MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

Where product professionals connect, learn, and grow at every stage of their journey

Fall registration now closed
Illustration of two people cupping their hands together to symbolize partnership, trust, and collaboration.

Our Mentorship Program

The TPMA Mentorship Program is a thriving community designed to connect product professionals at every stage of their journey, whether you’re just starting out, levelling up, or leading. Since its launch in 2011, the program has created meaningful one-on-one partnerships and provided a supportive network for learning, knowledge-sharing, and professional growth.

What’s New for 2025–2026      

  • Two Cohorts Each Year: Fall/Winter & Spring/Summer.
  • Expanded Engagement: Curated touch points and opportunities to keep the community connected, learning, and growing throughout each cohort.
  • Segmented Matches: Mentees paired by career stage (early, mid, senior) with mentors organized by skillset and level of involvement, ensuring the most relevant guidance and alignment.


Registration for the Fall/Winter closed. The next cohort will launch in April.

Questions? Reach us at mentorship@tpma.ca

Program Timeline

Week of Nov 10 – Preparation & Matching
TPMA team completes final matching and onboarding document setup.

Week of Nov 17 – Matching Emails Sent
Mentor–mentee matches are announced. Mentees receive the Program Guide.

Week of Nov 24 – Kickoff Sessions
Multiple virtual sessions to welcome participants, review program goals, and walk through resources and expectations. You’ll also get a preview of upcoming sessions in the new year.

Dec 1, 2025 – Official Program Start
Mentorship officially begins. Mentors and mentees should aim to schedule their first meeting during this week.

January 2026 – Stay Connected
Community updates, shared tips, and discussion prompts to support your ongoing conversations.

February 2026 – Midpoint Check-In
A short survey and informal event to share progress, gather feedback, and reconnect with the community.

March 2026 – Wrap-Up Month
Closing event, reflection prompts, and celebration of learnings and connections.

March 31, 2026 – Official End of Cohort
Complete the feedback surveys and let us know if you’d like to continue your mentorship relationship into the next cohort.

Optional peer and group events will be offered throughout the program to help you connect, learn, and grow together.

Meeting Expectations

Mentorship works best when both mentor and mentee are actively engaged and intentional about their time together.

  • Mentees: Lead the way by scheduling meetings, setting goals, and bringing topics to discuss.
  • Mentors: Offer guidance, share perspective, and help mentees grow with confidence.
  • Frequency: Meet at least once per month (45–60 minutes) or hold shorter bi-weekly sessions (30–45 minutes).
  • Flexibility: Each pair can decide what works best. Consistency and communication matter most.

Tips for Success

Advice for making the most out of your mentorship expereince

  • Schedule your first session early and set clear, realistic goals together.
  • Use the Goal-Setting Guide (shared during onboarding) to shape your conversations and revisit it regularly to reflect, adapt, and track progress.
  • Explore the resources in the Mentorship Toolkit, which will be shared during onboarding, to guide your experience and inspire meaningful discussions.
  • Keep communication open and flexible. Consistency helps relationships grow.
  • Participate in community sessions and check Slack for updates and shared learning.
  • Reach out to the Mentorship Team anytime for support. We are here as partners in your journey.
  • Share feedback throughout the program. It helps us all grow together.

What program participants say

“It’s shaping my thinking as a Product Manager and giving key insights to some assumptions product teams hold which ultimately results in failed products.”

Mentee

“Really appreciate you all running this program - it's a great initiative. Keep it up!”

Mentor
Chief Product Officer

“It's been a great experience for me. I am learning from my mentee as well. I believe we will form a great "professional" friendship following this.”

Mentor
Director of Product

“Specifically very helpful for guidance during an interview process! Very good and gave lots of resources and tips.”

Mentee

How It Works

In this program, mentors and mentees work together in a professional partnership, with both parties committing time, energy, and accountability to make the experience impactful. Guided by program resources, shared learning opportunities, and ongoing community engagement, participants walk away with new skills, fresh perspectives, and lasting relationships.

