Leasing Foundation launches mentoring programme for women

On 17 March, The Leasing Foundation officially launched its Gender Programme to an audience of more than 80 senior leaders from across the asset finance sector. The initiative marks a significant step forward in the Foundation’s efforts to promote inclusion and support the professional development of women throughout the industry.

At the heart of the programme is a structured mentoring offering designed to foster connection, confidence, and career progression. Recognising the value of both individual guidance and shared experience, the initiative has been built around two distinct strands.

Two complementary mentoring approaches

The first strand, Talk It Through – 1:1 Mentoring, pairs experienced professionals with women seeking tailored support, insight, and career direction. These structured partnerships aim to provide mentees with practical advice, perspective, and encouragement from established leaders within the sector.

Alongside this, Talk It Out – Mentoring Circles offers a more collaborative format. These facilitated group discussions create a safe and open environment for participants to share experiences, explore challenges, and learn collectively from one another.

Together, the two strands reflect a balanced approach—combining personal mentorship with community-driven dialogue.

Industry leaders stepping forward

A key strength of the programme lies in the calibre of its mentors. Senior figures from across the asset finance landscape have committed their time and expertise to support the next generation of female talent.

Among those participating in the Talk It Through mentoring strand are:

• Jo Morris, Head of Marketing & Insights – Novuna
• Anne Williams, Executive Director – Propel
• Julie Warren, Marketing & Partnerships Director – Propel
• Mel Chell, CEO – Solaris Law
• Helen Lumb, Managing Director – Shire Leasing
• Jo Harris, Sales Director – Siemens Financial Services
• Jo Thorn, Country Manager UK – Acquis

Their involvement underscores a strong industry commitment to developing diverse leadership pipelines and supporting meaningful change.

“The response so far has been fantastic and shows that there is a real appetite for structured mentoring and shared conversation across the asset finance industry. This programme is about creating meaningful opportunities to connect, grow and support one another. The conversations that started in the room on 17 March were just the beginning, and I’m excited to continue building spaces where honest conversation and shared learning can lead to real progress.”

Interest in the programme has been significant, with applications open until Wednesday 8 April. To sign up, register your interest here.

While demand has been high and places in the first round are limited, the Foundation has confirmed that all applicants will be acknowledged and prioritised for future iterations.