67 | Christine Sandman Stone - Mentorship vs. Sponsorship: The Game-Changer Your Career Needs Right Now

In today's episode of the Elevate Your Career podcast, Nicole is joined by Christine Sandman Stone is a keynote speaker, trusted advisor, and author of *The Modern Management Mentor.*

During the conversation, Nicole and Christine explore the evolving landscape of management and leadership. They explore how vulnerability and honesty can transform team dynamics, emphasizing the power of openly acknowledging mistakes and sharing intentions for growth. This candid approach not only builds trust but also invites teams to engage meaningfully with changing priorities, making leadership feel less like a command and more like a shared mission.

You'll discover the nuanced distinction between mentorship and sponsorship — two roles that are often confused but fundamentally different. While mentors help navigate challenges and provide guidance, sponsors actively advocate behind the scenes, opening doors and amplifying voices. Understanding and leveraging these relationships can be a game-changer for anyone looking to advance their career, especially in complex organizational cultures.

This episode offers practical tactics for cultivating genuine connections and increasing visibility without overstepping into self-promotion, as well as ways that leaders can adapt to maintain human connection and trust in an increasingly digital world.

If you've enjoyed this episode of the Elevate Your Career podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!

Enjoy!

Key takeaways:

• Christine's career journey, starting with a small company in computer networks and progressing through various management roles at Volkswagen, Dell, and McDonald's.

• The differences between mentorship and sponsorship, and the role of sponsors in career advancement.

• The role of storytelling in building a personal brand and gaining exposure within an organization.

• The impact of AI on note-taking and meeting productivity, as well as the need for managers to understand the security implications of using AI in their work.

• Christine's current role in conducting workshops for leadership teams and helping organizations navigate challenges.

• And much more...

Guest Bio:

Christine Sandman Stone is a keynote speaker, trusted advisor, and author of The Modern Management Mentor, known for her high-energy presence and practical guidance that helps leaders drive results at scale. With a master’s in management and organizational behavior and extensive experience across global companies, she brings a seasoned perspective to complex business challenges. Christine is sought after for her ability to simplify chaos, guide organizations through sensitive transitions, and deliver actionable strategies for peak performance. She designs custom workshops, mentors professionals, and speaks on modern management, leadership, and working parenthood—always leaving audiences with tools they can use immediately. Praised by CEOs and senior leaders, Christine’s insights empower teams navigating restructuring, hybrid work, and rapid growth with clarity and confidence.

Resources:

Christine's website

Christine's LinkedIn

Irvine Technology Corporation

Disclaimer:

The views, information, or opinions...