In the ever-changing world of insurance, a recent webinar highlighted an important career lesson: mentorship can guide your path, but sponsorship pushes you forward. Five leaders from the industry gathered on December 3, 2025, to discuss how mentorship and sponsorship play different but vital roles in helping especially women gain visibility and advance in their careers.
Joyce Duarte, Senior Vice President at Allied World Insurance, led the conversation by clearly explaining the difference between mentorship and sponsorship. She said mentors help you grow and improve through advice and reflection. