Numerous valuable career paths are often shaped by sponsorship during critical junctures, notes Nicki Bowman, Non-Government Director at Atturra.
Have we all pondered this? the individual whose career seems to progress almost effortlessly as they ascend the corporate ladder. The one who makes a significant leap in their profession or transitions into an entirely new field seemingly due to a blessed case of ‘right place, right time’.
Meanwhile, many of us feel like we are laboring tirelessly, achieving results yet feeling undervalued and ignored. Why can’t we seem to grasp that elusive bit of success?
After over three decades in the workforce, I’ve learned that it’s not merely success that propels these outcomes – it’s sponsorship. The readiness of someone in a position of influence to advocate for you when you’re not present.To propel you toward opportunities you may not even be aware exist – and even to uncover those opportunities on your behalf. I can share this with confidence as I’ve witnessed firsthand what sponsorship has accomplished for me – and what I have been able to do as a sponsor for others.
As a woman who has dedicated more than ten years serving as a board-level director for ASX-listed companies, including technology and advisory firm Atturra, I’m proud to acknowledge that the achievements I’ve experienced have largely been made possible by the actions of several key individuals – senior colleagues who chose back then to take a chance on me.
I started out as a young lawyer who was not enjoying the career path I had selected.While working internally at an international resources firm,I could see there were larger,broader roles available that intrigued me greatly; however,my lack of relevant experience meant I wasn’t seen as an obvious candidate. This is why I’m immensely grateful for the intervention from one of the firm’s senior managers—a woman who recognized my ambitions.
Pulled into leading an important international strategic initiative, she invited me to join her team in a considerable role that provided direct exposure to the competitive dynamics within business and access to some of the highest-ranking individuals in our institution.It transformed my viewpoint on what was achievable for me and added significant depth and breadth to my resume at such an important stage in my career.
Making significant strides
I encountered similar success several years later while working in another prominent role—this time within management—for another major organization. My goal was transitioning into purely business line management; however again found myself lacking visibility as an obvious ‘check-the-box’ candidate for such positions. Enter my second key sponsor—another senior leader who expressed he was ‘willing to invest some risk capital on me’. His approach involved appointing me Vice President on the executive team overseeing one of their global business units; this position held responsibility across five business streams. Seizing this opportunity allowed me significant advancement—and the confidence and skills gained from stepping into that role have proven invaluable foundational assets throughout my subsequent career journey.
The early memories from those days—navigating new areas within business while establishing myself among what had previously been an all-male executive team—serve as strong reference points whenever I’m faced with new challenges today. They remind me if I could achieve what I did back then—I can certainly tackle current challenges! the crucial takeaway from both stories is clear—you must communicate your aspirations clearly with potential sponsors! It’s not their job to guess where you want your career path leading next.If you identify someone senior with whom you can cultivate relationships conducive towards their support—ensure you’re articulating your capabilities (unless obviously you’re already collaborating closely enough they’re aware).But especially make sure they understand where you’d like your journey headed!
This principle applied consistently across both instances mentioned above—I openly shared my ambitions through structured discussions over time wich kept me top-of-mind when opportunities arose. It’s particularly vital seeking out these chances if entering industries where you’re outside any established cohort or ‘club’. These informal yet well-established networks often serve as sources for numerous instances involving professional sponsorship—which back then we didn’t label explicitly but referred instead using terms like ‘old boys’ network’ or ‘fraternity’. That’s where sponsors were located—and essential conversations took place—which underscores why intentionality matters if we don’t naturally fit into these groups already.
In pursuit of curiosity and bravery
I’ve endeavored throughout my professional evolution—to utilize whatever influence I’ve gained—to sponsor diverse emerging talents by creating avenues allowing them room stretch themselves through challenging roles—even when they might not check every box required traditionally speaking! As noted by former sponsors—it does require expending some risk capital indeed! Personally speaking—I’m happy investing mine whenever three qualities stand out: competence , curiosity ,and courage .
The first quality is competence . Without it—you won’t get off square one! My expectation is simple: You should demonstrate excellence at your current job while being willing put forth effort necessary excel further up ladder!
The second quality is curiosity . Because frankly—it becomes quite tough succeed unless open continuous learning process occurs . Those convinced they’ve mastered everything needed struggle lead sustainably since landscape shifts rapidly nowadays . Being adaptable enough acquire knowledge via exploration remains essential keeping pace evolving environment !
The third quality involves courage . Simply put—the act seizing opportunity & navigating uncharted territory isn’t easy task ! Brashness bravado aren’t prerequisites—but possessing certain level bravery definitely helps!
Paying it forward
I take pride knowing many individuals whom I’ve supported along way now occupy substantially higher positions exciting organizations . Some even returned favor : One board appointment arose after colleague I’d backed long ago reached out regarding opening ! This illustrates power maintaining nurturing genuine connections formed over time !
Adequately positioned backing typically provides boost careers regardless gender ; However believe women must actively pursue strategic support more assertively than men historically tended do so networking advocating themselves endorsing each other effectively .
Cognizance understanding nature effectiveness sponsorship enables us craft strategies encompassing need build relationships capable fulfilling roles required us moving forward together towards goals set forth ahead International Women Day 2025 theme “march forward” serves timely reminder—we possess ability empower remarkable candidates continue advancing journeys sometimes taking leaps faith along way too!
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