Worshipful Company of Distillers Bursaries

The Value of Mentorship

The Worshipful Company of Distillers bursary scheme goes beyond financial support. One of its most valuable benefits is the opportunity for each bursary recipient to be paired with a mentor - an experienced professional who offers guidance at a pivotal stage in their career.

We spoke with Dhavall Gandhi, a WCD Liveryman and mentor, about his own journey into whisky, why he chose to become a mentor, and the impact mentoring can have for bursary recipients.

Why did you choose to become a mentor with the WCD?

My path into whisky making was far from conventional. I began my career in corporate finance in the US before deciding to follow my passion and move to Scotland to learn the craft. When I arrived, I had no connections in the country, let alone in the industry. It was only through the generosity of colleagues and mentors who guided me that I was able to find my way and pursue my dream.

From that experience, I promised myself that when I was in a position to support others, I would do so. I have been a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Distillers for several years now, and mentoring is one of the ways I honour that commitment. It is deeply rewarding – I take real satisfaction in being a sounding board, sharing lessons from my journey, and helping others shape their own path. For me, it is a way of giving back to an industry and community that welcomed me.

Why is mentoring important in today’s workforce?

Mentoring has always been valuable, but it is even more crucial in today’s fast-changing workforce. It is often confused with coaching, which focuses on specific skills. Mentoring, however, is far broader – it offers perspective, guidance, and helps people see possibilities they might not have considered.

A good mentor shares experiences, highlights pitfalls to avoid, and provides encouragement during moments of doubt. It is not only about technical knowledge, but about a holistic view of career and personal growth. Most importantly, it is about alignment: the right mentor resonates with a mentee’s aspirations and helps them navigate uncertainty in a way that feels authentic to their goals.

What do mentees typically gain?

Every mentee’s journey is unique, and what they take away depends largely on the effort they put in. There’s an old saying: “A master can show you the path, but you must walk it yourself.” That captures mentoring perfectly.

I’ve seen mentees use the experience to change careers, accelerate their progression, or simply gain clarity about their goals. The most successful outcomes come when mentees are proactive: arriving prepared, respecting their mentor’s time, and taking ownership of the agenda. In those cases, the dialogue is richer and more rewarding for both sides. Ultimately, mentees gain not just knowledge, but also confidence and perspective that can be truly transformative.

What have you learned through mentoring?

Mentoring has been as valuable for me as it has been for those I mentor. First and foremost, it is a way to give back to the whisky community that supported me, but it has also been a learning experience in its own right.

I’ve been struck by how insights I may take for granted can resonate deeply with someone else and even shape a major career decision. It’s a reminder that no experience is too small to share – you never know what might inspire another person. Mentoring has also reinforced the importance of listening deeply and staying open to different perspectives. In many ways, I continue to learn as much from my mentees as they do from me.

What would you say to someone considering applying for a WCD bursary?

I would strongly encourage anyone considering it to apply. The bursary is not just about financial support – it is about access to a network of people who are willing to share their experience and help you succeed.

My advice is to approach it with commitment. The more you put into the process, the more you will gain from it. Mentoring is mentee-led: you set the agenda, decide the topics, and take ownership of how you want the relationship to develop. Mentors cannot make decisions for you, but we can share perspectives and lessons from our own journeys to help you make more informed choices.

Ultimately, the WCD bursary can be a powerful catalyst – but its true impact depends on how much you embrace the opportunities it offers.