Discover how we ran a successful Reverse Mentoring programme with DNB Bank
In partnership with DNB, we ran a 6-month reverse mentoring programme in 2025 and 2026 aimed at bridging the gap between senior leadership and multicultural talent within the organization. The programme paired emerging voices with experienced leaders to share perspectives and drive change from within.
ⓘ 6 months 웃 32+ mentor-mentee pairs ⚐ Oslo, Norway
Participants during a reverse mentoring session at DNB
Challenging Bias, Building Inclusion
The programme goal was clear:
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Deepen understanding of multicultural diversity
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Raise awareness of unconscious bias
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Strengthen inclusive leadership
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Foster authentic connections between executive leadership and multicultural employees
Over six months, curated training, guided conversations, and facilitated workshops fostered open dialogue and mutual growth.
The initiative created a bridge between perspectives: experienced leaders gained insight into the realities faced by employees from diverse backgrounds, while mentors honed communication and leadership skills.
“Reverse mentoring is such a powerful tool for fostering diversity and inclusion… I’m confident this programme will spark meaningful conversations and growth.”
- Programme Manager, Catalysts Norway
By inverting traditional mentoring dynamics, DNB’s leadership took on the role of mentees, learning directly from the lived experiences of younger and multicultural colleagues.
Programme Highlights
What Participants Say
“As a mentor, being heard meant a lot. I hope more companies dare to launch similar programmes.”
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Mentor
DNB, 2025
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“This was eye-opening. It’s not just about diversity: it’s about fairness and opportunity.”
Mentee
DNB, 2025
"Being a mentee in the reverse mentoring program has been a really valuable experience. Through my conversations with my mentor, I have gained new insights into how the DNB organization is perceived from a different angle, especially around recruitment and promotion processes. These perspectives have been eye-opening, and I will definitely bring them with me going forward."
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Mentee
DNB, 2026
"This programme gave me til opportunity to get to know another person on a personal level that wouldn't be possible otherwise."
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Mentor
DNB, 2026
"I gained deeper understanding of the actual importance of inclusion, and an understanding of how it really is in DNB (and outside of DNB) through real life stories - that has a face. Much more valuable than reading it in an article - it makes you understand it on a whole different level."
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Mentee
DNB, 2026
"As a mentor, this program gave me a valuable opportunity to share my own experiences of having a multi‑cultural background and how these show up in everyday work situations. Mentoring senior leaders pushed me to articulate challenges around language, belonging, and psychological safety in a more concrete way. It was empowering to see genuine curiosity and openness, and it reinforced my belief that storytelling and lived experiences are powerful drivers of inclusive leadership."
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Mentor
DNB, 2026
Social Media Highlights
Ready to create your own success story?
Join DNB in revolutionizing how businesses understand and serve diverse communities through reverse mentoring programmes.