Empowering queer talents: A recap of the Pride Talent Mentoring Program
Building bridges beyond everyday business
When we at BCG Platinion set out to create a mentoring initiative for emerging tech talents, the goal was clear: to empower queer students, graduates, and allies pursuing careers in IT strategy consulting. To complement our existing commitment on inclusion, we partnered with PROUT AT WORK, a foundation recognized for its expertise in advancing queer diversity and inclusion in corporate environments.
Together, we developed a program designed for mentees from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland who were interested in expanding their networking and learning on tech and inclusion topics.
“The program is very close to my heart because there are still parts of our society that are structurally disadvantaged, and as long as that is the case, we should create formats that provide insights, facilitate discourse and highlight different perspectives.”
- Vanja, Mentor
A shared journey of learning and exchange
From the very beginning, it became clear that the value of the initiative lay in bringing together different perspectives and experiences.
The kick-off event in Cologne marked the start of this journey, where mentees and mentors connected and engaged in open conversations that combined professional topics with personal insights on identity and inclusion.
Over the following weeks, participants explored key questions for early-career professionals – from navigating identity in the workplace to understanding consulting environments and reflecting on inclusion and allyship. These discussions benefited strongly from the combination of professional consulting experience and PROUT AT WORK’s deep expertise in queer inclusion.
Mentoring formed the backbone of the program. Each mentee was paired with a mentor for one-on-one sessions, creating a safer space for career guidance as well as open conversations about identity, client interactions, and inclusion in the workplace.
Results and reflections
The program concluded with a final in-person gathering in Berlin, where mentees presented their solutions to the AI case study and reflected on their journey – both individually and as a group.
“One of my highlights was the case study we did. It was really exciting to work together over the last few weeks. And, on the other hand, to promote queer visibility in the workplace and show how important it is to keep pushing for it. So I can definitely recommend the program!”
– Maximilian, Mentee
Throughout the program, the collaboration between BCG Platinion and PROUT AT WORK showed how combining different areas of expertise can create meaningful impact – not only for participants, but also for the organizations involved.
The Pride Talent Mentoring Program supported by PROUT AT WORK demonstrated how collaboration between a tech strategy consultancy and a queer diversity focused foundation can create meaningful impact. By combining tech strategy and consulting expertise with advocacy knowledge, BCG Platinion and PROUT AT WORK built a platform that not only supports individual careers but also advances inclusive workplace cultures across the consulting landscape.
Looking ahead
We now look back on the program together and reflect on its outcomes and impact while actively incorporating feedback and constructive criticism to shape future initiatives. It is inspiring to see what this collaboration has created, and we are excited to see what the future may hold for working together and what new opportunities might emerge.
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