Meet AYP Mentor Sean McConachie

In March 2022, we were delighted to welcome Sean McConachie to the AYP Mentor Scheme, stepping up to become a mentor with us for the first time and offering to support a young professional in the Northeast.


Sean is Founder & Director of Packed Up, packaging experts that provide solutions for all industries and work with companies around the globe. Through starting his career at a young age, he knew that with his experience he could help others get to where they need to be.

“I grew up having mentors and wanted to give something back in the same way that I had support to get me to where I am now. I’ve always valued the advice and feedback from others around me, especially those with the tried and tested methods, I felt it was time I repaid that for someone, especially in Aberdeen, being a local loon.”
 
Over the past 6 months, the focus for Sean and his mentee has been to bring some structure to their work and career ambitions.
 
“They recently begun a big venture and started up their own business. It’s been successful and growing fast, which is amazing. But we’ve been working on making sure they can manage the basics and put the right steps in place to be in control, but also look to the future. We’ve also been working on ensuring they have a work/life balance and ensure work doesn’t become all consuming, which I have experienced before”
 
Becoming a mentor for the first time himself has been something new for Sean, but it’s something he’s benefitted from.
 
“I’m not afraid to ask for feedback myself and thankfully my mentee feels working together has been helping him. That’s the only reward I want really! For me, it’s pushed me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to develop my leadership skills.
 
And after making a lot of progress together, Sean’s is glad to provide some feedback and advice to others considering becoming a mentor and supporting the development of a young professional in the Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
 
“Make time for them, understand their situation, and show empathy as it isn’t easy being a young person in business. I can be a bit of a slow burner in terms of the constructive advice coming to a positive outcome, but I have found being there for my mentee when they needs advice or even just to vent has been key. I’ve learned to listen and then suggest ways to move forward.”
 
The AYP Mentor Scheme is open to all levels of experience, all industries, and backgrounds. If you feel you’ve got something to offer and have a passion to help develop the next wave of talent in the North East, you can be a mentor. You don’t have to be a manager, nor a leader in your current role, you and your experience can benefit someone. Get in touch to discuss becoming a mentor via [email protected].

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