Mentors vs. Sponsors: Why Women Need Both to Climb the Corporate Ladder

We’ve all heard it before – get a mentor, build your career, rise through the ranks. And yes, mentorship is powerful. But if mentorship is the foundation, sponsorship is the rocket fuel that propels women forward.

Having the right people in your corner can make all the difference. As a female leader, I’ve seen firsthand how mentorship opens doors. Growing up as the only girl in a family of three brothers, I learned early how to speak up, scrap for my place, and wield my feminine power to build influence. Those skills helped me navigate male-dominated spaces, where having mentors was non-negotiable.

And the data backs it up—women with mentors are five times more likely to be promoted. Mentorship boosts job satisfaction, career prospects, and even increases the desire to change the world. But here’s the catch: mentorship alone won’t cut it.

Why sponsorship Is the game-changer

Mentors guide you, but sponsors fight for you. They’re the ones advocating for your promotion, putting your name forward for big opportunities, and ensuring you’re seen – even when you’re not in the room. Yet, too many women shy away from seeking sponsors. Why?

• Fear of self-promotion – networking feels like “tooting your own horn.”
• Imposter syndrome – doubting their worthiness for leadership.
• Sponsor reluctance – concerns about bias or backlash.

The reality? Women are often over-mentored but under-sponsored – and that’s holding them back. Here are my 8 tips for women to secure sponsorship and accelerate their careers:

1. Identify the right sponsor
   – Look for senior leaders with influence and decision-making power.
   – Choose someone who respects your work and has the clout to advocate for you.
   – Avoid selecting role models solely based on admiration – focus on who can take action on your behalf.
   – Target both men and women as potential sponsors – don’t assume male sponsors are more influential.
2. Build a strong personal brand
   – Be a rock star – consistently deliver high-quality work and make sure key people know your value.
   – Develop a clear value proposition – what makes you indispensable? And be ready to articulate it. Staying silent and hoping others notice your accomplishments won’t get you ahead. Quiet achievers don’t win the race – especially if you’re a woman!
   – Increase visibility by sharing accomplishments and contributions within your organisation.
3. Cultivate strategic relationships
   – Engage in meaningful interactions with senior leaders to build trust.
   – Seek out high-profile assignments that put you in front of decision-makers.
   – Leverage networking opportunities – even if they feel uncomfortable, they are crucial for career growth.
4. Make yourself sponsor-ready and impossible to resist
   – Demonstrate leadership potential – take initiative and show strategic thinking. Be brave and put your hand up to lead high-profile projects or those where others have failed.
   – Be politically savvy – understand workplace dynamics and navigate them effectively.
   – Position yourself as someone who adds value beyond your immediate role. What’s your future value? Narrate the future and get others inspired to support you.
5. Be brave and ask for sponsorship directly
   – Women often hesitate to seek sponsorship, but being proactive is key.
   – Approach potential sponsors with a clear ask- explain how their advocacy can help and what you bring to the table.
   – Frame it as a mutually beneficial relationship – sponsors also gain credibility by backing high-potential talent.
6. Leverage formal sponsorship programs
   – Some organisations have structured sponsorship initiatives – take advantage of them.
   – If your company lacks a formal program, advocate for one or create informal sponsorship opportunities.
7.  Vanquish your inner demons
   – Challenge imposter syndrome- own your achievements and recognize your worth.
   – Address bias head-on -be aware of workplace dynamics that may hinder sponsorship and find ways to navigate them.
8. Maintain and strengthen the relationship
   – Keep sponsors updated on your progress and achievements.
   – Show gratitude – acknowledge their support and find ways to reciprocate.
   – Continue to deliver results – your success reinforces their decision to back you.

A sustainable success strategy 

Women need tribes – personal boards of advisors, both male and female, who champion their growth. It’s about building relationships with influential leaders who will advocate for you behind closed doors.

By taking a strategic, proactive approach, women can secure sponsorship and fast-track their careers. The key is to position yourself for success, build strong relationships, and confidently advocate for your own advancement.

Ultimately, climbing the corporate ladder isn’t just about talent – it’s about strategic positioning. Women who proactively cultivate mentorship and sponsorship are the ones breaking barriers and claiming their place at the executive table. So, the real question is: Are you ready to take the lead?

Written by Vanessa Vershaw.
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