In conversations about career growth, mentorship comes up often. Mentors guide us, challenge us, and help us see possibilities we may not have considered.

But there is another force just as important and often less discussed. That is sponsorship.

Understanding the difference between the two, and how each shows up in your career, can shape not only how you grow, but how you move into new opportunities.

Mentorship: The Power of Shared Insight

Early in my career, I did not participate in a formal mentorship program because I was focused on building subject matter expertise. I suspect this is a mistake made by many lawyers. Looking back, I wonder how those programs might have shaped my path. To be honest, I am not sure I was ready to fully benefit from them at that stage.

The mentors in my life came from organic relationships, including one of the most formative influences for me - Patti Ringo, a past president of the Women’s Wireless Leadership Forum (WWLF). If you know Patti, she has always been full of wonderful (and big) ideas and has deep industry insights and guidance. Actually, she introduced me to WWLF some 17 years ago and I have never looked back.

We are fortunate to have so many inspiring leaders in this organization. Many of the initiatives I have helped build, including the Women in Leadership Symposium at Connect (X), which came from conversations with WWLF peers. Those exchanges of ideas, shared insight, and encouragement are mentorship in action.

Sponsorship: Advocacy When It Counts

If mentorship is guidance, sponsorship is advocacy.

A sponsor uses their influence to create opportunities for you, often when you are not in the room.

When I joined MD7, I never expected to become its General Counsel. This role had long been held by one of the founders. He was the one who put my name forward for taking over the role: Advocacy. I believe what stood out about me to him was my willingness to speak candidly, even when my perspective differed from his. Over time, that built trust. He knew I would continue to have those difficult conversations when they mattered most.

That is sponsorship.

The Missing Piece

Early in my career, I did not fully understand the difference between mentorship and sponsorship. Like many people, I focused on working hard and proving my value.

That matters, but it is not enough.

Career growth depends on both performance and relationships. We sometimes approach advancement as a transaction, but influence is built through trust, credibility, and connection.

A sponsor is not just recognizing your work. They are willing to attach their name to yours. That kind of advocacy comes from relational capital, not just competence.

Practical Takeaways

For early and mid-career professionals in telecom:

• Find mentors by engaging. Organizations like WWLF are a great place to start. Many mentorship relationships begin with simple conversations.
• Earn sponsorship through consistency and authenticity. Build trust, deliver results, and show up in service of the organization.
• Be intentional about both. Mentorship helps you grow. Sponsorship helps you advance.
• Give back. Mentoring and sponsoring others strengthens the industry while also investing in our own growth. Whether you are the mentee or mentor, so often these relationships help build resilience through the inevitable ups and downs of life.

If you are looking to grow, connect, or give back, consider getting involved. WWLF is currently looking to pair mentors and mentees. If you are interested, please reach out to programs@wwlf.org.