The Hour of Power
A Mentorship Exchange by The Marketing Skills Trust
In a world where access to experience, wisdom, and mentorship can often feel like a closed shop, the Marketing Skills Trust is opening the doors wide. As part of our new fundraising phase, we’re proud to launch The Hour of Power - a unique mentoring exchange where time becomes the most generous donation of all.
What Is It?
An initiative where some of marketing’s brightest minds - creative legends, behavioural science gurus, brand builders, and agency pioneers- donate one hour of their time to support others on their journey. These one-to-one sessions can be booked by:
Individuals seeking personal growth or career direction.
Marketing teams tackling a thorny issue or looking for fresh perspective.
Think of it as masterclass meets mentorship, with 100% of the proceeds supporting the work of The Marketing Skills Trust.
Who’s Involved?
What Can You Talk About?
That’s the beauty of it - it’s your hour, your call:
Career navigation and personal branding
Strategy advice for your latest campaign
Making the case for marketing to the CFO
Feedback on your portfolio
…or just one big problem you need perspective on
How It Works
Mentors donate their time (an hour or more) as a personal donation to the Trust - because they believe in giving back.
Mentees book an hour via our platform with a suggested donation of at least £250 going directly to the Trust. Paid by the individual or their employer.
100% of the money raised goes toward funding bursaries, training, mentoring schemes, and outreach to underrepresented groups.
How to book your Mentor
Step ①
Click on the mentors above to learn about their expertise and then choose the right fit for your needs.
If you have questions, use the form to the right to ask
Step ②
Select the donation amount that you feel you can give to further the work of the MST and choose the amount of hours you would like at this rate.
Step ③
Complete the booking and payment, including gift aid if you are gift aid elidgible, and we will connect you with your mentor to arrange the content and time that suits.
FAQ’s
Hour of Power
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The Hour of Power is a mentorship exchange where leading marketers donate one hour of their time to support others. You book a one-to-one session in return for a donation - and 100% of that donation funds skills development through The Marketing Skills Trust.
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It’s for anyone looking to grow - whether you're just starting out, navigating a career pivot, or an experienced marketer facing a big challenge. Teams or individuals are welcome.
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Anything that matters to you. It could be career direction, feedback on a portfolio, building a personal brand, or a strategic dilemma. One popular example: a Creative Director aiming to win a Cannes Lion might spend their hour with Steve Harrison - the UK’s most awarded copywriter, with 10 Cannes Lions to his name.
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Our mentors include some of the most respected names in marketing - like Pete Markey, Andy Nairn, Kineta Kelsall, Rob Pierre, Cordell Burke, Steve Harrison and others. Each brings a wealth of experience and generosity.
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We suggest a minimum donation of £250 per session. You or your employer can cover this - and every penny goes to supporting training, mentoring, and opportunities for underrepresented talent.
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Yes. Many organisations support this as part of professional development or coaching. Receipts can be provided
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Once your donation and booking are confirmed, we’ll connect you directly with your chosen mentor to arrange a mutually convenient time for the session.
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Absolutely. You can return for different mentors, new challenges, or ongoing growth.
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If you're an experienced marketing professional and want to give back, we’d love to hear from you. Email us at martin.troughton@marketingskillstrust.org.uk.
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It’s fast, focused, and flexible. You get an hour of undivided attention from a top industry figure, tailored to your goals — all while supporting the next generation of marketers through your donation.
Why Now?
The industry needs more openness, more access, and more belief in the power of community. “The Hour of Power” does more than raise funds - it changes lives and careers. It continues the legacy of Derek Holder by turning experience into opportunity for others.
Get Involved
Are you a marketing leader with time and wisdom to share? Donate an hour.
With The Hour of Power, together, we can raise both skills and aspirations - one hour at a time.