From Learner to Leader, the Power of a Mentorship Journey in Eurasia

When Navruz Erkaev joined the PRME Global Students (PGS) Mentorship Programme as a mentee, he was searching for guidance on his research in sustainable development. What he found was a transformative experience that extended beyond academia and into leadership. Through the Programme, he connected with Frank Longo, an experienced mentor whose support would not only help him refine his research skills but also inspire a deeper commitment to sustainability and student empowerment.

Frank, a seasoned academic and currently the Director of Impact with a passion for sustainability education, entered the PGS Mentorship Programme with a mission: to help students navigate their aspirations and turn ideas into action. Having spent years working in experiential learning and witnessing firsthand the gap in sustainability awareness among business students, Frank saw mentorship as a powerful way to bridge this divide. When he met Navruz, he quickly realized the potential of his mentee.

“Navruz wasn’t a novice [to sustainability work],” Frank recalled. “But when it came to research, he was still finding his way. I saw an opportunity to support his growth, and in turn, I learned a lot from him.”

Under Frank’s mentorship, Navruz focused on developing a research paper on sustainability in Central Asia. Over the course of six weeks, they met regularly—sometimes across multiple time zones, as Frank traveled between New York, Brussels, and Barcelona, demonstrating his dedication to the programme. Through these sessions, Frank provided insights on research methodologies, critical thinking, and academic writing. The results were remarkable. Navruz’s research not only strengthened his thesis but earned him the highest honors at Almaty Management University, where it was recognized as one of the best theses in his programme.

Yet, the Programme's impact extended beyond academic achievement. Inspired by his research, Navruz founded a student organization dedicated to promoting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on campus. His initiative led to student participation in regional conferences and culminated in winning the PGS Sustainability Award for the Eurasia Region. The ripple effect of his work was evident as he was later connected with other students, outside of the Mentorship Programme, looking for guidance on creating impact. Drawing from his experience, he advised them on launching their own sustainability initiative, including organizing a SDG-focused student fair.

For Frank, watching Navruz’s transformation was deeply rewarding. “He evolved from someone seeking guidance to someone leading change. His confidence grew, and he became a voice for sustainability among his peers.”

The mentor-mentee relationship soon evolved into an informal mentorship after the Programme ended. Frank continued to involve Navruz in leadership opportunities, from providing feedback to student groups on sustainability initiatives to introducing him as a keynote speaker at an SDG conference. Navruz’s ability to engage and inspire other students became a testament to the power of peer-to-peer learning.

“Students listen to other students in a way they don’t always listen to professors,” Navruz reflected. “When they see someone their age making an impact, it makes them believe they can do it too.”

This dynamic aligns with what Frank has observed in his years of teaching: “When students lead, the engagement level skyrockets. Navruz took that to heart and has since paid it forward by mentoring others.”

Navruz’s journey has come full circle. Once a mentee, he is now Vice Chair for Student Affairs at PRME Chapter Eurasia, where he continues to champion sustainability education and student leadership. His experience in the Mentorship Programme not only solidified his career aspirations but also reinforced the belief that meaningful change begins with individual action.

As PGS continues to foster mentorship and collaboration across institutions, the story of Navruz and Frank exemplifies the profound and lasting impact of these connections. From research papers to student-led sustainability movements, their journey is a testament to the power of mentorship in shaping the next generation of responsible leaders.

When asked what advice he would give to future students and mentors, Navruz shared a simple yet powerful message: “Say yes to opportunities. Get involved. Make an impact. The rest will follow.”

Frank, reflecting on his mentorship experience, added, “Listen actively, engage genuinely, and be open to learning from your mentee. Mentorship is a two-way street—both sides grow from the experience.”

Navruz shared, “A special thanks to Frank, Sophie Kacki, Engagement Manager at PRME, Paulo Speroni, former Strategy Manager at PRME, and the entire PRME Secretariat team for their invaluable mentorship and support. Their dedication to sustainability and leadership continues to inspire positive change, and I am grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with such passionate individuals.”

The PRME Mentorship Programme is more than just guidance—it’s about building a community of changemakers. And as Navruz and Frank have shown, the journey of mentorship doesn’t just stop with one pair; it can ignite a movement.

PRME Global Students (PGS) is an engaged network of students from PRME Signatory Members promoting responsible management education globally. PGS works to advance sustainability and the UN Sustainable Development Goals through various initiatives and advocacy.

Learn more about PGS