In this insightful episode, Christy Rutherford discusses the indispensable trio for career advancement: mentors, coaches, and sponsors. By leveraging her extensive experience, Rutherford articulates the roles these individuals play in both professional growth and personal well-being. The episode explores practical strategies for networking, nurturing relationships, and the importance of self-care for high-achieving women.

**Key Points:**

1. **The Role of Mentors, Coaches, and Sponsors:**

- A mentor should be someone two levels above your current position, providing guidance and advice.

- Mentorship opportunities are often informal and can be missed if women decline offers.

- Developing relationships with decision-makers and network influencers is crucial.

2. **Christy's Personal Experiences:**

- Mentored, sponsored, and coached over 250 individuals, illustrating diverse perspectives from her 13 mentors.

- Regrets for not seeking out female mentors and the unique challenges black women face in professional environments.

- Emphasis on work-life balance and the importance of personal self-care coaches.

3. **Practical Strategies for Career Advancement:**

- Building relational trust with senior leaders by showing genuine interest in their personal lives.

- Sending small tokens of appreciation, like cookies, to maintain connections.

- Observing clues about managers' interests and using them to build personal relationships.

4. **Addressing Professional and Personal Challenges:**

- The necessity of having both work-sponsored and personal coaches.

- The role of direct managers in career opportunities and nurturing those relationships.

- Recognizing when to move on from mentors and seeking feedback from diverse perspectives for better decision-making.

**Memorable Quotes:**

- “Without a mentor, coach, and sponsor, your career is on life support.” - Christy Rutherford

- “A coach holds you accountable to your personal goals; a sponsor has the power to advocate for your promotion.” - Christy Rutherford

- “You can’t build a career on flaky relationships; trusted relationships are key.” - Christy Rutherford

**Conclusion:**

This episode underscores the importance of mentors, coaches, and sponsors in professional and personal development. Rutherford offers actionable advice on networking, relationship-building, and balancing work with self-care. She inspires listeners to take proactive steps towards their career advancement while investing in their mental and physical health.

**Call to Action:**

Make sure to subscribe to our podcast for more inspiring conversations with industry experts. Visit Christy’s website to explore her coaching programs and connect with her on social media. Links for additional resources and upcoming events can be found in the podcast description.

Text "PAYGAP" to 66866 for Christy’s free 15-minute video insight on How Your Pay Compares to the Market Value

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