We talk a lot about mentorship—especially for women navigating their careers. And for good reason. Mentors offer advice, share experiences, and help us think through decisions.

But there’s another kind of support that’s just as critical—and often overlooked: sponsorship.

Where a mentor talks with you, a sponsor talks about you. In rooms you’re not in. To people making decisions. About opportunities you might not even know exist.

The Gap Between Mentorship and Advancement

According to the Women in the Workplace report by McKinsey & LinkedIn:

• Only 23% of women reported having a sponsor, compared to 30% of men.
• Women of color were even less likely to have sponsors—despite showing higher ambition and stronger interest in leadership roles.

The report highlights a painful truth: women are often over-mentored but under-sponsored.

Mentorship offers guidance.
Sponsorship offers access.

Why Aren’t More Women Sponsored?

It’s not about competence. It’s about visibility—and often, networks.

Many women build trusted, supportive circles of peers and mentors. But we don’t always have strong relationships with people in power who can advocate for us.

We hesitate to ask for help. We want to prove ourselves first. Or we assume that hard work will speak for itself. But here's the thing: hard work doesn't always get noticed.

 So What Can We Do?

This isn’t about networking harder. It’s about being more strategic with the relationships you already have.

A few small shifts that matter:

• Get clear on who sees your work. Who’s in a position to recommend you—and do they know what you’re doing?
• Build relationships across power levels. It’s great to have peer support. You also need champions with influence.
• Be visible. It’s not bragging to share your progress or ask for feedback from leaders.

 

Join us at our next Women in Business Impact Lab (WBIL) ImpactDEN event

Cynthia Bee

“Design Your Destination: Unconventional Strategies for a More Fulfilling Journey”

April 16 | 12:00–1:00 pm

Register here