Give to gain: how mentoring strengthens leadership at BMT
A reflection on leadership, growth and the power of mentoring at BMT.
A reflection on leadership, growth and the power of mentoring at BMT.
8 March 2026
At BMT, International Women’s Day is more than a date in the calendar. It is a moment to recognise the women whose expertise, leadership and curiosity strengthen our organisation every day.
This year’s theme, “Give to Gain,” resonates deeply with me. Mentoring is one of the most meaningful ways we live that principle.
Personally, I have been mentoring for a few years now and find it extremely rewarding. Some of my most important lessons have come from mentoring conversations: hearing different viewpoints, being challenged to think differently and watching others step into their confidence. That exchange of experience is powerful.
Today, I want to thank the women across BMT who lead, inspire and lift others as they rise. And I encourage all of us, wherever we sit, to keep giving, keep learning and keep championing one another.
Giving, and gaining
Mentoring is not about hierarchy. It is about shared learning.
When we invest time in developing others, we strengthen individual capability, deepen organisational resilience and build leadership capacity for the future.
This International Women’s Day, I celebrate the women across BMT who mentor, challenge, support and inspire others, and I reaffirm our commitment to creating an environment where giving truly leads to gaining.
Trudy Grey
Global General Counsel
Mentoring at BMT is not confined to senior leadership. It is embedded in how we learn from one another.
“I sought out a mentor because I wanted to grow both technically and as a leader, deepen my understanding of the business and gain perspective from someone who had already navigated a similar path.
The most valuable insights I’ve gained include the importance of effective communication, prioritising work that truly drives impact and developing greater self-awareness around my strengths and communication style.
Mentoring has helped me think more strategically, identify priorities, anticipate challenges and make more intentional decisions about my development.”
“I sought out a mentor to support both my personal growth and professional goals.
Learning from their experience and receiving honest feedback has helped me better understand my strengths and the direction I want to take in my career.
Mentoring has broadened my awareness of different opportunities and given me greater clarity about the roles I aspire to.”
“Mentoring allows me to share my experiences in a real and authentic way - including the indirect and messy parts of my journey. I tailor those experiences to my mentee’s needs so they feel seen and supported.
I often speak openly about building confidence and managing self-doubt. It never fully disappears - you simply learn not to let it hold you back - and that’s a perspective I try to pass on.
Supporting someone through challenges I’ve faced myself makes my own growth feel more meaningful. Mentorship has also influenced my leadership, encouraging me to be more visible in my achievements, seek out greater opportunities and empower young women to rise and lead.”
Chloe Yarrien
This International Women in Engineering Day, we’re celebrating Chloe Yarrien, our Maritime Autonomous Systems Engineering Lead - someone who’s making a lasting impact on the future of naval technology through expertise, collaboration and vision.
Pippa Ibson
For six weeks, I had the incredible opportunity of taking part in an Early Careers Development Placement in Cadiz, Spain, working on the Fleet Solid Support (FSS) Programme. The FSS programme is a key project for the Royal Navy, aiming to deliver new support ships to enhance the UK’s naval capabilities.
Martina Marshall-Beatty
If you’re someone who cares about where, how, and with whom you work – welcome to BMT. You’re exactly who we were hoping to reach.
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At 3am on a March morning, while many were still sleeping, our amazing colleagues in the Netherlands laced up their trainers and took on a 15km sunrise walk to raise money and awareness for ALS. This year’s walk carried even deeper meaning, as it was inspired by one of our own teammates recently diagnosed with the condition.