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Reverse Coaching: What a Leader Can Learn from a Starter

Tim overlegt met collega in het restaurant
    • Tim MehlInnovation Manager
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    "There is very little sense of hierarchy here, and you can learn so much from one another."

    When Tim Mehl (28) joined a reverse coaching program through Young Rabo, he expected that he might be able to offer an experienced leader a fresh perspective. What he did not expect was how much he would learn himself. Through a series of conversations, he discovered that questions about personal development, ambition, and career growth do not disappear once you reach a senior position.

    That realization reinforced something he sees every day at Rabobank: different generations need one another. His team includes starters, experienced specialists, and colleagues who have been with the bank for decades. “Everyone approaches the same challenge from a different perspective. And that’s exactly what helps you move forward.” The Tribe Innovation team, where Tim works as a Proposition Manager, is a vibrant mix of early-career professionals, seasoned specialists, and colleagues who have spent many years at Rabobank. For him, collaborating with people from different generations is one of the most rewarding aspects of his job. Everyone brings something unique to the table: new ideas, fresh perspectives, or years of valuable experience. “There is very little sense of hierarchy here, and you can learn so much from one another. Rabobank also actively supports this through a variety of engaging collaboration and development initiatives.”

    Who is Tim?

    Tim joined Rabobank more than four years ago as a trainee. During his studies in Commercial Economics and later his Master's degree in Strategic Management, he discovered that he thrives on innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration. Within Tribe Innovation, he focuses on researching, developing, and validating propositions that create value for both customers and the bank. “We operate in a dynamic environment where market developments and new technologies evolve at a rapid pace. That is exactly what makes it such an exciting and challenging field to work in.”

    A good example is a project he worked on to explore how Rabobank could help young people save more money. This led to the idea of using AI to automatically transfer small amounts into a savings account on a weekly basis. However, by speaking directly with young people, Tim quickly discovered that the solution did not align with their needs. Many young people were uncomfortable with the idea of AI independently deciding how much money should be saved and automatically withdrawing it from their current account. These insights proved invaluable and reinforced the importance of testing assumptions with the target audience early in the process before further developing an idea.

    Through their program, you get the opportunity to connect with people you would otherwise never meet."

    Creating space for new ideas

    “Collaboration is extremely important within our team. Whether you have just started your career or have years of experience, colleagues are always open to conversation and eager to learn from one another. Those interactions do not just lead to new connections, they also generate new insights.”Tim sees that young professionals at Rabobank are genuinely encouraged to share their ideas and take initiative. At the same time, he highly values the knowledge and experience of colleagues who have been with the bank for longer. “You cannot build an organization with only young people, and you cannot build one with only experienced professionals either. It is the combination that leads to better ideas and, ultimately, better service for our customers.”

    Coaching a leader

    “I do not know whether it is unique to Rabobank, but what I do know is that there is a very open culture here.” This open culture made Tim particularly enthusiastic about the reverse coaching program initiated by Young Rabo, Rabobank’s employee network for young professionals. When he signed up, he did not know exactly what to expect. In reverse coaching, the traditional mentoring relationship is flipped. Rather than an experienced colleague guiding a junior employee, young professionals act as coaches for senior leaders within the organization.

    “That is what made it so interesting. Suddenly, I was the one asking the questions and helping someone view situations from a different perspective.” The experience left a lasting impression. During several conversations, Tim spoke with an experienced leader about professional development, career choices, and personal challenges. “What struck me most was realizing that people in senior positions often have the same questions as those who are just starting their careers.”

    Tim lacht in de camera in de bankhal

    Young Rabo opens doors

    For Tim, Young Rabo plays an important role in creating connections that might not happen naturally. “Through its programs, you meet people you would otherwise never have the chance to speak with.” That network has been valuable throughout his career. It even played a role in helping him move into his current position. “I simply had coffee with people I knew from my traineeship and through Young Rabo. Those conversations led to new opportunities.”

    According to Tim, this reflects Rabobank’s culture. “People are very approachable. If you take the initiative, colleagues are often willing to think along with you and help you move forward.” He laughs as he recalls how, during his traineeship, he emailed a director simply because he was curious about the person's role. “The response was basically: come by and let's talk.”

    Gen Z has a voice

    Young people are an important target group for Rabobank, and this is where Tim sees the value of his own perspective. “There is a lot of discussion about Gen Z, but not always with Gen Z. It helps to have someone at the table who actually belongs to that generation.” His experiences and insights help bring different perspectives into conversations.

    “I can share what I see and hear in my own environment. Sometimes that provides a very different perspective from what you get by looking only at research and data.”

    Curious About the Coaching Opportunities at Rabobank?

    • Career Mentor
      Supports mentees in shaping their career path and unlocking their full potential.

    • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Mentor
    Supports mentees with questions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including topics such as gender, culture, heritage, health, and LGBTQIA+.

    • Subject Matter Mentor
    Supports mentees by sharing knowledge and expertise within a specific field, such as business, technical, or professional skills.

    • Language Mentor
    Supports mentees in learning and mastering another language, such as English, Dutch, or Spanish.

    • Leadership Mentor
    Supports mentees in developing leadership capabilities and growing into leadership roles.

    • Local Integration Mentor
    Supports mentees in adapting to a new country and integrating into a new environment.

    • Personal Development Mentor
    Supports mentees in developing self-awareness, identifying strengths, and exploring their ambitions, dreams, and talents.

    • Reverse Mentoring
    The student becomes the mentor. As a junior mentor, you share your experiences and professional insights with a more experienced colleague (the mentee).

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