AI leaving you cold? Reverse mentoring could be the answer

It’s been 17 years since I left university. While I’ve kept pace with many technological shifts, the recent explosion of AI in the workplace left me thinking: where do I even begin? I’d experimented a little, but I knew I was barely scratching the surface.

Integrating tools like Microsoft Copilot into my daily work life felt anything but intuitive. Ironically, I can explain the differences between AI models and coding languages, but when it came to actually using AI in my day-to-day work, I was stuck.

My AI saviour

Then along came Bliss Laws – a summer placement student in the portfolio management office, from the University of Edinburgh. Within two weeks, I found myself repeatedly saying, “Wait, how did you do that so quickly?” Watching her use Copilot (and other Microsoft 365 platforms) with ease was eye-opening. I asked if she’d be open to reverse mentoring me. She said yes, and I was thrilled. Bliss guided me through three key areas:

Maximising everyday tools: She showed me how to get more out of software I already used, like OneNote. It was a total game changer.
Introducing new tools: Platforms like Canva, which I’d never considered, are now part of my toolkit for creating impactful visuals quickly.
Building AI into my work life: She helped me shift my mindset, showing me how to ask the right questions, when to use Copilot and what unexpected tasks it could help with.

What impressed me most was her preparation. She’d clearly listened, understood my challenges and even created a personalised guide with tips and tricks – now proudly pinned in my OneNote. It allowed me to fully embrace the learning experience and the time she spent with me to reverse mentor.

Bring it on!

The impact has been immediate. I now use Copilot daily. It no longer feels alien or intimidating. In a busy role where every minute counts, even a 15-minute gain is a win. As someone who is proudly dyslexic, I’ve also found that Copilot helps me save time on reading and writing – an unexpected but welcome benefit.

Reverse mentoring has been a thoroughly rewarding experience. I walked away with new skills, greater confidence and a renewed sense of curiosity. Most of all, I was reminded that learning can – and should – go both ways.

Show your vulnerability

One topic I frequently address at conferences is moving from chaos to cohesion when building effective teams, where I emphasise how being transparent and vulnerable can lead to opportunities. I often highlight my reverse mentoring experience with Bliss as a prime example. This experience not only positively impacted me, but also demonstrated how leaders showing their vulnerable sides can unlock something extra in their team and those they lead. It encourages peers to be more open, honest and vulnerable, fostering a more free-thinking, creative and innovative environment.

I openly share how I found AI daunting and couldn’t get into the rhythm of engaging with it, sensing that I was missing a big opportunity. By being vulnerable and asking for help, Bliss revolutionised my approach to AI through reverse mentoring. This experience has enabled me to embrace AI with ease and excitement. It’s a great example of how opening up and saying, ‘I don't know, can you help me?’, can lead to significant growth and positive change, and how as a leader your vulnerability can have a positive ripple effect on your team and those you lead.

Bliss Laws on being Sarah’s reverse mentor

Before this session, I hadn’t heard of reverse mentoring and was surprised that someone so experienced could learn from me. Sarah was curious about how I used AI to navigate digital platforms and make the most of everyday tools. I prepared for our session using skills I’ve developed through university and peer learning. I focused on features that I believed would increase efficiency in her job and shared some strategies I have used to help me with dyslexia, which she also shares.

The session itself was rewarding, and Sarah practised the tools on her own laptop. Afterwards, she told me it was genuinely helpful, which was lovely to hear, and I followed up with clear written instructions to refer to.
I was curious about how mentoring works in the workplace and was fascinated to learn that even Sarah, as Head of Profession, has a mentor. It really highlighted that there are always opportunities to learn, no matter your level or role. I’m grateful for the opportunity reverse mentoring gave me to share my knowledge, especially since Sarah has taught me so much. It’s fulfilling to know that she’s already implementing what we discussed and finding it useful in her busy role.