  1. Registration & Matching
    Share your background, interests, and goals — we’ll match mentees with mentors for the best fit.
  2. Kick-off & Onboarding
    Program launch introduces pairs and sets expectations with a clear framework for success.
  3. Mentorship in Action
    Meet regularly (at least once per month) with support from program resources and the TPMA team.
  4. Community Engagement
    Connect beyond your pairing through shared resources, peer learning, and community touch points.
  5. Feedback & Iteration
    Ongoing surveys and check-ins help us continuously improve the program and expand participant value.

Mentee Experience & Benefits

As a mentee, you’ll have the opportunity to:

  1. 🤝 Learn directly from experienced product leaders.
  2. 🎯 Receive personalized guidance to advance your skills and career goals.
  3. 📈 Gain practical insights into product management practices and industry trends.
  4. 🌐 Build connections within the product community.

Your role as a mentee includes:

  1. Clearly articulating your career aspirations and goals to your mentor.
  2. Taking the lead in setting agendas and driving discussions.
  3. Being proactive in communication and follow-ups.
  4. Committing to at least one meeting per month.
  5. Respecting your mentor’s time, experience, and boundaries.

Mentor Experience & Benefits

As a mentor, you’ll have the opportunity to:

  1. 🌟 Make a meaningful impact on the next generation of product professionals.
  2. 🤝 Strengthen your leadership and coaching skills.
  3. 🌐 Build connections with fellow mentors and the broader product community.
  4. 🚀 Expand your leadership impact while contributing to the growth of others.

Your role as a mentor includes:

  1. Guiding mentees with advice, feedback, and real-world insights.
  2. Supporting mentees in clarifying and pursuing their aspirations without directing their path.
  3. Encouraging proactive discussions and helping mentees stay accountable to their goals.
  4. Sharing your experiences while maintaining professional boundaries and discretion.
  5. Committing to at least one meeting per month and open, constructive communication.

FAQs

Still have questions? Reach out to us at mentorship@tpma.ca

What are the program requirements?

For Mentees:
Must be a TPMA member.
Be based in or entering the GTA product community.
Pay the $100 program fee (with a 25% discount for Community Builder members).
Actively participate through meetings, goal-setting, and ongoing communication.

For Mentors:
Have 3+ years of experience in product management.
Demonstrate a genuine desire to give back and support others in their growth.
Participate respectfully and consistently, fostering a safe and supportive environment.

Who are the mentors?

Our mentors are experienced product professionals with 3+ years in the field, eager to share their knowledge and help others grow. Over 80% have 5+ years of experience, and nearly half bring 10+ years of product leadership and real-world insight.

Can I define my own goals?

Yes, in fact, you’re expected to. Mentees are encouraged to set their own goals and take ownership of their growth journey. Your mentor is there to support, guide, and share perspective, but you lead the way in defining what success looks like for you.

How do I apply?

1. Become a TPMA member. Paid members at the Community Builder level receive a 25% discount on the mentee program fee and exclusive savings on other TPMA experiences.
2. Submit your application between October 3 and November 3, 2025.
3. Pay the program fee (mentees only).
4. Get matched! TPMA carefully pairs mentors and mentees to ensure the most valuable and meaningful experience. You can share preferences or considerations to help guide your match.

How are mentors and mentees matched?

Mentors and mentees are matched by career stage, goals, and areas of interest to create the most meaningful and relevant experience. TPMA reviews each application carefully, taking into account experience level, focus areas, and growth goals shared by participants. Mentees are paired with mentors who can best support their next stage of development, whether they’re entering, growing, or leading in product management.

What is the refund policy?

The Fall/Winter cohort program fee is fully refundable if:
A mentee requests a refund before November 14, 2025.
TPMA is unable to find a match by November 17, 2025.
A mentor withdraws before the midway point of the program, and TPMA is unable to secure a qualified replacement within two weeks.

What is the confidentiality policy?

We value your privacy and trust.
TPMA will never share personal information without consent. Only email addresses are shared to help mentors and mentees connect. Both parties are expected to keep all discussions confidential and respect privacy at all times.

Fall Cohort Now Closed!

Registration for the Fall/Winter cohort opens October 3 and closes November 3rd, 2025.