"Win at Work"

Weekly Newsletter by Yasar Ahmad

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Behind almost every success story, there’s someone who offered guidance or opened a door. Having a mentor to advise you – or a senior sponsor who advocates for you – can dramatically accelerate your career!

But before we dive into this weeks topic heres a few useful resources and updates:

→ I'm in Dubai this week 7th to 13th, if anyone is interested in meeting up let me know! I'm here for the 1 Billion Summit!

→ The 30% Salary Jump Playbook Full Free Guide: How to Negotiate a better salary and the scripts to use here!

→Toxic Workplace? Discover How to Overcome Toxic Work with Guides & Scripts (No Matter Your Experience) My ebook available here!

→Need A Job? It's probably how you interview. I broke down my system of getting hired in 72 hours, how to answer any question, become the most memorable candidate after interviewing over 10,000+ people. All in this course. here!

→ Reboot your career Full Free Guide Are you feeling stuck, burned out, or just itching for a fresh start in your career? If so, you’re not alone. Read the guide here!

Week 31 - Mentorship & Sponsorship - Don’t Go It Alone

One study found employees with mentors are promoted around 5 times more often than those without. The takeaway? Don’t go it alone.

Many professionals try to figure out everything by themselves. They may feel shy about asking someone to mentor them, or they lack connections to higher-ups who can champion them. As a result, they miss out on insider knowledge, honest feedback, and opportunities that mentors or sponsors could provide. It can also lead to avoidable mistakes – why stumble in the dark when someone who’s been through it could shine a light? Without mentors, you might take longer to develop critical skills or navigate office politics. And without sponsors (influential folks who put your name forward for key projects or roles), you could be overlooked even if you’re talented, simply because no one with clout is singing your praises. The playing field isn’t always even; mentors and sponsors help level it.

Solution: Proactively seek and cultivate these valuable relationships:

Find a mentor (or two): Identify someone you admire – maybe a senior colleague or industry veteran – who has skills or experiences you want to learn from. Approach them respectfully and genuinely: ask if they’d be open to occasional coffee chats or advice. Most people are flattered to be asked! Come prepared to those conversations with thoughtful questions or challenges you’re facing. A good mentor can offer perspective, share how they overcame similar hurdles, and give you frank feedback. (You don’t need a formal “Will you be my mentor?” proposal; often it starts informally.) And remember, you can have multiple mentors for different areas (leadership, technical skills, etc.).
Be mentor-able: When you do get advice, listen and act on it. Show gratitude and update your mentor on your progress. This reinforces that their time is making a difference and motivates them to continue investing in you. Mentorship is a two-way street – show that you’re eager to learn and grow. Also, be honest with your mentor about your goals and challenges so they can give targeted advice.
Seek out a sponsor: A sponsor is typically a higher-level person who will advocate for you when you’re not in the room. You usually earn sponsors by delivering great work and building trust with senior folks. To attract a sponsor, first excel in your current role – results build credibility. Second, network within your organization: volunteer for cross-department projects or present your team’s work to leadership when possible. Those interactions allow higher-ups to see your talent. If you click with a particular exec or senior manager, cultivate that relationship (for example, ask them for strategic input on a project or career advice). Sponsorship often grows organically when a leader recognizes your potential and feels invested in your success.
Be a mentor yourself (and a good colleague): Interestingly, mentoring others can enhance your own career. It hones your leadership and communication skills – and people notice when you lift others up. You don’t have to be very senior to help; you might mentor a new hire or share knowledge with a junior teammate. This generosity contributes to your personal brand (Week 38) in a positive way. Plus, teaching someone else often reinforces your own knowledge. Similarly, being a supportive peer – offering feedback, sharing opportunities – creates a culture where others want to see you succeed too. Mentors and sponsors can come from surprising places, including colleagues at your level who later rise to influence.

The saying “it takes a village” applies to careers too. By gaining mentors, you get wisdom and guidance; by earning sponsors, you get advocacy and doors opened. These allies can fast-track your growth in ways working solo simply can’t. So build genuine relationships, seek advice, and deliver work that makes mentors proud and sponsors take notice. You’ll find your journey to success is faster – and a lot more rewarding – when others are helping you climb. And one day, you’ll pay it forward to the next generation, keeping the cycle of growth going.

“If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.”
— Isaac Newton

Thanks,

Yasar