In 2015, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a Nigerian economist, became the first woman and African to serve as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
While her leadership and diplomatic achievements were groundbreaking, it wasn’t her credentials alone that earned her this prestigious position—it was also her commitment to mentoring and sponsoring young women throughout her career.
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Okonjo-Iweala’s mentorship philosophy has been widely celebrated. She’s known for taking time to empower women, advising them on navigating corporate and political spaces, while also ensuring they have opportunities to step into leadership roles. This model of mentorship and sponsorship is the cornerstone of women’s leadership in today’s world, proving that elevating others can be just as impactful as individual success.
For generations, women have been breaking barriers in various sectors. And now, as these trailblazing women rise to power, they are pulling others along with them, creating a ripple effect that promises to transform leadership across the globe. This is where mentorship and sponsorship come into play.
The Power of Mentorship and Sponsorship
While mentorship is often about guiding someone through their personal and professional journey, sponsorship involves actively advocating for and advancing someone’s career—particularly when it comes to opening doors and offering opportunities. According to Catalyst, a leading non-profit focused on advancing women in business, women who have mentors are 79% more likely to be promoted than those who do not. However, women of color and those in traditionally male-dominated industries still face unique barriers when it comes to finding mentors and sponsors.
A 2023 study by McKinsey & Company found that only 18% of women of color in corporate environments report having access to senior sponsors compared to 37% of their white counterparts. Yet, the need for mentorship and sponsorship is critical—especially as women continue to make strides toward closing the gender leadership gap.
Women Leaders Investing in Future Generations
One of the most striking examples of women lifting others as they climb is the partnership between Indra Nooyi and Ruth Porat. As the former CEO of PepsiCo, Nooyi was often celebrated for promoting other women within her company. One of her biggest protégés, Ruth Porat, was mentored by Nooyi before becoming the CFO of Alphabet Inc. (Google’s parent company). Porat credits much of her success to Nooyi’s influence, stating, “Indra has taught me so much about leadership, resilience, and finding my voice.”
Nooyi, in turn, has consistently advocated for women’s mentorship, stating that “A woman who mentors another woman ensures that the cycle of empowerment continues.” This mentorship model is not just a personal commitment but an investment in shaping the future of leadership. Nooyi’s support of rising female leaders has helped to ensure that more women, especially those from minority backgrounds, rise to powerful positions.
Why Mentorship and Sponsorship Matter
As the corporate world and political arenas become increasingly inclusive, mentorship and sponsorship are more crucial than ever. The 2024 Women in the Workplace report by McKinsey & Company revealed that women continue to face barriers to advancement—with many experiencing challenges in work-life balance, leadership roles, and access to opportunities that male counterparts often receive. While the fight for gender equality continues, women in leadership positions can drive change by using their power to mentor and sponsor emerging female talent.
1. Breaking the Leadership Ceiling
Data from Grant Thornton’s 2023 Women in Business report shows that 31% of women occupy senior management roles globally, but only 7% of Fortune 500 companies have women CEOs. It’s clear that while progress is being made, leadership remains disproportionately male-dominated. Women leaders who provide mentorship can help combat this imbalance by preparing the next generation of women for top roles. Through guidance, advice, and sponsorship, they help others break through that proverbial “glass ceiling.”
2. Building Confidence and Resilience
Mentorship not only equips women with the skills to navigate the workplace but also builds their confidence and resilience. Dr. Amina J. Mohammed, the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, shared her perspective on this: “Mentorship is about encouraging young women to believe in their potential. The world needs more women leaders who are not afraid to stand tall and speak up for what is right.”
Women in leadership can foster these qualities by helping their mentees identify their strengths and offering strategies to overcome the challenges they will face in often male-dominated environments. This approach leads to the cultivation of confident, resilient women ready to lead change.
How Women Leaders Are Sponsoring the Next Generation
While mentorship is about providing advice and emotional support, sponsorship takes it a step further by actively promoting women and ensuring they have the opportunities necessary to excel. In 2024, Sheryl Sandberg, former COO of Facebook and author of Lean In, discussed the difference between the two in an interview with Fortune magazine: “Mentorship is when you talk to someone. Sponsorship is when you make sure that the doors open for them.” Sandberg’s commitment to helping women advance has led to her efforts in building diverse leadership pipelines, including mentoring many women who now hold top positions across tech industries.
Sponsorship is critical for women who are aiming for executive leadership roles. According to a 2024 study by Bain & Company, 66% of women in top corporate roles reported that their success was due in part to having a sponsor who helped them navigate the corporate ladder and opened doors for new opportunities.
The Call for More Female Leaders to Sponsor and Mentor
The importance of female mentorship and sponsorship cannot be overstated. Yet, in many industries, women are still vastly underrepresented in top positions. As a result, there is a need for more women in power to take active roles in sponsoring and mentoring the next generation of leaders.
Women leaders should step up and adopt a proactive approach to mentorship and sponsorship. It is not just about individual success; it’s about empowering others to succeed as well. Through mentorship and sponsorship, women leaders can create a more inclusive leadership landscape and break down the barriers preventing other women from reaching their full potential.
Call to Action: Rise by Lifting Others
The call to action is clear: if you are a woman in a leadership role, make it a priority to mentor and sponsor those who follow. Actively seek out talented women in your field and provide the guidance, resources, and opportunities they need to grow and succeed. Whether through formal mentorship programs or informal relationships, your support can have a life-changing impact on a future leader.
For those who are still navigating their careers, seek out women leaders who can mentor you. Build relationships, share experiences, and gain the confidence and resilience needed to move up the ladder. The future of women in leadership depends on how we lift one another today.
Together, we rise. The cycle of mentorship and sponsorship will ensure that more women can break barriers and thrive in leadership roles.