As part of Women Leading Travel & Hospitality’s 2024 Top Women in Travel & Hospitality report, which features in-depth interviews with leading female executives from across the industry, we asked honorees several questions, including “How have mentorship and sponsorship played a role in your professional development, and how do you actively engage in cultivating talent within your organization?” Here are a few of their responses:

“I’ve been so fortunate in my career to have had advocates along the way. Some were true mentors to me, sharing their experiences and pulling me into projects that would help me develop. However, oftentimes the advocacy takes place behind the scenes based on shared work experiences. I think one of the most important steps as you progress in your career is to get away from your desk and build relationships around the organization. Pick up the phone and have a conversation with a colleague across the country or walk down the hall instead of emailing. Volunteer for committees and projects. Volunteer in your community. You need to connect with your colleagues and peers and show them who you are. At G6, we’ve utilized a mix of formal and informal mentoring programs over the years, and I think the process is invaluable for everyone involved. Our culture is inclusive, collaborative, energetic and provides opportunities to be a part of many business initiatives. This has contributed to a great deal of team member development and career progression with each of us invested in the success of others. In addition to extended mentoring relationships, I’ve found that micro moments of mentorship where I’ve provided or received guidance and support on a day-to-day basis are just as valuable as formal programs. We also have a mix of leadership development programs that range from desktop learning to offsite/multiday courses that focus on new leaders, high-performing teams, influencing people, creating a culture of accountability, and much more.” –Julie Arrowsmith, President and CEO, G6 Hospitality

“Mentorships and sponsorships have been pivotal in my development. Early in my career, I benefited from the guidance of experienced mentors who provided valuable insights, shared their experiences, and offered constructive feedback. These mentorship relationships not only helped me navigate challenges but also accelerated my learning and skills development. Likewise, sponsorship played a crucial role in advancing my career. Having advocates who actively supported my professional growth, vouched for my capabilities, and provided opportunities for visibility and advancement significantly contributed to my success. Recognizing the impact on my own journey, I’m committed to actively cultivating talent within my organization. I participate in mentorship programs as well as engage in informal interactions with junior colleagues offering guidance and advice. Additionally, I advocate for sponsorship initiatives, identifying and supporting individuals with high potential and ensuring they have the visibility and opportunities needed for career advancement.” –Faye Ashby, Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings

“Having robust mentor/mentee relationships is important to your own self-development. I’ve been working as a mentor to a young lady from San Diego State University for a little over a year now and previously with Gina Vina for two years through the same program. The ladies taught me that mentorships are a two-way street and if we remove our titles and our “rank” and approach each conversation with the intention of learning how to continue to be better people and learn from each other, we can grow together. For our organization, time is the best gift you can give as a leader. Spending quality one-to-one time with the team and listening differently to them opens up collaborative dialogue as to how they define success. I love to watch people on our team grow and act as a mentor to help encourage others to get outside their comfort zone and challenge them to think differently and take on additional roles and responsibilities.”  –-Ashly Balding, Chief Sales Officer, ALHI

“Mentorship and sponsorship have been critical to my success as a leader (probably No. 2 behind failure, which always seems to be the best teacher). Sponsors have played a major role in inviting me to the table. My mentorship relationships have mostly been peer-to-peer, which is incredibly valuable. I’ve also embraced coaching as a professional development tool. In fact, I became a business coach because of the impact coaching had on my leadership.” –Rene Banglesdorf, Founder, The Aviation Collective

To hear more from these women leaders (as well as other honorees) on additional important topics related to both leadership and the travel and hospitality industry, download the full report, 2024 Top Women in Travel and Hospitality.