Tian Xu, Co-Founder and Director of Zeal Refrigeration Group, and his mentor, Trevor Gordijn, Chief Commercial Officer at BlueRock Global, embody the essence of mentorship as they navigate the dynamic landscape of business. EO Melbourne's Mentorship Program serves as their fertile ground, where seasoned business leaders nurture aspiring entrepreneurs, fostering a relationship of mutual growth and enlightenment.
The Beginning of a Transformative Journey
Tian’s participation in EO Melbourne’s Mentorship Program marked his inaugural journey as a mentee in this specific program. Reflecting on their initial encounters, Tian appreciated Trevor’s guidance and support, saying, "Trevor has been very helpful during this period. He has pointed out a few things that have been a great way for me to work on myself and my business."
Trevor, on the other hand, was participating as a mentor for the third time, having previously mentored other EO Melbourne members for the past two intakes. "For me, it was about giving back, sharing my skills, meeting a new person, and learning about a new business," Trevor shared. This mutual desire to learn and grow laid the foundation for a fruitful mentorship relationship.
Their journey began at the Royal Tennis Club, where they met for the first time during the mentorship training. Trevor noted that he quickly sensed a connection with Tian. The structured environment facilitated open communication, helping them to bond over shared experiences and challenges. Tian noted, "We shared some vulnerable stories about our past, especially our challenges with deeper-level struggles. We hit it off from that point."
Facing Challenges and Achieving Growth
When Tian joined the program, he was looking for guidance on his leadership skills and strategic planning for his business. "Trevor has been truly helpful in directing me to delve deeper into myself and understand who I am," Tian explained. One of the pivotal exercises Trevor introduced was journaling, which Tian found transformative. "Since the very early sessions, I started journaling with Trevor’s recommended structure. It has helped in all aspects of my life, whether personal or business-related."
Another impactful exercise was seeking feedback from colleagues about his leadership style. This process of self-reflection and external validation helped Tian align his self-perception with how others viewed him, enabling him to make necessary adjustments to his leadership approach. "Trevor honed in on showing me how to get from point A to point B in my leadership journey," Tian said.
Trevor was impressed with Tian’s commitment and openness. "Tian showed great vulnerability and courage to seek feedback from his team about his leadership," Trevor remarked. This willingness to engage deeply with the mentorship process was a key factor in their successful partnership.
Mutual Learning and Positive Outcomes
Their mentorship sessions were a blend of structured and unstructured discussions, which allowed for flexibility and responsiveness to immediate issues. "There were moments where I needed to talk about my own challenges, and Tian was there to listen," Trevor shared, highlighting the reciprocal nature of their relationship.
Tian applied several key lessons from Trevor to his business, particularly in developing a strong company culture. "Before working with Trevor, we had a really bad culture. Through our discussions, we created solid values that everyone in the business revolved around," Tian explained. This cultural transformation was a significant achievement, contributing to the overall growth and stability of Zeal Refrigeration Group.
Wins and Achievements
According to Tian, Trevor guided him in focusing on various pillars of business management, such as brand development and operational excellence. This process empowered Tian to assess each aspect comprehensively, collaborate effectively with his business partners, and implement informed decisions for sustained growth and operational refinement within the company.
Trevor, in turn, appreciated Tian's receptiveness and diligence in applying these frameworks. He remarked, "I aim to share practical frameworks and strategies that facilitate proactive problem-solving and informed decision-making. It's about equipping Tian to navigate challenges with clarity and confidence as a business leader."
The Beauty of the Mentorship Program
Regarding EO’s Mentorship Program, Tian emphasised the benefits of a coaching relationship for both parties. "Joining the program has been a really good experience, and I highly recommend all EO members to take on board this opportunity," he said. Trevor highlighted the value of the program in providing a space for sharing and learning without competition. "It’s about giving back, learning from others, and forming a connection that goes beyond professional boundaries," Trevor noted.
Trevor aptly described their journey as "from seed to tree," symbolising the growth and development that occurred through their mentorship. As Trevor put it, "We planted a seed at the Royal Tennis Club, nurtured it with effort and structure, and now it has grown into a strong tree with a solid foundation."
For anyone considering joining EO Melbourne’s mentorship program, Tian and Trevor’s experience is a testament to its transformative potential. It’s more than just a professional relationship; it’s a journey of shared learning and mutual inspiration. Learn more about the Mentorship Program here.