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How do you promote women in leadership?

May 23, 2016 / 2 min read

Mentors and sponsors play a key role in success. Here’s what several of our female office managing partners and industry group leaders say about the sponsors and mentors who inspired and guided them as they assumed leadership roles.

Woman standing in her office 

This year we saw female CEOs named at two of the country’s largest accounting firms. Not only are these women role models for the young people in their respective firms, they’re an inspiration for all of us in the profession. These are positive developments and clear affirmations that women are leading and there’s much to be learned from their success.

When these women were asked about the factors that contributed to their accomplishments, they cited the roles their mentors and sponsors played throughout their careers. In fact, when you ask most successful people about their achievements, male or female, they typically bring up their mentors or sponsors. The same rings true when we talk to our leaders here at Plante Moran.

“She was my biggest cheerleader and helped me uncover opportunities at the firm that would provide the most benefit to me and my career.”

What’s the difference between a mentor and sponsor? Mentors can be a role model or someone to help open doors that will further your career — sponsors influence promotions. To progress in your career, you need both.

Here’s what several of our female office managing partners (OMPs) and industry group leaders (IGLs) had to say about their sponsors and mentors:

I encourage you to think about the difference you can make for women both as a leader and as a learner — whether it’s for your own career or for a woman you work with. This might mean seeking out a mentor, being someone’s sponsor, or creating networking opportunities for women.

How do you promote women in leadership?

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