Certificate in Innovation Mentoring

Creative HQ’s Certificate in Innovation Mentoring is made up of ten modules, totaling 16 hours: The Certificate covers the following topics:

  • Understanding the Roles
  • Core Coaching Principles
  • Asking powerful questions
  • Deep listening
  • Structure of a coaching/mentoring session
  • Innovation/Entrepreneurial coaching/mentoring
  • Mentoring protocol
  • Challenge-based coaching
  • Coaching through hard truths
  • Your coaching/mentoring identity

After the successful completion of all ten modules and the interactive exercises during the course, the participants are awarded the Certificate in Innovation Mentoring digital badge.

Learning outcomes

The recipients of this certificate have learnt the basics of innovation coaching and mentoring and can confidently apply key tools and techniques in entrepreneurial and innovation coaching environments.

Below are some of the key learning outcomes for each module.

Module 1: Understanding the roles

  • Understand different types of entrepreneurship support programmes and the associated roles.
  • Distinguish between the key roles: mentor, coach, advisor, consultant, convenor/connector.
  • Understand how different roles can complement or conflict with each other.
  • Identify own role preference and growth opportunities.

Module 2: Core coaching principles

  • Adopt a “coaching mindset” of curiosity over advice-giving.
  • Learn how effective coaching can help people find their own answers.
  • Understand the importance of creating psychological safety.

Module 3: Asking powerful questions

  • Able to formulate questions that expand thinking.
  • Know what types of questions to ask and when.
  • Avoid leading questions.
  • Use silence effectively.

Module 4: Deep listening

  • Practice three levels of listening.
  • Practice listening for VIBEs.
  • Build rapport quickly.
  • Reflect and paraphrase effectively.

Module 5: Structure of a coaching/mentoring session

  • Understand how to structure a coaching/mentoring session.
  • Adapting the structure to suit context.

Module 6: Innovation/entrepreneurial coaching/mentoring

  • Understand the key things to focus on in innovation/entrepreneurial coaching.
  • Learn the key tools to work with entrepreneurs and innovators.

Module 7: Mentoring protocol

  • Understand the characteristics of effective mentoring relationships.
  • Understand the ethics and boundaries of mentoring.
  • Know when to refer to other experts.

Module 8: Challenge-based coaching

  • Understand the common challenge that innovators/entrepreneurs face.
  • Practise coaching/mentoring someone through challenge scenarios.

Module 9: Coaching through hard truths

  • Getting comfortable with the uncomfortable conversations.
  • Use the SBI model for constructive and actionable feedback.
  • Handling defensive response.
  • Knowing when to push and when to support.

Module 10: Your coaching/mentoring identity

  • Identifying your coaching/mentoring sweet spot.
  • Identifying your ideal coachee/mentee.
  • Developing your goals as a coach/mentor.