How to Find a Sponsor at Work

If You're Quietly Doing Great Work and Wondering Why You're Not Getting Promoted—Read This Carefully.

Because the truth is:

You don’t rise in your career only because of how good you are.

You rise when someone influential believes in your value—and says your name in the right room.

That someone… is your sponsor.

Most professionals focus on getting a mentor. But mentors give you advice. Sponsors give you opportunities.

And that is what changes the game.

Key Differences Between a Mentor and a Sponsor

Mentor

Sponsor

The Introvert’s Dilemma

Introverted professionals often:

• Avoid visibility

• Build strong relationships quietly

• Hesitate to ask for help

• Assume good work will be noticed on its own

  
  

As a result, they often have mentors… but no sponsors. And that creates a career ceiling.

Coach Johncey Tip: How to Find the Right Sponsor at Work

You can’t "ask" someone to be your sponsor. But you can earn it—by being seen, trusted, and aligned with what they care about.

Here’s how:

1. Identify Influential People in Your Organization

Look for leaders who are already at the level you want to be in—or higher. They should have access to opportunities and decision-making rooms.

2. Be Visible—Without Self-Promotion

Work on projects that give you exposure. Speak up strategically in meetings. Let your value be seen consistently.

3. Align with Business Priorities

Understand what matters to that leader. When your work supports their goals, they start to see you as a “go-to” person.

4. Build Credibility Through Follow-Through

Sponsors only advocate for people they trust. So when you say you’ll do something—do it, and do it well.

5. Stay in Touch Without Being Clingy

Drop in occasional updates. Thank them if they support your growth. Don’t chase the relationship—nurture it.

The Importance of Building Relationships

Building relationships with potential sponsors is crucial. These connections can open doors you never knew existed.

Networking with Purpose

Networking doesn’t have to be daunting. Start small. Attend industry events or join professional groups. Engage in conversations that matter to you.

Share Your Successes

Don’t be shy about sharing your achievements. When you do great work, let others know. This isn’t bragging; it’s about making your contributions visible.

Final Thought from Coach Johncey

You can’t climb the ladder alone. And you don’t need to shout to be seen. But you do need someone in the room who says:

“I know someone who’s perfect for this role.”

That’s a sponsor.

If you're not building that kind of trust and visibility—your growth will plateau.

Want help finding and working with sponsors (without changing your personality)?

Please set up a FREE 30-minute Career Acceleration Strategy Call with Coach Johncey using this link: https://calendly.com/coachjohncey/careeraccelerationcall

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Coach Johncey George is an ICF-PCC Certified Executive & Leadership Coach with over 1,300 hours of coaching and 23+ years of corporate leadership experience in global organizations including Schneider Electric, Invensys PLC, and Skelta Software. He has successfully led large global teams, multi-million-dollar programs, and served on leadership boards, giving him deep insight into the challenges of senior professionals in technology and risk-driven industries.

An alumnus of IIM Bangalore (Executive General Management Program), the CIO Certification Program at ISB, and the Managing Professional Services Firm Program at Harvard Business School, Johncey brings a unique blend of business acumen, technology leadership, and global executive education into his coaching practice.

He works extensively with leaders across industries, helping them transition from technical and functional experts to strategic leaders by strengthening executive presence, stakeholder influence, and strategic thinking. His practical and outcome-driven approach enables professionals to communicate complex ideas with clarity, inspire high-performing teams, and drive business impact.

Featured in Forbes India and international forums, Johncey’s mission is to develop leaders who can thrive in complexity and shape the future of their organizations.