Mentorship Handbook
Mentorship Code of Conduct
ABOUT
This Mentorship Program is sponsored by the PMI Netherlands Chapter and designed to enhance the professional experience and development of its participants. The program is aimed at providing opportunities for junior project managers (Mentees) to learn from senior project management professionals (Mentors) in a four-month engagement program. Participation is strictly voluntary and without financial compensation.
For more information about mentorship program, you can watch this video.
MAIN FOCUS AREAS
- Project Management – emphasizing PM skills, emerging trends, and strategies required to become a more effective and thriving project manager.
- Career Development – attention to how you plan for the next steps in your PM career.
- Leadership – enhancing leadership skills in areas such as holding a high-stake conversation, developing influence skills and establishing trust-based relationships.
This program isn’t a way to prepare for your PMP exam, receive academic tutoring nor a way to get a job or job referral.
BENEFITS TO MENTORS
- Recognition – PMI NL will promote Mentors’ profiles on this page.
- Earning PDU’s – Mentors earn PDU’s through the ‘Giving back’ shared knowledge category and collect 1 PDU per one hour volunteered (max 24 PDU’s).
- Giving back – contribute to the PMI community by leveraging years of experience, knowledge and wisdom to help Mentees succeed.
- Developing interpersonal competences – enhance leadership, teaching and coaching skills which encourages you to become a more reflective practitioner.
- Insights – gain new insights from your interactions with Mentees.
BENEFITS TO MENTEES
- Skills Development – learning from the expertise, experience and wisdom of seasoned professionals.
- Networking – gain access to important career contacts and building a valuable network.
- Earning PDU’s – earn PDU’s in the ‘Education’, informal learning category.
- Problem-solving – a Mentor can be a sounding board for situations or problems you are unsure of the solutions too.
- Direction – consider future direction and goals for career path development.
PROGRAM OUTLINE
We have a dedicated pool of mentors ready to support new mentees. After you submit your request, you can expect to be matched with a mentor within one month and ideally start the program within a week thereafter.
IMPORTANT DATES
- Application deadline – Send the application whenever you would like
- Matchmaking session – Could take upto a month to kick start the program and inform you
- Mid-program check-in - 2 months after the start of the program
- End of program - To be announced along with the Feedback form
REQUIREMENTS FOR MENTORS AND MENTEES
- Mentors and Mentees are required to be a PMI Netherlands Chapter member in good standing.
- Mentors and Mentees must complete the application forms and go through the recruitment and matching process.
- Mentors are seasoned professionals with at least 10 years of experience and hold at least 1 of PMI’s certifications, preferably PMP.
- Mentees are in project-related roles who are committed to learning and professional development.
- Mentors and Mentees will be required to meet for a minimum of 2 hours per month for the duration of the 4-month program.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Mentor and Mentee applicants are required to complete the online application forms:
Once the application process has closed, all applicants will be informed of the Kick-off meeting dates.
MENTORS:
Wojciech Dymowski
WHY I WANT TO BECOME A MENTOR
Sharing knowledge lets me organise my own knowledge and improve in that process—it is an important part of my work. With a mentee, we immediately try to realise and test ideas in practice, which gives me fast feedback on my solutions. And I keep gaining fresh information on how the current challenges in leadership and management are changing.
WHO I CAN BEST SUPPORT & WHAT TO EXPECT
I keep gathering experience across very different projects, mainly around IT. I especially focus on rescuing projects at risk and on being an effective leader. I also have considerable experience in scaled agile—agile collaboration of many teams. I can support people effectively, but to make this happen I'd expect openness, a few years of experience, and some level of self-awareness.
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Manager by education, leader by experience. 20+ years in project and product management. 18+ yrs leading IT projects, programs and portfolios PM standards and agile, including scaled. Certified PMP® and SAFe® (SM+Architect+Lean Portfolio).
INTERESTS & FUN FACT
Cave diving (Team 'Whisky z Grochem'), mountain trekking. Fun Fact: I like challenging myself and others to keep thinking, and you will always see me optimistic.
Swatantra Kumar
WHY I WANT TO BECOME A MENTOR
Mentorship has played an important role in shaping my own career, and I see this as an opportunity to pay that forward. I enjoy helping others think through their challenges, sharpen their goals, and build confidence in their decisions. Becoming a mentor is a natural extension of the work I already do in developing people around me.
WHO I CAN BEST SUPPORT & WHAT TO EXPECT
I am best positioned to support early to mid-career professionals who are navigating transitions, whether that is stepping into leadership roles, moving into strategic delivery roles, or exploring how to position themselves for the next level. Mentees working with me can expect honest real-life conversations, practical guidance, and a focus on translating ambition into clear, actionable steps.
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Head of IT Strategy & Transformation at KPMG. Nearly two decades of global experience in leading technology-driven business transformation, digital strategy, governance, and emerging technologies such as AI.
INTERESTS & FUN FACT
Emerging technologies, economics, business, geopolitics, business case studies, and history documentaries. Fun Fact: I can trade almost anything, provided it is legal and ethical.
