Mentors vs. Sponsors—Why You Need Both

PART 1: ATHENA MENTORS & SPONSORS BLOG SERIES

In the modern workplace, mentorship and sponsorship are often used interchangeably. But they aren’t the same. A mentor offers guidance. A sponsor offers opportunity.

Mentorship is about advice, perspective, and support.

Sponsorship is about advocacy, risk-taking, and pulling someone up alongside you.

As Sarah Hassaine shared on Athena’s Lifting While Climbing podcast:

“I had a man and a woman mentor me at Qualcomm. He pushed me to stop asking for permission and just go. She helped me navigate the business and grow strategically. I needed both.”

Why Both Matter

• - Mentors help you reflect. Sponsors help you rise.

• - Mentors are behind the scenes. Sponsors are in the room where decisions are made.

Studies show that women and underrepresented talent often have plenty of mentors—but fewer sponsors. And that’s where career mobility stalls.

Try This 

Ask yourself, “Who is talking about me when I’m not in the room?” That’s your sponsor.In the next post, we’ll cover how to find mentors—and how to be one.