Opportunities rarely arrive fully formed — they are often shaped, unlocked, and amplified through the guidance of mentors and sponsors. The Opportunity pillar in Beverly Vanterpool’s career guide, Build Your Table, emphasizes that career growth is not just about individual effort but about leveraging relationships that provide insight, access, and advocacy. To continue the analogy of the table that Beverly uses in her book, after the first and second pillars – Knowledge and Experience, and Community, guests on the Stories by Career Sistas podcast now share their experiences with the third pillar, the opportunity, by exploring mentorship and sponsorship.
Karen Vanterpool, Senior Research Scientist, our guest on episode 2 of Stories by Career Sistas knows the power of mentorship firsthand, especially when formal programs aren’t available. “When the system doesn’t provide mentorship, you create your own circle,” she shared. Karen built informal networks of guidance and accountability, connecting with peers and senior professionals who could offer both perspective and encouragement. By proactively seeking advice and feedback, she transformed what could have been gaps in support into a robust foundation for growth.
For episode 4 guest, Alejandra Rojas, entrepreneur, Forbes contributor, writer and founder of Brown Way to Money, mentorship is a two-way street that fuels both learning and impact. Guiding entrepreneurs through financial growth has shown her how mentorship helps clarify goals and accelerates progress. “Mentorship isn’t just about what I teach — it’s about exploring together,” Alejandra explained. “When you invest in someone’s growth, you’re expanding possibilities for both of you.” Her experiences demonstrate that structured guidance can transform uncertainty into actionable strategy, particularly in areas like financial independence where knowledge is power.
In episode 5 of Stories by Career Sistas, Vanessa Sanyauke, Entrepreneur, Founder of the Hill App and Girl Talk, highlights a slightly different approach: relying on friends-as-mentors. “Sometimes the best advice comes from people who know you personally,” she reflected. Vanessa leaned on trusted friends for strategic guidance, feedback, and even introductions to opportunities she might not have accessed otherwise. For her, mentorship doesn’t always need a title — it thrives in authentic, supportive relationships that open doors and build confidence.
Across these perspectives, the common theme is that mentorship and sponsorship are not passive experiences; they require intentionality. Seeking out guidance, nurturing relationships, and being open to advice are all critical in turning potential into action. As Karen succinctly put it, “Opportunity is rarely found alone — it’s created with the people who see your potential before you do.”
Mentorship and sponsorship, whether formal or informal, personal or professional, are key levers in shaping careers. By actively engaging with these networks, professionals gain clarity, confidence, and access to opportunities they might never have discovered on their own.
Episode 2: Karen Vanterpool
Passion & a Sponsor: What it takes to follow your dreams
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Episode 4: Alejandra Rojas
Empowerment & financial Wellness: Transforming entrepreneurial journeys
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Episode 5: Vanessa Sanyauke
Adaptability & Entrepreneurship: Overcoming professional hurdles
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