Beyond mentoring: The power of sponsorship and advocacy in ophthalmology

(Image credit: AdobeStock/iQoncept)

The path to career growth in ophthalmology, as in many fields, has traditionally been paved with mentorship. We often seek guidance from those who have navigated similar challenges, but mentorship alone is not enough to propel careers—particularly for women and underrepresented professionals. The real game-changers? Sponsorship and advocacy.

The difference between mentorship, sponsorship, and advocacy

Mentors provide advice, share experiences, and offer insights into career decisions. They help mentees develop new skills and gain perspective. However, mentorship tends to be passive—relying on the mentee to implement the advice given.

Sponsorship, on the other hand, is active. A sponsor is someone in a position of influence who not only guides but actively advocates for their protégé. Sponsors open doors to opportunities, recommend their protégés for key projects, and leverage their networks to advance careers.

For example, consider a promising ophthalmologist looking to secure a leadership role in a research institution. A mentor might provide advice on preparing for the role, while a sponsor—a senior executive—actively recommends them for the position, speaks on their behalf in leadership meetings, and ensures they are given the platform to showcase their capabilities. This proactive advocacy is what transforms career trajectories.

Advocacy goes one step further. Advocates are champions who use their voice to ensure that their sponsored individuals are seen, heard, and considered for high-profile opportunities. They work to break down systemic barriers and create an inclusive environment where talented individuals can thrive.

Women: Over-mentored, under-sponsored

Research has shown that women tend to receive more mentorship than sponsorship. While mentoring is valuable, it does not equate to career advancement. Without sponsors, many talented women remain stuck in mid-level positions, unable to break into executive or leadership roles. The key to progress is finding sponsors who can advocate for high-impact career moves.

Degrees of sponsorship: Who is in your corner?

Understanding sponsorship dynamics requires mapping out potential allies based on their influence and interest in your career:

(Courtesy of Zaiba Malik, MD; Adapted from monday.com. What is stakeholder management, and why is it important? May 25, 2021. Accessed March 26, 2025. https://monday.com/blog/project-management/stake)

High Power, High Interest: These are key players—leaders who are willing and able to push for your success. Engage closely with them.

High Power, Low Interest: These individuals hold influence but may not be personally invested in your growth. Find ways to align your goals with their needs.

Low Power, High Interest: They may not have the ability to propel you forward, but they can offer support and encouragement. Keep them informed and engaged.

Low Power, Low Interest: While not critical to your success, maintaining positive relationships with all colleagues is still beneficial.

How to gain a sponsor

Sponsorship is earned, not given. To attract a sponsor:

1. Demonstrate excellence: Be exceptional in your work. Sponsors want to back professionals who showcase competence and leadership potential.
2. Make your aspirations known: Sponsors cannot advocate for you if they do not know your goals. Communicate your ambitions clearly.
3. Seek out key decision-makers: Engage with leaders in your field, both within and outside your organization. Attend industry events and participate in professional groups such as Ophthalmic World Leaders.
4. Deliver results: Sponsors take risks in promoting others. Show that investing in you will yield a return.
5. Foster authentic relationships: Genuine professional connections often lead to sponsorship. Be proactive in building trust and demonstrating value.

Building your brand: Helping sponsors advocate for you

One of the most critical aspects of securing strong sponsorship is establishing a powerful personal brand. A well-defined brand image makes it easier for sponsors to advocate for you with confidence. Here’s how:

• Develop a clear professional identity: Be known for a specific expertise or leadership quality that sets you apart. Whether it’s surgical innovation, clinical research, or patient care, ensure your reputation precedes you.
• Increase visibility: Engage in speaking opportunities, publish articles, contribute to professional discussions, and attend key industry events. The more visible you are, the easier it becomes for sponsors to promote your name.
• Maintain a strong online presence: Ensure your LinkedIn profile and professional affiliations reflect your achievements and aspirations. Sponsors often look at these platforms when advocating on your behalf.
• Consistently deliver value: Establish yourself as a reliable and high-impact professional. The stronger your track record, the more likely sponsors are to champion your success.

The road to leadership: Lessons from Daphne E. Jones' Win When They Say You Won’t

As Daphne E. Jones states in her book Win When They Say You Won’t, your brand is what is said about you when you’re not in the room. However, before your brand can work in your favor, you must ensure you are being talked about at all. Getting noticed by key stakeholders is essential, and what is said about you must align with your intended brand image.

Think of yourself as a product: what have you done for your organization lately? Many professionals keep their heads down, working hard, but neglect to build relationships. When the time comes for career advancement or support, they may lack the network needed to champion their growth. Don’t wait until you’re in trouble to reach out—invest in relationships continuously.

Navigating detractors and supporters

Understanding where you stand in your professional network is crucial. Are your colleagues supporters or detractors? If feedback indicates concerns about your performance or image, treat it as objective data rather than personal criticism. Just as you would take Tylenol to manage a fever, use constructive feedback to refine your brand without emotional overreaction.

The performance-image-exposure (PIE) model

Success isn’t just about doing great work—it’s also about how you’re perceived and who knows about your contributions. The PIE model emphasizes three key areas:

• Performance: Can you deliver results that align with company goals?
• Image: How are you perceived by colleagues and leadership? Does your brand reflect professionalism, reliability, and leadership?
• Exposure: Who knows about your work and is willing to advocate for you?

Winning in your career isn’t just about capability; it’s about visibility. If only a few people recognize your strengths, you must ask: Who will speak for me? Sponsors and advocates with influence must be willing to invest their political and social capital to propel you forward.

By aligning performance, image, and exposure, you ensure that when decision-makers discuss leadership opportunities, your name is at the top of their list. This intentional approach to career growth helps ophthalmology professionals move beyond mentorship into powerful, sponsored opportunities that lead to leadership success.

To drive meaningful change, the field of ophthalmology must recognize the power of sponsorship and advocacy—ensuring that the next generation of leaders is equipped not just with knowledge, but with the opportunities to shine.

References

• monday.com. What is stakeholder management, and why is it important? May 25, 2021. Accessed March 26, 2025. https://monday.com/blog/project-management/stakeholder-management/

• Jones DE. Win When They Say You Won’t. New York, NY: McGraw Hill; 2022.

Zaiba Malik, MD
E: zmalik01@gmail.com
Malik is medical director, Medpace; ophthalmologist and CEO, EyeMD, LLC; and clinical assistant professor, Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine in Dayton, Ohio. This blog is adapted from Malik's presentation at the OWL Leadership Summit, held September 26-27, 2024, in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Note: The thoughts and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the opinions of this publication.