The latest episode of the Women in Telecoms podcast examines the role mentoring, sponsorship, and professional networks can play in supporting women’s career progression across the telecoms industry.
Read more
- New Women in Telecoms Podcast Series
- Women in Telecoms Podcast: Breaking Barriers and Building Careers
- Women, AI, and the Future of CX
Hosted by Women in Telecoms co-chair and RPS Telecom Managing Director Natalie Strange, the episode features Fiona Kearns, CEO and founder of Kearns Consultancy Global; Tracy Wright, Managing Director of Magrathea Telecommunications Ltd and Chair of Comms Council UK; and Maria Lema, Co-Founder and CEO of Weaver Labs Ltd.
The panel discusses how mentorship can take many forms. While formal mentoring programmes offer valuable structure, the guests stress that informal guidance can be equally important. A conversation, coffee meeting, or trusted colleague who offers perspective can have a lasting impact on confidence, decision-making, and career development.
The discussion also distinguishes between mentorship and sponsorship. Mentors help individuals develop skills, navigate challenges, and make decisions. Sponsors, meanwhile, advocate for people when they are not in the room, putting them forward for roles, speaking opportunities, and leadership opportunities.
Key takeaways:
- Mentorship can be formal or informal; a trusted conversation or coffee can be just as valuable as a structured programme.
- Women should identify the skills or challenges they need help with, then seek guidance from people with relevant experience.
- Sponsorship is different from mentorship: sponsors advocate for people and put them forward for opportunities when they are not in the room.
- Building a diverse support network can reduce isolation and help professionals navigate career decisions with greater confidence.
- Leaders can make an immediate difference by actively sponsoring women for roles, panels, and leadership opportunities.
- Not every piece of advice will be right; trust your instincts and use a wider network as a sounding board.
- Mentoring is mutually beneficial, helping mentors gain fresh perspectives while supporting the next generation of talent.
Keep up with updates on the series over on UC Today LinkedIn!
