On International Women’s Day 2026, the message is clear. By giving time, experience, and encouragement to others, leaders not only help individuals grow, but they also gain new insights, stronger collaboration, and a more resilient industry.

Each year on March 8, the global community recognises International Women’s Day as a moment to reflect on progress, highlight opportunity and reinforce commitments that help shape a more inclusive future. The 2026 theme “Give to Gain” captures a principle that is deeply embedded within the culture of Sandvik Coromant: the idea that sharing knowledge, supporting others, and investing in development ultimately strengthens both individuals and organisations.

Within manufacturing, where technological advancement and workforce evolution continue to accelerate, mentorship and upskilling have become essential tools for long-term success. At Sandvik Coromant, leaders across the organisation are actively contributing to this culture of learning by sharing experience, encouraging curiosity, and creating opportunities for the next generation of talent.

The power of mentorship in manufacturing

Manufacturing is an industry built on knowledge transfer. From machining techniques to digital manufacturing strategies, expertise is often developed through hands-on experience and collaboration. Mentorship plays a critical role in ensuring that knowledge is not only preserved but also continuously expanded.

For Anne Bjorck, Head of Media and External Relations at Sandvik Coromant, mentorship is a practical demonstration of how the “give to gain” principle operates within an organization.

“Mentorship is one of the clearest examples of ‘give to gain’ in action. When you mentor someone, you may think you are mainly giving your time and experience, but in reality, you gain just as much. In my team, we always host junior trainees for a one-year internship, and for me, that has become one of the most rewarding parts of leadership. It’s a true two-way learning process.

”They bring fresh perspectives, challenge our assumptions, and remind us to look at our work with new eyes.”

By actively integrating trainees and early-career professionals into teams, organizations create environments where knowledge flows in both directions. Experienced professionals share technical insight and institutional knowledge, while newer employees introduce fresh ideas and perspectives shaped by emerging technologies and evolving ways of working.

This reciprocal learning model not only supports individual development but also helps organizations stay adaptable in a rapidly changing industry.

Learning across every stage of a career

Mentorship is not limited to early-career employees. It also plays a role in leadership development and cross-organisational collaboration. For Veronica Messersmith, President of the Americas at Sandvik Coromant, mentorship has been a defining element throughout her career.

“Sandvik Coromant has long valued mentorship, and over my 27 years with the company, I’ve experienced firsthand how it creates a true ‘give to gain’ dynamic. For the mentor, sharing knowledge and lessons learned is rewarding, but the real gain also comes from fresh perspectives and insight into how the next generation approaches challenges—keeping experienced leaders learning and adaptable.”

Messersmith emphasises that mentorship strengthens organisations by building relationships, encouraging open dialogue, and creating space for new ideas. When employees at different career stages exchange perspectives, it fosters trust, improves collaboration, and ultimately drives innovation.

Investing in future talent

The “give to gain” philosophy is also reflected in the company’s commitment to developing talent across the organization. From structured trainee programs to leadership development and technical training, Sandvik Coromant prioritizes continuous learning as a key driver of progress.

These efforts align with a broader industry need. As manufacturing continues to integrate digital technologies, automation and advanced machining strategies, attracting and developing skilled professionals has become more important than ever. Mentorship and upskilling help ensure that knowledge evolves alongside technology.

Strengthening the industry through shared knowledge

At its core, the concept of “give to gain” reflects a simple but powerful idea: when individuals share knowledge, support each other’s growth, and invest in future talent, everyone benefits.

For organisations like Sandvik Coromant, this approach strengthens teams, fosters innovation, and helps ensure that manufacturing remains a dynamic and attractive career path for future generations.