustaining. Veterans and serving reserve soldiers
who, in time, become mentors to the next generation, close the
loop and create a mentorship legacy. It's our hope that those
soldiers being mentored now will become successful in their
careers and in turn, mentor the next generation.

5. SOL2LEAD.CA
PROGRAM OUTLINE
1. Pairing of veteran/soldier with a senior leader in the industry field
they are wishing to break into
2. Structured group events and one-on-ones between the mentor
and veteran/soldier team
3. Guided action plans and follow-through between the teams
4. Sponsorship, training and internship connecting them with
existing support networks and resources available to them

6. SOL2LEAD.CA
BUSINESS CASE
Dana M, Sgt (retired)
• 3rd Batt, PPCLI: 2 tours in
Afghanistan
• Wants to retrain as Tattoo Artist
Mentor met with Dana and started
working with him on his portfolio. Got
him set up with drawing lessons and
worked with his veterans councilor on
getting him enrolled in a college. Set
Dana up with meetings at three
different tattoo studios
Net result: Dana is enrolled in Langara’s art program, has developed solid
relationships with two master tattoo artists and was given an apprentice position at
one of the shops. He’s now now well on his way to becoming a licensed artist.
Total time: 5hrs over 8 months

7. SOL2LEAD.CA
THIS ISN’T HARD TO GET STARTED
Initial program is easy to set up
Recruit Mentors
•Have at least 10 years experience in your
field of expertise
•Be willing to meet with your mentee and
provide a couple hours a month one-on-one
guidance
•Attend at least one networking event with
your mentee
Recruit Mentees
•Be a serving or retired member of the
Canadian Armed Forces or Rangers
•Be committed to the mentorship program
and open to guidance from your mentor
•Be actively developing your civilian career
or enrolled in a post-secondary education
program
* Level 2 programs like action plans and training would come later
Meetings
• Connect them
• Empower them
• & Follow-through
Sol2Lead
Web Service

8. SOL2LEAD.CA
MEETINGS WOULD HAVE MEANING AND DIRECTION
Our group meetings would have two tracks:
Track 1: Mentoring
• Mentors and mentees would meet
and socialize.
• They’d work on issues and pain
points that are preventing the
mentee from being successful.
• The meetings are 100% practical
Track 2: Leading
• Group leadership meet to discuss
progress on adoption and critical
backing.
• This is essentially the board and
focused on the overall direction of
the initiative.

9. SOL2LEAD.CA
MENTORS NEEDED
• Business Consultants
• Bakers
• Mechanics
• Software Developers
• Contractors
• Fireman
• Policeman
• Pilots
• Big rig operators
• Retailers
• Teachers

10. SOL2LEAD.CA
OUR TEAM

11. SOL2LEAD.CA
SUMMARY
1. The program is easy to set up and is extensible
2. Its self-sustaining and requires very little funding
3. Its needed, wanted and provides immediate value
4. Mentors get to give back and the mentees pay it forward