How to Find Mentors to Advocate for You

THE PROBLEM

Mentors give pep talks. Sponsors make phone calls.

You don't need more people telling you you're "doing great"; you need people who can move something for you.

THE CHEAT CODE

Forget the warm-and-fuzzy mentor who offers feedback but lacks leverage.

You're looking for leaders with reach, people whose name opens doors and who will attach that name to yours.

That only happens when they believe three things:

You deliver (consistently).
You make them look smart.
Backing you advances their goals.

⚡ WHAT TO DO RIGHT NOW

Use the space below to identify one leader whose support would materially change your path. Then ask yourself:

What decision does this person control?
What problem keeps landing on their desk?
How could your work quietly make that problem go away?

THE TRAP

Thinking a sponsor shows up because you're excellent.
Sponsors show up because you're excellent AND strategically useful.

YOUR SHADOW WORK

Write your reflections in the box below.

Who taught you that asking for help meant weakness?
Where did you settle for encouragement when you needed opportunity?
What makes you hesitate to ask for real backing?

THE STRATEGIC TRUTH

Mentorship is safe. Sponsorship is risky because their reputation becomes tied to your performance.

If you want a sponsor, you have to show them you're safe to bet on, and better yet, profitable to bet on.

Write your script

Forget the warm-and-fuzzy mentor who offers feedback but lacks leverage. You're looking for leaders with reach, people whose name opens doors — and who will attach that name to yours. That only happens when they believe three things:

EXAMPLE:

"If there's an opportunity where you think I could lead, I'd love your support, and I'll make you look like a genius."

CHEAT CODE COMPLETE

You've got the intel.

Now go make your move.

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