Q&A with a Mentor and Scholar
In 2022 as well as celebrating our Centenary, we pledged to strive to create a future legacy with our three centenary commitments; one of which is to drive youth development. This year we proudly launched a Mentor Programme within the Wentworth Foundation.
The programme is designed to benefit both the Scholars and the Mentors, a structured initiative that aims to provide support and guidance for golf, tennis and professional interests. For the Scholars, having a Mentor can provide valuable insight into different industries, help them to build a professional network, and provide guidance as they navigate their career path. For the Mentors, the programme offers an opportunity to give back by sharing their expertise and knowledge with the next generation of young professionals.
On 27th October and National Mentoring Day we hear from one of our Mentors and our Scholars to get a greater understanding of how rewarding and invaluable mentoring can be for everyone involved.
Mentor, Brady Rafuse is an experienced Chief Executive and an inspirational leader with an unbroken track record of success from strategy to execution. He has experience in both large and small organizations. Previously the CEO of euNetworks he remains Chairman of the Board, having run and grown the largest IP backbone and co-location footprint in the world.
16-year-old Jaden Hanson is currently studying for his A-Levels at a local Sixth Form school. Jaden joined the Foundation at the start of 2019 and currently plays of +0.9. Not only does he love playing golf, but he also enjoys Computer Science which he started studying 3 years ago. Jaden has impressively created a studying utility website called envision.study, amongst many more projects.
Brady Rafuse, Mentor
What made you decide to enter into this industry?
Mostly serendipity! I was studying Accountancy exams and BT were offering a role in Accounts. The Accountancy path didn’t suit me very well but the industry did. I was always biased towards data communications and that path led to internet infrastructure.
Where did/do you look for inspiration?
I had strong mentors. I always strove to work with the very best people in the industry and learn from them. I have always been a voracious reader and was fortunate to be offered great academic opportunity.
What made you decide to volunteer to be a mentor?
I benefited greatly from strong mentors and I hoped that I may have something to offer from that experience.
You were matched perfectly with Jaden, how have you been able to use your experience to guide and advise him in this programme so far?
I’ve tried to use my network of friends and family to help him both with his golf but also thinking about building his career.
What skills can Jaden further develop to prepare him to advance in his career path more quickly?
I think he is already developing his skills extremely well. He works hard, he is creative and entrepreneurial.
What’s one thing you wish someone had told you when you were at the stage that Jaden is now?
That you are the sum of the five people you spend most of your time with. Choosing your friends is extremely important. They can raise you up, but they can also drag you down. It’s important to reflect on what the people around you do.
What life lessons do you think you can take away from playing golf?
You need to realise you can only control what you can control. You’ll get bad weather and bad bounces. You can choose your attitude and how you deal with the evitable highs and lows.
What’s the best career advice you’ve received?
You don’t need to be the smartest person in the room. But be near them and learn from them.
Jaden Hanson, Scholar
What industry are you interested in pursuing?
To be on the PGA Tour and something to do with Computer Science.
Where do you see yourself in 5- and 10-years’ time?
In 5 to 10 years I see myself on the PGA Tour with a degree in computer science and pursuing further education into computer science after the degree.
You joined the mentor programme earlier this year, and were matched perfectly with Brady – how beneficial has his support been so far?
Brady has been a great help not only with what he has done for me but the many opportunities Brady has offered me. Brady has guided me mentally which helped me not only on the golf course but also with life through his decades of experience and connections. Such as Dillon West and Robert Macintyre’s coach who have both thrived in the field of golf.
You’ve been playing golf for 10 years and have an impressive handicap of +0.9. What aspects of the game of golf have you applied in your life off the courses?
One of Brady’s main points is for everything you do, always have a vision and purpose whether that is on the golf course or in life.
What has been the best piece of advice that Brady has given you?
Another one of Brady’s great points is your life is made of your 5 best friends, the better your friends the better your life becomes.
