Knowledge Management as a Driving Force Underpinning the Connect To Success (C2S) Corporate Mentoring Programme

Abstract

The Connect to Success (C2S) Corporate Mentoring programme[1] is dedicated to advancing gender equality and strengthening Northern Ireland’s economy by empowering women‑owned businesses (WOBs) through structured, high‑impact mentorship from some of the world’s most successful companies. The programme enables WOBs to step back from day‑to‑day operations and focus on strategic growth, supported by subject‑matter experts who guide participants in developing and implementing scale‑up strategies. A core pillar of the programme is knowledge management and sharing. Drawing on established literature, C2S recognises that organisational growth depends not only on acquiring new knowledge but on effectively converting individual expertise into collective capability. Concepts from Nonaka and Takeuchi’s SECI model (socialisation, externalisation, combination, and internalisation) are reflected in the programme’s design. Mentor–mentee sessions create space for tacit knowledge exchange through dialogue and reflection, while structured activities help participants articulate insights, codify learning, and integrate new practices into their businesses. This approach aligns with research showing that knowledge‑rich interactions accelerate innovation, improve decision‑making and strengthen organisational resilience. Throughout 2025, mentoring teams met monthly for two‑hour sessions, in person or virtually, complemented by ongoing communication via digital platforms. These interactions fostered a continuous knowledge‑sharing environment, supporting what Davenport and Prusak describe as the “flow of experience, values, and contextual information” essential for effective knowledge management. Participants were encouraged to build internal systems for capturing and reusing knowledge within their teams, reinforcing long‑term capability beyond the programme itself. The programme’s objective was to identify each business’s strengths, opportunities, weaknesses, and threats, and to craft implementable strategies that address challenges and capitalise on opportunities. Through collaborative analysis, reflective practice, and guided experimentation, participants gained critical insights to strengthen and accelerate the growth of their enterprises. The integration of mentoring with evidence‑based knowledge‑management principles ensured that learning was acquired and embedded, supporting sustainable growth, enhanced leadership confidence and a stronger ecosystem for women‑led businesses in Northern Ireland.