Sponsorship is an influential professional relationship whereby a senior leader advocates for junior Black and Ethnic Minority and diverse talent, and opens doors that would otherwise be inaccessible to this under-represented group.

It is akin to a strategic partnership – implicitly or explicitly – and has a measurable impact on career progression. In this sense, sponsorship is more powerful than mentoring in catalyzing tangible upward career progression, through providing access to high profile assignments and promotions.