Opening the Right Doors - Rethinking Sponsorship, Trust, and Inclusion at Work with Dr. Rosalind Chow

In this Transform Your Workplace episode, host Brandon Laws interviews Dr. Rosalind Chow about her book "The Doors You Can Open." They discuss the critical difference between mentorship and sponsorship, with Chow explaining that sponsors talk about you to others while mentors talk to you directly. Using Kim Ng's MLB breakthrough as an example, Chow emphasizes how sponsorship requires trust and can take different forms. She explores how "good gossip" celebrates others' achievements, the importance of diversifying social networks, and challenges with meritocracy. Chow concludes that everyone can be a sponsor by connecting people they admire.   TAKEAWAYS Sponsorship differs from mentorship in that sponsors promote others through trusted networks, while mentors focus on personal improvement Social capital comes in "small town" (close-knit, values-aligned) and "big city" (diverse, innovation-focused) forms, with both being valuable in different contexts Everyone can be a sponsor by connecting admired individuals with others in their network, regardless of status or position   A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST  🔊 Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR 🎙️  Host: Brandon Laws 📋  his own words: “The Transform Your Workplace podcast is your go-to source for the latest workplace trends, big ideas, and time-tested methods straight from the mouths of industry experts and respected thought-leaders. About Xenium HR Xenium HR is on a mission to transform workplaces by providing expert outsourced HR and payroll services for small and medium-sized businesses. With a people-first approach, Xenium helps organizations create thriving work environments where employees feel valued and supported. From navigating compliance to enhancing workplace culture, Xenium offers tailored solutions that empower growth and simplify HR. Whether managing employee relations, payroll processing, or implementing impactful training programs, Xenium is the trusted partner businesses rely on to elevate their workplace experience. Discover how Xenium can transform your workplace: Learn more Connect with Brandon Laws: LinkedIn Instagram About Connect with Xenium HR: Website LinkedIn Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube