Gallup | Kate Den Houter and Ellyn Maese

Talent development in organizations is a collective effort, and mentorship and sponsorship play crucial roles in cultivating employees' potential. This article explores the significance of mentorship and sponsorship in improving representation for women and racial/ethnic minority groups in management positions. It emphasizes the positive impact of formalized mentoring and sponsoring relationships on employees' development, engagement, and perceptions of equity.

Harvard Business Review | Rosalind Chow

Female leaders and leaders from marginalized racial groups often face a no-win situation in the workplace. They're criticized for being either too analytical and unemotional or too emotional. This article delves into the Goldilocks dilemma that these leaders confront and emphasizes the importance of sponsorship from powerful allies, particularly white men, who can defend them against unfair criticisms.

Harvard Business Review | Sylvia Ann Hewlett and Kennedy Ihezie

Executive sponsorship plays a pivotal role in advancing Black talent within organizations, yet only a small fraction of up-and-coming Black employees manage to secure sponsorship. This article underscores the challenges Black managers face in accessing sponsorship from senior colleagues, highlighting the need for urgent and well-funded interventions to facilitate access to advocacy for Black executives and managers. Sponsorship is a transformative relationship that accelerates career growth for both protégés and sponsors.

Insider | Marguerite Ward

In the wake of increased awareness of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, it's crucial for Black women to find mentors and sponsors who can advocate for them in the workplace, particularly when it comes to promotions and salary raises. This article highlights the significance of mentorship and sponsorship in addressing the barriers that often hinder Black employees, especially Black women, from advancing to senior-level positions. It provides actionable steps for both Black women seeking mentors/sponsors and leaders looking to be mentors/sponsors, emphasizing the need for awareness, relationship-building, networking, and self-confidence.

TEDWomen | Carla Harris

Carla Harris, a Wall Street veteran, dispels the myth of the workplace as a pure meritocracy. In her insightful TEDWomen talk, she emphasizes the importance of having a sponsor who advocates for you in influential, exclusive meetings. Discover the strategies to identify and nurture a productive sponsor relationship in this enlightening discussion.

Harvard Business Review | Cindy Pace

Promoting women of color in leadership is crucial for organizations and the bottom line. Discover four key skills women of color can cultivate to advance their careers, along with steps organizations can take to foster diversity and inclusion in their leadership pipeline.