Black professionals are still vastly under-represented in the workplace, particularly in leadership positions. 

As a young (or not so young) Black person trying to navigate the corporate world, it’s not unusual to feel out of place, overlooked, or even a little lost. I’ve been there.

It’s why mentorship and sponsorship can be so powerful in breaking down the barriers that still exist for Black talent, “widening the gate” to promote equality and close unfair gaps.

I’ve also seen the statistics: mentoring has been proven to increase the satisfaction people from minoritised ethnic backgrounds get from their jobs, with 74% of minorities participating in mentoring programmes when they are offered, often with great results.

As a former mentee myself, now a mentor to young school age students and emerging future leaders, I have seen firsthand the power of guidance in helping someone unlock their potential and step confidently into their future roles. Working with leaders just five years into their careers has shown me how transformative this support can be.

Mentorship or sponsorship?

Where a mentor contributes to skill development, a sponsor actively advocates for career progression. One isn’t better than the other – both mentors and sponsors can play key roles in furthering your career.

Mentorship is about guidance. It means providing support and advice, sharing insights, and connecting you (their mentee) to other influential people in their sphere to help you navigate the world of work and develop professionally. 

Sponsorship, on the other hand, is about action – a sponsor will routinely use their influence to create opportunities by endorsing individuals for projects or promotions. They’re someone who believes in you and your future and will help you to get there.

Finding mentorship opportunities

As someone who has been on both sides of the mentor-mentee relationship, my advice to anyone seeking a mentor is to not just wait for formal mentorship programs to come to you. Go looking for them instead! Industry events, networking groups, and LinkedIn are all great places to connect with potential mentors.

Actively reach out to people you admire – I have done this most successfully through LinkedIn, by following people who inspired me and reaching out to them for guidance. Many of these people are still my mentors to this day.

Try respectfully requesting advice or a meeting (but be mindful of their time and existing commitments) and make the most of any opportunities to connect. Many professionals are open to mentoring those who show drive and initiative.

Before you seek a mentor or sponsor, take time to reflect on what you want to achieve. Are you looking to expand your skill set, navigate corporate politics, or accelerate your advancement in leadership? Defining your objectives will make it easier for others to know how they can help and to provide more targeted support.

Consider joining employee networks or organisations that focus on the advancement of Black professionals in your field, as they often provide valuable resources such as mentoring programs, and sponsorship connections. Having access to a supportive community can greatly enhance both personal and professional growth.

Diversity in mentors

Don’t feel that you must find mentors who look like you or have the same background you do. Valuable mentorship often comes from individuals with a range of perspectives, who can offer new insights and alternative views that challenge you to grow. Many of my mentors are from entirely different backgrounds and upbringing from me, and I am continuously learning from them every time we meet.

Mentors also don’t have to be older than you, or more advanced in their careers. Having a younger mentor can be a fantastic learning experience, one that keeps you up to date with new ways of thinking and allows you to better understand younger people in your workplace – a key asset for anyone considering a career in leadership.

Mentoring and being mentored has given me deeper insight into the aspirations and challenges of others and has enriched my own leadership skills, reminding me of the continuous learning journey that all professionals, regardless of experience, are on. 

Through mentorship, I have learned to be a better listener, a more empathetic advisor, and a more effective advocate for what I believe in. I hope it does the same for you.

Written by Cynthia V Davis, CEO & Founder of Diversifying Group