We’ve been asking our mentees to share, in their own words, their experience of The Elischer Foundation’s mentoring programme. Here’s what Lindsay Tilston Jones had to say…
Tell us a bit about yourself…
My name is Lindsay Tilston Jones, Head of Community Fundraising at Shelter. I have recently turned 50!! I have been working in the Third Sector for 25 years this year. I have worked across nearly all income streams and disciplines, for a range of very local to large national charities, in leadership and entry level roles. My career path has been squiggly, I have not gone down a traditional route at all, and as my passion is Community Fundraising, and I live in NW England, opportunities have not always afforded themselves to me.
Lindsay Tilston Jones, Head of Community Fundraising at Shelter
Why did you apply to become a mentee with The Elischer Foundation?
My goals for the programme were varied and at the time I applied I don’t think I met the standard profile as I was not a traditional leader. I knew I had a lot of offer, I knew I wanted something, but I did not know what, or how to get there. My manager encouraged me to apply and coached me through some of the aspects.
The Mentee Experience
Several weeks after being accepted, I was on a welcome call with the rest of my cohort and the matching began in the background. I was a bit nervous on the first call, who would the group be made up of, would I fit in, did I belong. It didn’t take long for us all to settle and realise we were all feeling the same. Following this I found out I was matched with Tracey, who is the Director of Income Generation for Peace Grove Hospice.
Tracey got in touch and set up our first call. After we had got to know each other a bit, Tracey explained she had been a mentor several times. This put me ease. She knew what it was all about. I knew I did not have clear goals, or so I thought, but more a thought of what I wanted. Tracey let me talk it out, vocalise what my thoughts were and quite quickly these formed into goals and objectives. They actually surprised me, but I did want to lead, I wanted to be more influential in my own charity but also externally in the sector and I wanted to head my own department. At the time, these felt like dreams, something I wanted but probably wouldn’t do, but I could take a few steps towards. Tracey helped me break them down into chunks, as well as expertly helping me navigate more day to day challenges and framing them as steps on my journey to achieving my broader goals.
Alongside my monthly mentor meetings we had learning meetings as a cohort and more general meetings. These were all virtual and all great. I networked, bonded, shared and learned so much by being part of this community. It was invaluable.
Were there any big ‘aha’ moments or great things that came out of your mentoring experience?
At first, I did not know what I would learn or any skills I would gain. But by the end of the year and onwards I continue to learn and apply the learning from being part of the programme. I learned to coach, to face and work through difficult things, I learned that I need to believe in myself and have my own back. I learned how to influence and affect change, whilst still maintaining my own authenticity and that my authenticity is my superpower. I learned how to navigate not always being liked by everyone and sometimes things are hard but if the thinking and reasoning behind it is right, it will work out. I learned the importance of your support network, the power of mentoring and the joy of giving back. I learned leadership skills that no course will show you, this is in terms of personal and wider leadership.
Since finishing the programme, I have got a new role. Previously, I was the Senior Regional Manager, looking after 5 team members, now I am the Head of Community Fundraising, working on strategies, leading the team, influencing and using my voice. I have gone on to sit on the CIOF Convention Board and spoken at many conferences and get asked to do a lot more. I am doing more than I set out in my goals. I would not have got here without Tracey and the Elischer Foundation. Tracey was amazingly generous with her time and skill when I was preparing for my application and interview for this role, she helped me to form answers, apply my skills and experiences and was my biggest cheerleader.
Personally, it has made me want to do more, I now mentor for The Girls Network and for other charities, I believe in and back myself and my team and I put myself out there much more than I did, even when it is challenging.
What would you say to someone thinking about applying to The Elischer Foundation as a mentee?
I constantly recommend the programme to people in the sector. It is so valuable and different to training. The length of time you are with your mentor and cohort means that you grow, you adapt, you find your way and it sticks, it become part of the fabric of you. You will make a network for life, for when you need help, support, guidance and celebration. The problems solving, coaching, self-belief and influencing that comes as part of the programme is invaluable. For me, being part of the Elischer family has and is so valuable. It really is lifelong learning and lifelong sharing.
A bit about Lindsay...
Lindsay has been a professional fundraiser for 25 years, working across disciplines, but mostly in Community where her passion lies. She has worked for a variety of causes, size of charity, international and national charities. She is the Head of Community Fundraising for Shelter. She also sits of the Board of the CIOF National Convention and can often be found speaking at various conventions and conferences across topics including how to break down siloes. She is a proud Wirralian and lives in the village she grew up in, with her husband and many cats. Outside of work she is a lifelong LFC supporter, lover of 80s and 90s hip hop and not very successful gardener.
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