Reza Farahani
WHY I WANT TO BECOME A MENTOR
I have been part of this mentorship program since 2020 because I strongly believe that knowledge sharing and knowledge management are vital elements of successful project management.
WHO I CAN BEST SUPPORT & WHAT TO EXPECT
I am open to supporting any type of mentee, but I particularly value working with committed individuals who are motivated to strengthen their leadership skills and actively engage in their development. Mentees can expect a practical and structured approach from me.
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Grounded in leadership, project and portfolio management, planning, combined with a strong conceptual understanding of fundamental project management principles.
INTERESTS & FUN FACT
Reading, swimming, and playing tennis. Fun Fact: I have had the opportunity to work from all three sides of the table—client organizations, contractors, and suppliers—giving me a well-rounded perspective.
Jeroen Visser
WHY I WANT TO BECOME A MENTOR
I enjoy being a mentor because I believe in giving something back. Over the past 15+ years I've worked on many global IT projects and learned a lot from different situations, people, and cultures. If I can help someone avoid common mistakes or gain confidence a bit faster, that already makes it worthwhile.
WHO I CAN BEST SUPPORT & WHAT TO EXPECT
Mentees who are early in their project management career or who are moving into more complex or international environments. Especially in IT projects where there's a lot going on in terms of stakeholders, expectations and cultural differences. Mentees can expect me to listen first, give honest feedback, and look at practical application.
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Over 15 years in project management in international IT environments. Certified PMP and PMI-RMP. Strong focus on dealing with risk, managing expectations, cross-cultural collaboration, and coaching skills.
INTERESTS & FUN FACT
Walking long distances, going to concerts (from metal to reggae to classical).
Willem Basten
WHY I WANT TO BECOME A MENTOR
I enjoy sharing my knowledge and experience so others can benefit. I always mentor others and at the same time share a mutual learning experience so others can benefit also from learning and mistakes I have made in my career.
WHO I CAN BEST SUPPORT & WHAT TO EXPECT
Mentees who are motivated to learn and eager to learn. Mentees can expect to interact with respect but should not be shy to challenge nor be challenged.
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Long term experience in various types of organizations and industries both for profit and not-for-profit. International and multi cultural experience; I consider myself a euro-citizen.
INTERESTS & FUN FACT
Technology, travel, hiking. Fun Fact: I once was a Dutch national champion ballroom dancing!
Frank Weegink
WHY I WANT TO BECOME A MENTOR
I'm passionate about developing people and guiding professionals along their programmatic and strategic technical execution tracks.
WHO I CAN BEST SUPPORT & WHAT TO EXPECT
I provide what you don't learn from the PMBOK: Mentoring & coaching on leadership and soft skills that you need to be a successful PM, Support on career questions, Mentoring on PM content questions.
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
25+ years of business experience, 15+ years of Project Management experience (PMP, PMO, Programs), 9+ years experience in professional coaching and mentoring.
INTERESTS & FUN FACT
Outdoor sports and activities. Fun Fact: Loves sailing and apple pie!
Onur Okutman
WHY I WANT TO BECOME A MENTOR
I am enthusiastic about investing my time and experience to support fellow professionals in advancing project management practice. I always like to provide a new perspective to and gain new perspectives from my mentees.
WHO I CAN BEST SUPPORT & WHAT TO EXPECT
Mentees looking for a professional and authentic mentoring style focused on practical personal development. Someone who values real-life corporate execution context.
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Strong professional background in R&D, Technology, IT, Automotive, Project Management, along with significant corporate experience. Seasoned mentor continuing with the PMI NL Mentorship Program.
INTERESTS & FUN FACT
Music, travelling and latin dancing. Fun Fact: My first project was scheduling my family's vacation in detail on paper before knowing what a Gantt chart was; surprisingly within budget!
Menno Valkenburg
WHY I WANT TO BECOME A MENTOR
I am passionate about project management and love to help people develop in the field of project management. As a project pilot, I serve people in teams to achieve sustainable results through training and coaching.
WHO I CAN BEST SUPPORT & WHAT TO EXPECT
Mentees who are working in international settings. They can expect to discuss a variety of topics they run into and deal with in projects they are involved in. I can guide to relevant resources and networks.
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Over 25 years of experience in projects in different sectors, countries and organisations. Covers predictive, adaptive, and hybrid approaches in multicultural settings. Context ranges from ICT to EU Horizon Biodiversity grant projects.
INTERESTS & FUN FACT
Interested in people, nature and technology. Hobbies include playing tennis, sailing and hiking. Fun Fact: I lived and worked in 6 different countries over the past 25 years.
Getjan Lammers
WHY I WANT TO BECOME A MENTOR
I like to be a mentor because I believe in lifelong learning and I was fortunate to have experienced good ones as a mentee. This is my opportunity to give back and share.
WHO I CAN BEST SUPPORT & WHAT TO EXPECT
Any mentee who has a link to Supply Chain, Logistics, IT and Agile working will benefit. I will challenge them with real life situations and questions so not a sit & listen mentorship.
