The Power of Sponsorship and Mentorship

In my journey through the restaurant and corporate world, I’ve discovered the incredible value of having sponsors and mentors—and how essential they are for career growth. This is especially true for women of color working in organizations where they are a minority. Early in my career, I wasn’t aware that this was an official concept. But as I reflected on my experiences and worked with a coach, I realized I had been unconsciously building what I now call my “tribe.”

This tribe wasn’t just about finding people to champion me. It was about creating genuine relationships with individuals I admired, respected, and could learn from. These were people who brought diverse perspectives, occupied rooms I didn’t yet have access to, and whose expertise complemented my own. They came from all walks of life and various departments within the company. Building these connections proved to be a game changer for my career.

Building Authentic Relationships

The key to creating meaningful relationships is intentionality and authenticity. I didn’t aim to have a long list of mentors; instead, I focused on nurturing connections that felt organic. For example, after careful observation and consideration, I asked a woman who was the VP of Sales to officially mentor me. This wasn’t a random decision. I had spent time listening thoughtfully in meetings where she spoke, watching how she carried herself during both company-wide presentations and one-on-one interactions, and observing how she navigated delivering both difficult and exciting news.

I also paid attention to how others spoke about her in her absence and presence. These insights were crucial because, for me, a mentor had to be someone I genuinely respected and aspired to emulate. When I finally asked her to be my mentor, I was confident in my choice, and she became an incredible guide in my career.

The Value of Unofficial Mentors

While having an official mentor was impactful, I didn’t stop there. I sought out other leaders across the company to connect with informally. These were people I admired for their knowledge, leadership, or approach to problem-solving. I would reach out and ask if they’d be open to meeting once a month to discuss projects, market trends, or even the challenges of our demanding B2B SaaS sales environment. These conversations often turned into invaluable opportunities to learn, share insights, and even let off steam during hectic days.

What I didn’t anticipate was how these informal connections would create champions for me across the organization. These individuals, even without an official mentorship title, began advocating for me in rooms I wasn’t in. They recommended me for panels, leadership opportunities, and projects, which significantly expanded my visibility and influence within the company.

Navigating Bias and Building Community

As a woman of color, I’m acutely aware of the unconscious biases that can exist in workplaces. These biases might have caused some leaders to overlook me for certain opportunities. However, because I had established genuine relationships with people—including those who didn’t look like me—my name was brought into conversations and opportunities that may have otherwise passed me by.

These relationships not only advanced my career but also inspired others. When colleagues who shared my background saw me in leadership roles or speaking on panels, they often reached out. This led to the creation of a supportive community within the organization, where we could uplift one another and celebrate our collective successes.

Sharing Your Wins and Learning From Others

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to be intentional in conversations with mentors and sponsors. Don’t shy away from sharing your wins and the strategies that helped you achieve them. Not only does this allow your mentors to understand your value, but it also gives them insights they can learn from. Similarly, ask them about their wins, challenges, and areas where you might be able to support them. Mentorship is a two-way street, and creating this dynamic of mutual growth strengthens the relationship.

Practical Steps to Start Building Your Tribe

If you’ve been the type to keep your head down and focus solely on hard work, it’s time to look up and connect with the people around you. Start small:

• Identify 1-2 people each month who inspire you or have expertise you’d like to learn from.
• Reach out with a genuine message expressing your admiration and interest in connecting.
• Consider leaders who are 1-2 levels above you for mentorship, but don’t limit yourself to your immediate manager. Diversify your network.
• Connect with people who are on the same level or in similar roles as you to exchange knowledge, experiences, and perspectives. Learning from peers can be equally impactful.
• If you decide to reach out to a mentor outside of your department, let your direct manager know as a courtesy.

Over time, these efforts can create a web of support and advocacy that propels your career forward. In my experience, this network of genuine connections can open doors to opportunities you never imagined. It’s not just about climbing the corporate ladder; it’s about creating a career that aligns with your values and aspirations while paving the way for others to follow.

So, take that first step. Look around, reach out, and start building your tribe. The growth and opportunities that follow will be worth it.

A Message for You

If you’re on your own journey of growth, I want you to know that it’s possible to break old patterns and create a life and career that serves you. Sponsorship and mentorship are transformative tools that can help you navigate challenges, build confidence, and open doors to new opportunities. By intentionally creating authentic relationships and fostering a supportive network, you can shape a career path aligned with your values and aspirations.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and want guidance on cultivating sponsorship, mentorship, or strategies to achieve your goals, I’m here to support you.

Schedule a Free Exploratory Session Here.

With gratitude,

Sharilyn