“Stacie is an amazing, smart, and talented engineer with great technical and leadership skills. I’m not sure how she ended up looking for a new opportunity, but if she’s available, you had better snatch her up quickly!”
That unexpected shoutout on LinkedIn from a former leader made me smile ear to ear. We hadn’t worked together in years—and I wasn’t even looking for a job—but his words meant the world to me. He reminded me of all the doors he once tried to open for me. Some opened. Others didn’t. But what mattered most? He tried. He wasn’t just a mentor—he was a sponsor.
I was recently talking with a senior colleague about the limits of self-advocacy. They put it like this: trying to make progress alone is like yelling down a hallway when everyone else is behind closed doors. You might lose your voice—both literally and figuratively—while your peers look on. In those moments, a sponsor can be the person already inside one of those rooms, calling your name.
Mentorship vs. Sponsorship: Why the Distinction Matters
Mentors advise and guide you, usually in private. Sponsors speak your name when you’re not in the room. They lend their reputation to yours and advocate for your growth.
While a mentor might help you talk through your goals, a sponsor actively works to make those goals possible—often without you even knowing.
I once got a message that a senior leader had told others to consult with me before making a decision. I had no idea that was coming, but it was one of the best professional feelings I’ve ever had. That’s sponsorship in action.
My Journey with Both
To be clear: mentorship is still incredibly valuable. I’ve had amazing mentors and always aim to have more than one at any given time. I love the reciprocal nature of a good mentorship—it’s not just about receiving wisdom, but also sharing ideas and building trust.
One of my first mentors came from a conference pairing. I was seeking an honest evaluation of my career path, and the match was just what I needed. We met for months, trading insight and perspective that helped me navigate my next move.
Right now, I have two trusted mentors. Still, I recently found myself wondering if I needed a sponsor too. I’ve achieved a lot of my career goals, but I’m ambitious and like to be ready for what’s next. And that means getting into rooms where opportunities are being shaped—even if I’m not the one holding the key.
I’m certain I wouldn’t be where I am today without people speaking my name in places I couldn’t access. And when someone is both a mentor and a sponsor? That’s gold.
Tips for Finding and Cultivating Mentors and Sponsors
✅ Be Mentorable and Sponsorable
- Deliver excellent work consistently
- Be receptive to feedback
- Follow through on what you say you’ll do
🎯 Be Intentional
- Clarify your goals to focus your efforts
- Identify where you need visibility or support
- Know that some sponsorship happens without you ever asking
💬 Be Brave
- Ask mentors if they know someone who could be a sponsor
- Seek out role models who reflect your future, not just your present
🪞 Be Ready to Look in the Mirror
- Understand what you’re asking of others
- Be ready when opportunities come your way
- Accept feedback—even when it stings
⏳ Be Patient
- These relationships take time to build
- Trust doesn’t happen overnight
- The best sponsors often start as allies or mentors
🧭 Be Focused
- Time is precious—for both of you
- Be clear in your asks and conversations
- Keep things goal-oriented, not overly casual
👟 Put Yourself in Their Shoes
- If you were the sponsor, what would you want to see?
- How would you decide who to advocate for?
- Use those answers to shape your approach
How to Ask for Sponsorship
Here are a couple of ways to frame the conversation:
Indirect Approach:
“I’m considering [specific opportunity], and I’m really drawn to it because [your why]. I’m looking for someone who can advocate for me in spaces I don’t currently have access to. Would you be open to supporting me in that way?”
Direct Approach:
“I’ve really valued our working relationship, and I’d love to ask if you would consider being a sponsor for me as I pursue [specific goal or opportunity].”
Final Thoughts
Mentorship and sponsorship both matter—but they play different roles. Mentors help you grow. Sponsors help you go—forward, upward, and into new spaces.
The most successful professionals usually have both. So as you think about your own journey, ask not just who can mentor you—but also who might sponsor you. And just as importantly: who can you lift as they rise?