The Connected Leadership Podcast · 2026-06-22 · 24 min
Are you trying to advance your career, but unsure who to ask for help? Have you ever wondered if you need a mentor, a coach, or a sponsor - and what the difference actually is? In this episode from the archive, Andy Lopata sits down with two giants of the mentoring world: Vanessa Vallely OBE (founder of WeAreTheCity) and Kerrie Dorman (founder of the Association of Business Mentors). Together, they dismantle the confusion surrounding these crucial professional relationships. Discover the "CCM" approach to support, learn the golden rule that separates a mentor from a sponsor, and find out the exact formula for asking a busy executive to mentor you (without getting a "no"). If you've ever felt stuck in your career, this episode provides the ultimate roadmap for building a "personal boardroom" that will propel you forward. What You Will Learn in This Episode: The "Been There, Done That" Rule: What is the fundamental difference between a coach (who asks questions) and a mentor (who shares scars and experience)? The Talk To vs. Talk About Rule: How to instantly distinguish between a mentor who gives you advice and a sponsor who puts their reputation on the line to get you promoted.
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