Mentorship vs. Executive Sponsorship
Success isn’t just about hard work; it’s about having the right people champion your potential when you’re not in the room.
One of the things we grow up believing is that hard work speaks for itself—that if we just keep our heads down and excel, recognition will naturally follow. While this holds some truth, it assumes the right people are watching and ready to reward your efforts. This belief worked well in school, where success was clearly defined—get good grades, excel in sports, or show exceptional talent.
However, the corporate world is a different ball game. Success is often subjective, defined by those in positions of power. Your role is to understand what success looks like in your environment, align your outcomes with those expectations, and ensure your efforts are visible to decision-makers.
I learned this the hard way. For years, I clung to the academic script for success, only to realize it didn’t translate perfectly into the professional world. I wasted valuable time before a mentor opened my eyes to what was missing.
The power of mentorship
Mentorship is about learning from someone more experienced in a field you’re eager to grow in. Mentors provide guidance, share their knowledge, and help you navigate uncharted waters. When starting something new—or trying to level up—it’s invaluable to have a mentor. Equally important is paying it forward by mentoring others who can benefit from your experiences.
When I joined Microsoft as a Product Manager, I was navigating uncharted territory. My first six months were tough—I was new to the role, working on developer products for Microsoft Graph API, a highly technical space where depth of understanding is crucial. Developer teams value product managers who "get it" without needing detailed explanations, which fosters faster collaboration. I, however, felt like I was constantly falling short despite their patience and support.
By January of that year, I made a pact with myself: if I still felt frustrated by December, I would resign, even without another role lined up. That was how desperate I felt.
Around that time, I attended a welcome session for new PMs in my organization. There, I met Jasmina, a Principal PM who had just joined. We bonded over Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Americanah, and she later invited me to connect further. During our first conversation, I opened up about my struggles and asked for her guidance. That was the start of a transformative mentorship.
Jasmina helped me understand the expectations of a Product Manager, the skills I needed to develop, and how to effectively leverage my manager as a growth partner—something I’d never considered. I used to think managers should only see the polished, “together” version of me, but Jasmina shifted my perspective. She encouraged me to involve my manager in my journey, turning them into an ally rather than an observer.
Her mentorship was a turning point. By December, I was thriving, and my initial plan to resign was long forgotten. Our relationship has since grown into a deep friendship and sisterhood.
Executive sponsorship: The next level
Mentorship helps you learn and grow, but when you're ready to advance further, executive sponsorship is essential. Sponsors don’t just guide you—they actively advocate for you, championing your work and opening doors in rooms you’re not yet in.
Unlike mentorship, sponsorship isn’t something you request; it’s something you earn. Sponsors are often leaders who have witnessed your contributions and trust you to deliver on opportunities critical to their success. They put their reputations on the line to endorse you, so the value you provide must be undeniable.
Shelmith Abji, in her book Show Your Worth, advises that one way to earn sponsorship is by delivering excellent results on work that matters to a leader. Ensure that your efforts are visible and your impact recognized. In short, sponsorship is a two-way street—you benefit from their support, but you also help them achieve their goals.
My Experience with Executive Sponsorship
During my time at Oracle as a Technical Sales Intern, I unknowingly had an executive sponsor: my manager, Piotr. At the time, I didn’t even know what executive sponsorship was, but looking back, it’s clear that’s exactly what he was doing.
While many interns were assigned administrative tasks like booking meeting rooms and taking notes, Piotr entrusted me with managing one of the company’s most strategic deals. He positioned me as the project manager coordinating multiple teams, giving me significant responsibility and visibility.
He didn’t stop there. Piotr ensured senior leaders, including the VP, were aware of my contributions and advocated for me to transition seamlessly from intern to full-time employee. There was no gap between the two roles, and he even negotiated a competitive compensation package for me. When I asked Piotr why he supported me so much, he explained that he saw my talent and believed my success would drive both his and the company’s goals.
Building a balanced support system
Both mentorship and sponsorship have played pivotal roles in my journey. Mentors like Jasmina helped me navigate challenges and grow in confidence, while sponsors like Piotr championed my potential and opened doors to bigger opportunities.
As you progress in your career, focus on building a balanced support system. Start with mentorship to gain clarity and confidence, and as you grow, earn sponsorship by delivering exceptional work and demonstrating your value.
These relationships can be life-changing—just as they have been for me.