The 2026-2027 edition of the AmCham Mentorship Program got off to an inspiring start at BI Norwegian Business School. Spanning 16 industries, this year’s cohort brings together 88 mentors and mentees from 39 Patron member companies and partner organizations.
The 2026 kickoff keynote was delivered by BI Professor Émilie Lapointe, who also serves as the Associate Dean for BI’s Master’s Program in Leadership and Organizational Psychology and co-leads the Personal Development Program for BI’s Executive MBA. Drawing on both research and practice, Lapointe offered participants actionable, evidence-based insights into how to get the most out of their mentorship relationships.
Mentorship isn't a spectator sport (...) you get out of it exactly what you bring to it.”
Highlighting the importance of trust, vulnerability, and responsibility, Lapointe explored how these relationships can fuel growth and support career development. Her message was clear; mentorship creates value for mentors, mentees, and organizations alike – but only when both sides truly commit to the relationship. “Mentorship isn’t a spectator sport,” she concluded. “You get out of it exactly what you bring to it.”
Lapointe was followed by Kristian Hvilen, Managing Director at Rud Pedersen Public Affairs. Hvilen, who has served as a mentor in several editions of the AmCham Mentorship Program, gave participants practical advice for building strong mentoring relationships. He emphasized the importance of psychological safety, the value of being a “critical friend,” and the need for mentors to be flexible, adapting to their mentees’ needs.
Netti Fuglesang, Business Partner at Dale Carnegie Training, then offered tips from a mentee perspective. She encouraged participants to step outside their comfort zones, reminding them that doing so can spark real transformation and development. She also highlighted the importance of goal setting, intentionality, and taking a holistic view of growth.
Together, Lapointe, Hvilen, and Fuglesang gave participants a strong point of departure for our nine-month program. After their remarks, this year’s 44 mentor-mentee pairings were revealed, giving each pair the chance to lay the groundwork for the months ahead.
“We know leadership development doesn’t happen by accident,” concluded AmCham Mentorship Program Lead Tyler Barrott.
“Deeply human and with a cross-industry focus, our mentorship program gives Patron-level member company mentors and mentees a structured, purposeful environment for leadership development, as well as personal and professional growth.”
The AmCham Mentorship Program offers participating Patron-level member companies a unique and exclusive arena for leadership development. Over nine months, the program prepares mentees for leadership roles in international companies and provides mentors with valuable cross-industry insights, while offering both groups evidence-based tools for inspired leadership.
This year’s cohort – made up of 88 participants from 39 organizations – spans 16 industries. Mentor-mentee pairings are tailored, considering each participants’ industry, background, and professional development goals.
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