S3 Ep1 - Michaela Wortley, Oceania Inclusiveness Business Partnering Lead, EY

In this episode of Mentoring Unlocked, Maud Lindley sits down with Michaela Wortley, Oceania Inclusiveness Business Partnering Lead at EY, to explore how coaching can become a powerful lever for leadership and culture. After nearly three decades at EY, Michaela shares the story of how an informal initiative evolved into a formal internal coaching practice. One that now includes more than 30 trained internal coaches delivering over a thousand coaching hours each year. By embedding coaching within leadership development and talent programs, EY has created a powerful mechanism for helping leaders navigate transitions, reflect on their leadership identity, and bring organisational values to life. Maud and Michaela also explore what mentors can learn from coaching. Rather than simply offering advice, the most effective mentors combine experience with curiosity, asking thoughtful questions that help others develop their own insights. Together, they unpack how coaching skills like listening, curiosity, and reflection not only strengthen mentoring relationships but also foster more inclusive leadership by encouraging diverse perspectives and deeper understanding. For HR leaders, mentors, and organisational culture builders, this conversation offers practical insights into how coaching and mentoring can elevate leadership capability and create more thoughtful, inclusive workplaces.