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Developing and implementing projects in Logistics, Education, Supply Chain Management and Digital environments. Certified as PMP, ACP, Agile Coach, Scrum Master and LEAN sponsor.
INTERESTS & FUN FACT
Family, sports, reading and music. I do Body Combat and train to do 1 'small' Triathlon each September. Fun Fact: I am 2 meters tall, but you only see that when we meet!
Laura Roversi Trafas
WHY I WANT TO BECOME A MENTOR
I like to share my experience and knowledge to help others grow in the project management profession
WHO I CAN BEST SUPPORT & WHAT TO EXPECT
PMO, PM. Mentees can expect honest and open discussions, collaborative thinking about solutions and best practices, and advice when requested
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
21 years of finance experience, 7 years of PM and 7 years of PMO, PMP and PMO-CP certified, Coach as a leader certified
INTERESTS & FUN FACT
Cooking, reading, walking, having fun whenever possible and always learning something new. I recently told my husband that I prefer a box of strawberries to a bouquet of flowers so he bought both!
Coen Smits
Why you want to become a mentor
I have been mentoring with PMI Netherlands Chapter since 2021. I get energy from working with professionals with a drive. Happy to share my experience and insights to accelerate development in project management, leadership, and / or career
The type of mentee you are best positioned to support and what mentees can expect from working with you
Committed mentees who are in the next phase of their project management careers—and who may also have line management responsibilities—stand to benefit the most from a collective mentoring journey. Likewise, I will commit my selves to the mutually agreed goals and objectives
your skills and experience relevant for this program
My Career path is over 25 years of Project management of which over 15 years PMP. I have held end responsibilities in Operations, Project/program/portfolio Management. Strategic Sourcing & logistic, Supply Chain Management and as interim manager. And have learned and can share learnings in all PMBok performance domains in all focus areas
Interests and hobbies.
I like Mountain biking (in the Netherlands ) and happy to compensate this with good food, wines and friends
a fun fact about yourself
I like to believe that people who smile live longer. I have this small classic car that usually makes people smile, too
Marjan Rashidi Omrani
Why I want to become a mentor
Throughout my career, I have benefited greatly from people who were willing to share their experience, challenge my thinking and support my development. I see mentoring as an opportunity to give that back.
I believe project management is not only about methodologies, plans, budgets and timelines. At its heart, it is about people! How we communicate, build trust, navigate uncertainty, influence without authority and bring diverse perspectives together to achieve a common goal.
I would like to use my experience to help other project professionals develop their capabilities and confidence, while also continuing to learn from their perspectives and experiences.
Who I am best positioned to support
I am particularly well positioned to support project managers and professionals who are growing into larger or more complex project roles, taking on cross-functional responsibilities, or looking to strengthen their leadership, stakeholder management and communication skills.
I can also support professionals working in pharmaceutical, biotech or other complex and highly regulated environments.
Mentees can expect an open, practical and honest mentoring relationship. I like to listen first, ask questions, challenge constructively and share practical experiences rather than simply provide theoretical answers. My goal is to help mentees reflect, look at challenges from different perspectives, and find solutions that work for them.
Skills and experience relevant to the program
I am a PMP-certified project and portfolio management professional with 10+ years of experience leading complex, cross-functional initiatives in the pharmaceutical and biotech industry, including roles at Kite Pharma and Janssen.
My experience includes project and portfolio management, strategic planning, governance, stakeholder management, cross-functional leadership, operational readiness, technology transfer, change management, risk and issue management, resource and budget management, SAP/ERP implementations and influencing without authority.
Having worked in international and highly complex organizations, I also bring experience navigating organizational change, different cultures, competing priorities and diverse stakeholder groups.
Interests and hobbies
I am passionate about continuous learning and about the connection between personal wellbeing and professional effectiveness. Learning about mindfulness has had a significant positive impact on both my personal and professional life, particularly in developing self-awareness, managing pressure and being more intentional in how I respond to situations.
I am also fascinated by neuroscience and enjoy learning about how our brain and nervous system influence the way we think, behave, communicate and make decisions. I am particularly interested in practical, evidence-based ways to better understand ourselves and navigate challenges more effectively.
Mental wellbeing and inclusive workplaces are also important to me. Last year, I had the privilege of leading the organizing team for a Mental Health Awareness Week, bringing colleagues from different teams, cultures and backgrounds together through workshops, awareness sessions and opportunities for reflection and open conversation. It was a very meaningful experience and reinforced my belief that wellbeing, inclusion and psychological safety are important parts of how we lead and collaborate.
Outside work, I enjoy travelling, discovering different cultures and food, learning about nutrition, and staying active.
Fun fact
I started my career in pharmacy and later moved into pharmaceutical sales and marketing before finding my passion in project and portfolio management. Today, I am just as fascinated by the human brain as I was by medicines—and I can happily spend an evening learning about neuroscience, mindfulness and why we behave the way we do!
