Importance of Mentoring: Kate Delong

Portrait: Kate DeLong

Sometimes, it’s not a formal program or a planned opportunity that changes the direction of your career. Sometimes, it’s a simple conversation.

For Kate, that moment started in spring 2025.

After seeing that The Kusp launched an “'Informal Mentoring Scheme” in 2023 - working with mentors across the creative industries. One of our industry mentor was a casting director, and Kate was eager to get involved but she had missed the deadline. For many, that might have been the end of the story. But having already attended The Kusp events and built relationships within the community, Kate decided to reach out anyway.

She connected with our Head of Community at The Kusp, and asked if there was still a way to be involved. Fortunately, an opportunity was presented and Kate was introduced to casting director, James Pearson who runs Pearson Casting. What followed was a Zoom conversation that would shift everything.

Kate shared her interest in casting and her desire to find a mentor who could provide advice and help her navigate the industry - and James did this. Offering clear advice, and he shared something that was truly pivotal: “the best way to learn would be to be a casting director’s runner.”

This would allow her to be present, to support, and to understand the role from the inside. Soon after, Kate was offered the opportunity to step into that exact role. Landing the role in July 2025, after being matched with a mentor for only a month, Kate has been working as a runner within casting for almost a year.

“Being a member of The Kusp has been really fruitful,” she shared. “The connections I made here got me this job and really changed the direction of my career.”

Her story is a reflection of what The Kusp is built to do.

The Kusp exists to improve access for underrepresented talent in the creative media industries not just through formal programs, but through intentional connection. Spaces where conversations happen, relationships form, and opportunities can emerge in ways that aren’t always predictable.

Kate didn’t follow a straight or structured path into her opportunity. She asked a question, stayed connected, and showed up. The Kusp simply made sure that when the right moment came, there was someone there to open the door.

We have recently launched our One-Month Mentoring Program with 15 mentees and mentor matches across the creative industries. Sign-up to be considered for the next cohort.

Or join the community, so you don’t miss out on!

Words by Ivy Atem (Community Specialist Intern)