Mentessa, the European mentoring platform that connects people for learning and collaboration, is proud to welcome Raymond Vromans as its first Impact Partner in the Netherlands. With over seven years of experience in learning and development, coaching, and mentoring, Raymond brings deep expertise and a passion for helping people grow.

In this exclusive interview, he shares his thoughts on the future of mentoring, the power of connection, and his mission to empower equal opportunities in the workplace.

Raymond, could you tell us about your professional journey and what shaped your approach to learning and development?

I began my career in the FMCG industry, working for three large corporations. Throughout that time, I participated in various training programs—three of which had a lasting impact on me.

My first was during my traineeship at AB-InBev, where we spent three days in an outdoor learning experience. Trainers observed us throughout, giving detailed feedback in the evenings. One key takeaway for me was the idea of “the monkey on my shoulder”—that I naturally took on leadership roles but also too much responsibility instead of empowering others.

My second impactful experience came from a negotiation training at FP&P while I was a Key Account Manager at Heinz. Surprisingly, it was less about negotiation tactics and more about self-awareness and understanding my behavioral patterns.

The third was a personal leadership training at Starfish during my time at Nestlé. It focused on ambition, motivation, vision, and peer feedback. That training made me realize I wasn’t on the right career path, so I left my job to explore what truly energized me. Eventually, I became a trainer and coach, driven by the belief that everyone needs guidance on their journey of self-discovery and growth.

What first inspired your passion for mentoring?

Interestingly, it started with a conversation over lunch with a friend—a sales manager—who was looking for a sparring partner at his level. I thought it would be easy to find through his network, but it wasn’t. That conversation sparked my interest in mentoring.

When I searched online, I discovered Mentessa, and their mission inspired me to integrate mentoring into my own coaching and training business. Their approach to connecting people through technology deeply resonated with me.

You’ve worked with leaders for many years. What’s one transformation you’ve seen through effective mentoring?

One of my mentors at AB-InBev, a commercial director from Belgium, encouraged me to have my own personal vision—not just to execute company goals. That insight shaped my understanding of purpose-driven leadership and remains a guiding principle for me today. Working from an intrinsic belief connected to an organization’s mission is a powerful source of energy and impact.

What are the biggest challenges organizations face in learning and development today?

I see three main challenges:

1. Limited time and budgets for L&D: Employees often feel there’s no time for learning, and companies opt for short, low-cost online trainings that rarely lead to real behavioral change.

2. Misalignment with business goals: Learning programs should be tied to measurable business outcomes and skill development across all levels.

3. Lack of a learning culture: True growth requires psychological safety, leadership support, and a mindset that encourages experimentation, feedback, and continuous learning.

What attracted you to join Mentessa as an Impact Partner?

I’ve always believed in the transformative power of mentoring. It’s one of the most effective ways to foster learning and growth within organizations. What drew me to Mentessa wasn’t just their technology, but their human-centered approach to connecting people. Their mission—“to replace silos with a culture of connected learning”—aligns perfectly with my own philosophy.

I also value Mentessa’s openness to collaborate with local partners, which makes their ambition both authentic and scalable. My conversations with Tina Ruseva, Mentessa’s founder, were inspiring—her passion and vision convinced me that this was the right partnership.

How does Mentessa’s mission of empowering equal opportunities align with your values?

Coming from a humble background, I know firsthand how important access and opportunity are. Not everyone has the same network or resources to grow professionally. Mentessa’s platform helps democratize these opportunities—connecting people across hierarchies, departments, and even industries.

In large organizations, this can bridge the gap between departments and regions. Beyond corporations, I see huge potential in local communities—helping people from diverse backgrounds connect, learn, and thrive together.

How do you see the role of Impact Partners evolving across Europe?

I strongly believe in collaborative networks. Mentessa’s growth across Europe will depend on local Impact Partners who understand their markets and can build meaningful relationships. Together, we can help organizations foster cultures of belonging, learning, and shared knowledge.

What advice would you give to leaders and HR professionals who want to build a culture of belonging?

Belonging begins with connection and appreciation. Every employee needs to feel valued, safe, and heard. Leaders should invest time to understand each person’s learning stretch—the balance between challenge and support. When employees grow, the entire organization grows.

Finally, what excites you most about the future of learning?

The rise of AI has made knowledge more accessible than ever. But the challenge isn’t access—it’s how we use that knowledge responsibly and stay true to our values. As technology evolves, continuous learning will be crucial for adapting to rapid change. The future belongs to organizations that combine human connection with lifelong learning.

About Mentessa

Mentessa is an award-winning mentoring platform that connects people across organizations for peer learning, knowledge sharing, and career development. Its mission is to empower equal opportunities by breaking down silos and creating cultures of belonging.

👉 Learn more about Mentessa Impact Partners and how we’re expanding mentoring across Europe.