Lunch and Learn | Demystifying Coaching and Mentoring

In this engaging one-hour Lunch & Learn, local business leaders and professionals will gain a clear understanding of both professional coaching and mentoring—what they are, how they differ, and when to use each for maximum impact. Despite their growing popularity, coaching and mentoring are often misunderstood or used interchangeably. This session helps participants cut through the noise to see how each approach can empower individuals, enhance leadership effectiveness, and strengthen organizational performance.
Join Dr. Chris Currens and Eileen Marshall for an interactive and informative session designed to clarify misconceptions, provide practical guidance, and help participants make informed decisions when considering coaching or mentoring for themselves or their teams. The session will also include brief live coaching and mentoring demonstrations, highlighting the differences between the two and giving attendees a firsthand look at how both coaching and mentoring conversations unfold in real time.
Whether you’re exploring coaching for professional growth, mentoring to develop emerging leaders, or both as part of a broader organizational strategy, this session will equip you with the knowledge to apply these tools effectively and maximize your return on investment.
What You’ll Learn:
What Coaching and Mentoring Are (and Are Not) - Understand the key distinctions between coaching, mentoring, consulting, and counseling—and when each approach is most appropriate.
How Coaching and Mentoring Work in Practice - Learn the structure, mindset, and outcomes associated with effective coaching and mentoring relationships.
How to Select the Right Coach or Mentor - Key qualifications, experience, and characteristics to look for when choosing the right fit for your goals.
How to Get the Most Out of the Experience - Practical tips to ensure alignment, accountability, and measurable growth outcomes.
Live Coaching and Mentoring Demonstrations - Experience short, real-time coaching and mentoring sessions that highlight the difference between the two—and demonstrate the impact of both coaching and mentoring in action.
Whether you’re new to coaching and mentoring or looking to integrate them more strategically into your organization, this session provides valuable insight and actionable steps to help you and your teams thrive.
Meet Your Presenters:
Dr. Chris Currens is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC), mentor coach assessor, and the founder of Currens & Associates, where he helps leaders and teams boost performance, navigate career transitions, and drive strategic change. With decades of experience spanning Wall Street to the White House, Chris has led high-performing teams across the corporate, government, and nonprofit sectors. He holds a doctorate in organizational leadership and is an expert in nonprofit board governance, executive coaching, strategic planning, and change management.