Supply Chain Mentoring: Malcolm Talmage, Tesco

Meet Malcolm Talmage

Head of Packaged Supply Chain, Tesco

Malcolm has been an active participant in IGD’s Supply Chain Mentoring Programme for six years. With 35 years of experience in his field, he values the chance to give back by sharing his knowledge and expertise. He often reflects on how beneficial a programme like this would have been when he was starting his career.

Malcolm’s dedication to mentoring and supporting others perfectly aligns with the programme’s mission to promote professional growth and cross-industry collaboration.

“For me, success means sharing knowledge and helping others progress. If a mentee can identify just one thing they’re doing differently because of my guidance, that’s a win!”

Want to hear more? We had the opportunity to sit down with Malcolm to learn more about his experiences with our mentoring programme:

Why did you join the programme?

Malcolm joined the program to give back to the industry and support the next generation of supply chain professionals. With decades of experience in people management, his leadership philosophy centres on the importance of guidance.

Recognising the value of the mentorship he wished he had earlier in his career, he now uses the program to share his expertise and help mentees navigate professional challenges.

What impact has the mentoring programme had on your career and personal development?

Being a mentor gives you the opportunity to reflect on your own experiences. The challenges your mentee faces are often ones you’ve encountered yourself which encourages you to think about how you handled them or what you would do differently. Taking the time to share your knowledge not only helps others but also allows you to gain new insights and grow professionally.

“I always try to make it personal. The most important part of mentoring is building a confidential and trusting relationship."

What advice would you give to a mentor?

Over the years Malcolm has refined his mentoring approach and believes that building trust and rapport early on is key. In the first meetings keeping the conversation informal and finding ways to break the ice can help create a strong foundation for a meaningful connection. Structuring sessions while remaining flexible to adapt to each mentee’s needs is important. Leading the initial sessions can help set expectations and define key goals. Encouraging mentees to bring real life challenges to discussions allows for practical advice and actionable solutions.

"Mentees need a space where they can openly discuss the challenges they may not feel comfortable sharing with their manager or colleagues. Establishing that trust from the very first meeting sets the stage for valuable and productive sessions.”

Malcolm’s key takeaways

1. Reflective learning for mentors – Mentoring has given Malcolm the opportunity to reflect on his leadership style and identify areas for improvement. By guiding others, he continues to refine his own skills.

2. Empowering mentees – Through tailored guidance, Malcolm has helped mentees navigate challenges such as managing relationships with line managers and adapting their communication styles. He encourages mentees to build a "toolbox" of leadership strategies to handle different situations.

3. Creating a lasting impact – Malcolm’s mentoring has not only influenced individual careers but has also fostered a culture of knowledge sharing and professional growth within Tesco and beyond.

Malcolm’s advice

For mentees:

• Invest in the process – The more effort you put in, the more you’ll gain. Approach each session with openness and a willingness to learn.

• Embrace feedback – Constructive feedback is essential for growth. Use the program as a safe space to develop and refine your skills.

• Leverage opportunities – From networking to gaining cross-industry insights, take full advantage of everything the program offers.

"You’ll get a huge reward from this experience if embraced with openness and energy, leading to a very valuable course that supports your personal development.”

For mentors:

• Foster a supportive environment – Trust is the foundation of a successful mentoring relationship.

• Share practical insights – Real world scenarios and actionable advice resonate most with mentees.

• Be adaptable – Tailoring your approach to each mentee ensures the experience is relevant and impactful.

Complete the form below to register your interest in our Supply Chain Mentoring Programme and we'll be in touch.