Mentors vs Sponsors: And Why You Need Both

Author

Lex Gonzales
June 08, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 7 minutes

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What is considered as the most dangerous job in the US?

[ Answer at the bottom ]

In This Issue

  • Today’s Ladder: Mentor guides. Sponsor elevates.

  • Takeaway: The career duo you didn’t know.

  • Resources: I did the research so you don’t have to.

  • ICYMI: Popular issues you may have missed.

  • Career Ladder Intel: Career news and trends you can’t afford to ignore.

Mentors shape your mindset. Sponsors shape your opportunities.

Today’s Ladder:

Mentor Guides. Sponsor Elevates.

Early in my career, I had a mentor who taught me how to…

  • manage up

  • build my confidence

  • navigate tough conversations

But when it came time for a promotion, I got passed over.

Twice.

I asked my mentor what I was missing.

She said, “You’ve got the skills. But no one in the room is saying your name when decisions are made.” 

That’s when I learned the difference:

  • Mentors talk with you. Sponsors talk about you… when it matters most. 

  • Mentors build your capability. Sponsors build your visibility.

  • One sharpens the blade. The other swings it.

After that, I started nurturing relationships with leaders who had influence - people who’d seen my work and believed in it.

When the next opportunity came up, I didn’t just have a resume.

I had someone at the table saying, “Trust me. He’s ready.”

Why You Need Both

Want to grow faster? Do this:

  1. Seek mentors to grow your skills.

  2. Earn sponsors by showing consistent results.

  3. Stay top of mind—without asking for favors.

Sometimes it’s not about what you know.
It’s about who’s willing to bet on you when it counts.

You don’t just rise because you’re ready. You rise because someone is ready to lift you.

Takeaway:

The Career Duo You Didn’t Know

You’ve got a mentor—someone who gives advice, shares wisdom, and tells you what to do next.

That’s great. But it’s not enough.

Because mentors talk to you. Sponsors talk about you.

I didn’t know the difference early on. I thought having a mentor meant I was covered.

But I stayed stuck while others were getting promoted, getting visibility, getting the big projects.

The turning point?

I found someone who didn’t just believe in me—they bet on me.

A sponsor doesn’t just give feedback. They give you access.

They open doors you didn’t even know existed.

So yes, you need mentors to grow. But you need sponsors to rise.

Start building both.

It’s not either/or. It’s both/and.

Mentors grow you. Sponsors launch you.

Because advice shapes your potential.

But advocacy?

That’s what launches your career.

Resources:

  • What’s the Difference Between a Mentor and a Sponsor? (Harvard Business Review) - this resource explains the distinct roles of mentors and sponsors, highlighting that sponsors invest in your success by advocating for you and creating career opportunities, whereas mentors primarily provide guidance and advice

  • Career Mentor vs Sponsor | Why You Need Both - this video explains the differences and benefits of mentors and sponsors, showing why having both is important for career success. It describes sponsors as advocates who believe in you and create opportunities, while mentors provide guidance and support.

💥 How to Show Up and Win Before You Feel Ready

💌 Why Some People Get Promoted Faster (And How You Can Too)

💱 How to Know When It’s Time to Quit Your Job

Career Ladder Intel:

  • The federal government workforce has shrunk significantly, losing 59,000 jobs since January, including a decline of 22,000 jobs in May alone. - Read more

  • Weekly unemployment claims have risen to the highest levels since October 2024, suggesting it is taking longer for some job seekers to find employment - Read more

  • Tariff uncertainties influence future hiring patterns primarily by creating caution and volatility in workforce planning across industries affected by trade policy shifts. - Read more

To your success,

Dr. Lex ✍️

Founder, Career Ladder | Career MBA

DID YOU KNOW?

In the United States, the most dangerous jobs include lumberjack and deep-sea fisherman.

HEADS UP:

In next Sunday’s issue of Career Ladder you will discover how to ask for more… without burning bridges with your boss.

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MISSION:

Career Ladder helps motivated professionals grow their career and income in half the time by sharing career strategies used by the top 1%.