Forget a Mentor, Find a Sponsor

The New Way to Fast-Track Your Career

By: Sylvia Ann Hewlett

Narrated by: Karen Saltus

Who's pulling for you? Who's got your back? Who's putting your hat in the ring? Odds are this person is not a mentor but a sponsor. Mentors can build your self-esteem and provide a sounding board - but they're not your ticket to the top.

If you're interested in fast-tracking your career, what you need is a sponsor - a senior-level champion who believes in your potential and is willing to advocate for you as you pursue that next raise or promotion.

In this powerful yet practical audiobook, economist and thought leader Sylvia Ann Hewlett - author of 10 critically acclaimed books, including the groundbreaking Off-Ramps and On-Ramps - shows why sponsors are your proven link to success. Mixing solid data with vivid real-life narratives, Hewlett reveals the "two-way street" that makes sponsorship such a strong and mutually beneficial alliance. The seven-step map at the heart of this audiobook allows you to chart your course toward your greatest goals.

Whether you're looking to lead a company or drive a community campaign, Forget a Mentor, Find a Sponsor will help you forge the relationships that truly have the power to deliver you to your destination.

©2013 Sylvia Ann Hewlett (P)2014 Gildan Media LLC

Critic reviews

"Hewlett's book is full of smart advice, backed up by data, about the impact that a senior-level leader who acts as an advocate can have on others." ( Washington Post)

Fantastic book, but problematic audiobook reading

This book is packed with great advice. The audiobook narrator for the most part is fine, but mimes ethnic accents for various interviews/characters in the stories. Ironic, as this book is about professionalism and how to succeed in the workplace, where impersonations of ethnic accents is categorically inappropriate.

Excellent Advice

Engaging, well-crafted, specific advice that anyone can benefit from. It will be worth my time to apply the lessons learned here to my career.

Misleading title, focuses on women and minorities

This was a huge struggle to finish.

I was initially excited about all the stories of powerful women and "professionals of color", until I realized that was *every* example. The data felt misrepresented and often times anything having to do with white males was simply omitted.

In addition, the narrator, while incredible clear, felt better suited for something like a commercial, and the accents were a little distracting. Nothing against her, but didn't help this story.

This was a huge struggle to finish.

I was initially excited about all the stories of powerful women and "professionals of color", until I realized that was *every* example. The data felt misrepresented and often times anything having to do with white males was simply omitted.

In addition, the narrator, while incredible clear, felt better suited for something like a commercial, and the accents were a little distracting. Nothing against her, but didn't help this story.

Empowering

I feel empowered to step out and find sponsors to get me to the top. I would recommend this to any person I wish to sponsor as well to help them get to the top.

interesting concepts backed with good stories!!!

interesting theories backed with good stories and great tips for women especially. see what works for you instead of applying whats said blindly .