Slice of life story - Living our values through mentoring by Niels Bormans

A diverse journey at TriFinance

Niels’ career at TriFinance has been a varied one, with roles at different companies in sectors such as apparel & lifestyle, food production and consumer goods. His experience includes internal and external audits, leasing accounting, system implementation, and financial controlling in the fast-paced world of food manufacturing. Along the way, mentoring became an essential part of his journey, especially as he navigated the complexities of different projects and roles. His own mentor, Caitlin Van Wauwe, helped him understand the role of a controller in the budgeting process, which inspired him to start mentoring others.

Building trust in mentoring

A key part of mentoring is building trust. For Niels, this starts in the very first meeting, where he clearly sets the tone for the relationship, explaining the mentoring process and emphasizing confidentiality. He believes that an open and honest conversation is vital for a successful mentoring relationship, and he works hard to create a space where mentees feel comfortable sharing their experiences.

Openness, Niels says, goes both ways. He makes sure to listen attentively and checks in with his mentees between sessions to maintain strong communication. He also actively seeks feedback from them, asking what worked, what didn’t, and how they plan to apply what they’ve learned. This openness made Niels a better mentor, encouraging him to ask more open-ended questions and push his mentees to think critically and independently. He’s learned that the best moments happen when mentees reach their own insights, rather than just following his advice.

Mentor vs buddy

Niels makes a distinction between a mentor and a buddy: "A mentor dives deeper into the content of the role you’re performing, whereas a buddy focuses more on helping people navigate within the organization."

The rewards of mentoring

Being a mentor comes with its own set of responsibilities. That means being available, adjusting to his mentees’ pace, and creating an environment where they feel comfortable reflecting and growing. Mentoring is more than just sharing knowledge; it’s about helping others grow, face challenges, and develop skills they can use for the rest of their careers.

It’s this sense of responsibility that also fuels his personal leadership, helping him communicate more effectively, challenge others in a constructive way, and stay open to new perspectives. He enjoys being a trusted guide, offering his mentees the tools and advice they need to overcome obstacles. In return, he gains a sense of fulfillment, knowing he helps shape the future of others in the same way his mentor helped shape his own path.

Advice for future mentors: Just do it!

When asked what advice he would give to someone considering mentoring at TriFinance, Niels is clear: “Just do it!” It’s an opportunity to play a bigger role in someone’s growth and development, and in doing so, to grow yourself!

The future of mentoring at TriFinance

Looking to the future, Niels sees mentoring at TriFinance evolving even further. After Ruben Verwilt’s keynote at the last cross BCB mentoring intervision, he considered how TriFinance could help implement mentoring in other organizations. He believes there’s a great opportunity to raise awareness. For Niels, the essence of mentoring—openness, transparency, and a growth mindset—is something that can create lasting change, not just within TriFinance but in the broader professional community as well.

Conclusion: A culture of growth

Niels’ journey as a mentor at TriFinance highlights how our core values—trust, openness, responsibility, personal leadership, and reciprocity—are not just ideals but living principles that shape the way we work and grow together. His story is a reminder that mentoring is a two-way street, where both mentors and mentees learn, develop, and contribute to a culture of mutual growth.