High Support, High Challenge

A post for International Women’s Day caught my eye last month. It said: “Women have mentors. Men have sponsors.”

And it really got me thinking.

Leaders don’t just need mentors. Or sponsors.

They need both and more.

They need a personal board.

It’s not a formal board. You don’t even need to tell people they’re on it.
But being intentional about who is in your corner — and why — can make all the difference.

Think of it as a small group of people from your network,  maybe six to eight.
They can offer support, honest advice, and a fresh perspective when you’re making decisions or finding your way as a leader or an aspiring leader.

So, who might you want on your personal board?

You don’t need to fill every role, but it’s helpful to know what to look for.

• A supporter – someone who delivers honest feedback with kindness.
• A sponsor – they advocate for you, open doors, and help create opportunities.
• A critic – interestingly, this person may challenge your plans or ideas, but could offer valuable insight if engaged directly.
• A role model – someone who’s already where you’d like to get to in your own career.
• A critical friend – they ask thoughtful questions and help you reflect more deeply.
• An insider – this is someone who understands your environment (your organisation or industry) and can help you navigate it.
• An outsider – they bring experience from a different industry, helping you stretch your thinking and broaden your view.
• A fresh voice – someone older or younger or from a different cultural or professional background, who sees things you might miss and brings a diversity of thought — that’s really useful to have.

Do you notice any gaps in your own circle?

These people might be closer than you think.
Your boss, a senior leader, someone in a similar role elsewhere, a rising star with new insight, a friend who knows you well, or someone whose career path you admire.

You may already have a trusted colleague or peer who always supports you and is honest with you, but also reminds you of your strengths. Something we’re not always great at doing ourselves.

You don’t have to agree or follow their advice.
But you do have to listen. That’s where growth happens, especially when the input comes with wisdom, experience, influence, and candour.

And I should say, on a personal level, I often find myself, as an executive coach, to be part of somebody’s personal board.

I ask the questions that just probe a little deeper into thinking when making decisions.

It’s also worth thinking about what you offer in return.

What could you give back — or what role could you play for someone else?

So, who’s in your corner?

You might want to take five minutes to map it out.

And if this got you thinking, feel free to contact me. I’d love to hear who’s on your board, or who you’d like to invite in.