Mentoring at the Margins: Supporting Untapped Talent in Supply Chain
In warehouses, back offices and depot canteens across the country, there’s talent in supply chain quietly getting the job done. People solving problems, keeping things moving, making customers happy without making a fuss.
But how often do we really see them?
After more than 30 years working in leadership across retail, logistics and supply chain, from Tesco and Sainsbury’s to Vodafone and B&M, I’ve learned this: some of the most capable people aren’t the loudest. They’re not always putting their hand up. Often, they’re too busy doing the work. And unless someone takes the time to spot them, they can get missed.
Mentoring shows people they’re seen
The best leaders I’ve worked with, and the best teams I’ve built, have always had one thing in common: they valued people. Not just high-flyers. Not just the ones with polished CVs. Everyone.
That’s what good mentoring does. It makes space for those who don’t always get the spotlight. I’ve seen what happens when you give someone time, belief, and a safe place to talk about where they want to go. Confidence builds, their skills sharpen, and people grow into roles they never thought they could do.
And it doesn’t take a big budget. It takes time, trust and a willingness to listen.
Spotting potential takes effort
In busy supply chain businesses, it’s easy to stay focused on the here and now, service levels, stock flow, tight deadlines can all take priority. But behind every KPI is a person. And when we take the time to ask the right questions, not just how’s work? But how are you? That’s when things can shift.
I’ve run teams of 30,000+. I’ve taken red-performing regions to the top of the table. And I can say with confidence: performance comes from people. When they feel valued, invested in, seen, and made to feel like they really matter – that’s when you get results. Mentoring helps create that culture, but it isn’t something at the top of everyone’s list as it’s typically not seen as something accessible to all. That needs to change.
Talent in supply chain is everywhere, opportunity isn’t
I’ve mentored people at all levels, and I’ve had great mentors myself. But many people still see it as a part of hierarchy, that it’s only for the selected high achievers with the loudest voice in the room.
Some of the best examples I’ve seen came from unexpected places. The part-time worker with clear leadership potential. The shift manager who just needed a bit of guidance. The finance lead quietly holding everything together behind the scenes.
They didn’t always need training. They needed encouragement. Someone experienced and willing to talk through the options. Someone to ask, where do you want to go, and how can I help you get there?
That’s what I try to offer now, through the Visku Mentoring Programme. A bit of experience. A bit of challenge. And a lot of listening. I’ve had mentors throughout my career who have helped steer me to where I am today, and now I’m paying it forward to see the sector and the talent within it continue to grow.
This industry needs mentoring now more than ever
We all know the challenges and pressures facing supply chain right now: skills shortages, retention struggles, new technologies, fast-changing demands. Talented, determined and ambitious people with untapped skill sets are more important to the sector than ever before. And we’ve already got them.
They’re already here. In your teams. On your shift rotas. Sorting issues you may not even know about. They just need someone to back them and help them see what they’re capable of.
If you’ve ever thought mentoring wasn’t for you, maybe you don’t have time, or you’re not sure what you’d offer, I’d challenge that. You don’t need to have all the answers. Just be willing to listen and share what you’ve learned.
And if you’re earlier in your journey, or looking for fresh direction, the mentoring programme might be just what you need. You don’t have to be in a position where you feel stuck, and you don’t need to have ambition to be CEO either. It’s about unlocking new possibilities, with someone in your corner.
Whether you want to give support or receive it, you’ll find something valuable in the conversation. Because when we invest in people at the margins, the whole industry moves forward.
Want to be part of the change?
Sign up as a mentor or mentee with the Visku Mentoring Programme. It’s free, open to all, and takes just one hour a month. Find out more here.
Author: Martin Roberts – Chairman / NED / Strategic Advisor at Visku