The Value in Finding a Career Mentor

The “great resignation” that dominated headlines this past year shows we are in a time where professionals are focused on their career development more than ever. Employees want to know if they are headed down a career path that best suits their needs and skills, and employers are struggling to give them the tools they need to determine the career progression that works best for them.

This series aims to share the stories and wisdom of successful shared services practitioners. We will explore how they found their way into the space, the key career decisions they had to make, and some lessons they would like to impart to younger generations.

SSON Digital is very excited that George Connell is the first professional to share his insights in this series. Connell is a shared services veteran who currently serves as an independent global shared services advisor. Before becoming an advisor, Connell spent over twenty years as the VP in charge of Strategy and the Glasgow Centre Finance Lead at Shell. While there he was responsible for Shell's global Finance & Data Operations strategy from scoping, migration delivery, and transition management as well as location assessment and organizational design. Connell was also recognized by SSON as the Shared Services Thought Leader of the Year back in 2018, and he has been an avid participant at forums and conferences over the years.

Connell’s vast knowledge was on display during his conversation with Sally Fletcher, some of the key takeaways they discussed include: 

Being Part of Something Bigger 

Like many who have careers in shared services, Connell began in the financial space. Upon graduating with an MBA from Glasgow University, Connell worked as an accountant for various businesses before moving up the finance totem pole to become a financial controller. Eventually, Connell saw an advertisement in the local paper in Glasgow seeking leaders to set up a shared services center that would serve twenty different companies for Shell.

At first, Connell saw it as daunting to provide financial accounting and other services to so many countries; however, he applied for a role and was selected to be Financial Director for the center.

The decision ended up being the right one, Connell believes a career in shared services gave him the ability to expand his business knowledge beyond his financial expertise, and he found it even more meaningful to do it in what he describes as a dynamic work environment.

“When you think about it, shared services involves so many facets,” Connell said. “So being able to be a part of all these conversations about establishing this service center was so insightful and rewarding.” 

Finding a Mentor 

When moving from one role that requires skills you were trained and educated in to one that encompasses much more, it is important to have mentors, and even co-workers, in place that are willing to help you such as the ones George was fortunate enough to have at Shell.

When asked if he had any regrets about his personal career, George said he wishes he had a mentor outside his direct line of work willing to provide some coaching.  

“Earlier in my career I could’ve requested a mentor willing to help me out with some of the new challenges I was taking on,” Connell said. “And I think most businesses will help their young employees find a mentor willing to coach them.” 

Pick Your Organization Well 

When Connell was asked what he would suggest to someone looking to begin a career in shared services, his first piece of advice was to take your time when choosing the organization you want to work for.

Connell suggests that professionals choose a shared service organization with a mandate already in place, and a senior leadership structure that supports the actions of shared services. 

“Without that support in place, I think it makes a challenging journey much more difficult,” Connell said.

If that support isn’t available, be sure to keep your options open and don’t be afraid of having dialogues with other shared services professionals you know about how they are valued at their business.

If you like the audio medium and would like to hear a detailed interview that dives much further into George Connell’s career advice, please listen to Careers Corner with Sally Fletcher on Spotify or Apple Music.