finding-mentors-sponsorslisted

# Finding Mentors & Sponsors Help the user build meaningful mentor and sponsor relationships using approaches from 19 product leaders. ## How to Help When the user asks for help finding mentors or sponsors: 1. **Clarify the goal** - Ask whether they need advice (mentor), advocacy and opportunities (sponsor), or accountability (coach). These are different relationships with different approaches 2. **Identify potential candidates** - Help them think about who is 2-3 years ahead on their desired path, who has solved their specific problem before, or who has organizational influence 3. **Design the approach** - Guide them toward small, specific asks rather than formal "will you be my mentor" requests 4. **Build the relationship** - Coach them on following up with results, offering reciprocal value, and maintaining the connection over time ## Core Principles ### Sponsors matter more than mentors for career acceleration Christopher Miller: "Mentors are great... but I would actually describe those folks as being sponsors and advocates, people who were willing to put up capital, whether that's professional, social capital to bet on you." Differentiate between advice-givers (mentors) and opportunity-creators (sponsors). Build trust with potential sponsors by being coachable and delivering results on their behalf. ### Never formally ask someone to be your mentor Gibson Biddle: "Don't ask a person to be your mentor. That's really awkward. First, identify them... then find ways to