Shared Experience, Fresh Perspective: Twocan Mentor’s New Cohort Launches

The Latest TwoCan Mentor Cohort meeting in Newark for their training day!

This October, Twocan Mentor welcomed a new cohort of professionals from across the food, farming and horticulture ecosystem. Bringing together those who want to give back with those eager to learn and progress, the cohort is already building confidence, connection and fresh perspective. Rooted in in-person learning and supported by a vibrant, cross-sector community, this programme is about more than mentorship — it’s about growing people, networks and opportunity.

Twocan Mentor: Connecting Experience, Curiosity and Opportunity Across Our Industry

This October marked the start of a new Twocan Mentor cohort, bringing together professionals from right across the food, farming and horticulture ecosystem. Participants joined from farm businesses, supply chain organisations, advisory services, research, technology and allied industries — all arriving with different experiences, but a shared desire to learn, grow, and contribute to a positive, supportive network.

For many early-career participants, the programme offers the opportunity to build confidence, explore direction and develop their professional identity with the support of someone who has ‘been there’ before. Meanwhile, later-career participants value the chance to share experience, listen deeply and play a role in strengthening the future of the sector.

Building Confidence and Connection

The cohort began with our in-person Fundamentals of Mentoring training day, which explored the behaviours and mindset that underpin effective mentoring. Rather than focusing on technical expertise, the session centred on the skills that enable people to thrive: listening well, asking better questions, creating space for reflection, and encouraging others to take ownership of their direction.

As one participant reflected:

“Excellent training day. Not only was the training engaging — so much so the day flew by — but also being surrounded by interesting people. I’m looking forward to the journey ahead.”

Matching That Makes a Difference

Following the training, mentees were paired with mentors through our advanced matching system. This approach looks beyond job titles or sectors and instead considers values, communication styles, lived experience, areas of growth and personal goals.

One early-career participant shared:

“As someone in the early stages of my career, it can sometimes feel like you’re meant to have everything figured out already. Having a mentor who genuinely listens, understands the industry, and helps me work things through has given me so much more confidence in the direction I’m taking.”

For early-career mentees, this means having someone in their corner who can help them navigate decisions, build clarity and develop confidence. For mentors, it offers the chance to give back, broaden perspective, and learn from the fresh thinking of the next generation.

A Cross-Sector Community That Reflects the Real Work Ahead

Twocan is founded on the belief that the challenges and opportunities facing our industry do not sit neatly within one job role or organisation. Leadership, communication, collaboration and decision-making are shared skills across the entire food and farming system. Bringing people together across sectors is therefore essential — and this cohort reflects that commitment to genuine inclusivity.

Looking Ahead: More Than Mentorship

Being part of Twocan Mentor also provides access to the TwoCan Accelerate development pathway — designed to support the whole individual as they build confidence and navigate their professional journey.

Participants also connect through:

• TwoCan Talks — thought-provoking webinars that introduce new perspectives.

• TwoCan Connects — local cross-sector discussion groups that create supportive networks outside everyday circles.

This is just the beginning. As this cohort progresses, we will continue to grow a vibrant, inclusive and future-focused community — united by a desire to learn, connect and make a positive difference across our industry.

If you’re curious about becoming part of a community that values thoughtful conversation, shared learning and supporting one another’s progress, we’d love to welcome you into a future cohort.

Visit TwoCan Mentor Here