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The Non-Obvious Show · Episode 73

The Difference Between Mentors and Sponsors

with Dr. Rosalind Chow

Episode 73 · April 14, 2026 · 29 min

In This Episode

In this episode, Dr. Rosalind Chow discusses the crucial differences between mentorship and sponsorship, how trust and power dynamics influence professional relationships, and practical ways to become a sponsor regardless of your position. She shares insights from her research and book, 'The Doors You Can Open,' offering actionable advice for career growth and networking.

Key Takeaways

  • Difference between mentorship and sponsorship
  • How trust influences sponsorship
  • Power dynamics in professional relationships
  • Identify opportunities to sponsor others in your network
  • Reframe networking as connecting with a purpose
  • Focus on smaller, engaged audiences for marketing

What We Cover

  • 00:00The Power Dynamics of Networking
  • 02:01Understanding Mentorship vs. Sponsorship
  • 07:08The Role of Trust in Sponsorship
  • 09:56The Impact of Sponsorship on Influence
  • 15:18Navigating Networking Events
  • 21:23The Influence of Gender and Ethnicity in Sponsorship
  • 25:18The Reciprocity of Sponsorship

About The Guest

Rosalind Chow Carnegie Mellon professor, author on sponsorship

Rosalind Chow is a professor of organizational behavior and theory at Carnegie Mellon's Tepper School of Business and author of The Doors You Can Open. She researches how people use their standing and networks to advance others, including the difference between mentorship and sponsorship.

rosalindchow.com ↗

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