Curiosity and collaboration at the heart of mentoring

Maximilian Pasch is in the final term of his Master’s programme in Management, Organisation and Society at Stockholm Business School (SBS). Through the mentorship programme, he has been matched with Patrik Högberg, a long-standing member of the SBS Advisory Board and an experienced executive with a background in banking, finance and senior leadership roles.

A mentor with experience to share

Patrik brings decades of experience from leading positions in large organisations such as Loomis, Attendo and Wolters Kluwer. Today, he runs his own consultancy, focusing on advisory work, mentoring and board assignments. Mentoring is not new to him.

“I’ve been doing mentoring for around 15 years and have probably had 25 mentees over time,” he says. “What’s different this time is working with a student. It’s refreshing to meet someone at the very start of their career.”

For Patrik, mentoring is as much about learning as it is about giving back.

“It gives me energy. You gain insights into different people’s lives and challenges, and at the same time you can share your own experiences. Hopefully, it’s valuable for both sides.”

Navigating a new job market

Max had previously taken part in a similar initiative during his bachelor’s studies in Germany, he already knew how valuable such relationships could be. That’s why he helped to get Stockholm Business School to participate in Stockholm University’s Mentorship Programme.

“I wanted someone in Stockholm who could help me navigate the job market, especially as an international student,” he explains. “It can be difficult to build contacts and understand how things work locally.”

Since being matched, Max and Patrik have met regularly, both in person and online.

“It feels less like traditional mentoring and more like a collaboration,” Max says. “We talk through my job search, different roles and how I can position my experience."

Max and Patrik are also collaborating to support the Mentorship Programme becoming a long-term opportunity for SBS students.

Building understanding over time

Both emphasise that a mentoring relationship takes time to develop. Early on, Max expected quick answers, but his perspective has shifted.

“I thought I would get clear direction after just a few meetings,” he says. “But it takes time to build mutual understanding. That’s when a mentor can really help you see blind spots or guide you towards a breakthrough.”

Patrik agrees that the role of a mentor is not to provide ready-made answers.

“It’s about helping the mentee find their own solutions,” he explains. “You do that by listening and asking questions, not by telling them what to do.”

Their conversations often take a broader, more philosophical tone. Without a specific workplace situation to analyse, discussions can become more high-level. For Max, this is a strength rather than a limitation.

“It pushes me to find my own way instead of just following advice.”

At the same time, the exchange goes both ways.

“As a senior professional, it’s vitalising to work with someone younger,” Patrik says. “Max brings energy and new ways of thinking.”

Advice for future participants

Both Max and Patrik highlight curiosity as the key to a successful mentoring relationship.
“If you’re not curious and willing to take initiative, it won’t be as rewarding,” Max says. “Don’t just follow a template – have real conversations.”

He also encourages students to reflect on their goals before joining. “Think about what you want to get out of it. That makes it much more meaningful.”

For mentors, the advice is similar.

“Be open and curious,” says Patrik. “And remember that the mentee’s needs should guide the process. It’s not about talking about yourself too much. Your role is to support.”

Learn more about the Mentorship programme