Women Who Lead Change

The Sponsor Gap in Leadership

Michelle Johns Season 3 Episode 8

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0:00 | 13:56

In this episode, we talk about Sponsorship.

A mentor is someone who gives you advice. They meet with you periodically. They share their wisdom, help you think through challenges, and offer guidance based on their experience. Mentors are valuable. 

A sponsor, on the other hand, is someone who uses their political capital on your behalf. They advocate for you in rooms you're not in. They put your name forward for stretch assignments. They defend you when you're not there to defend yourself. They stake their reputation on your potential.

Mentors talk to you. Sponsors talk about you.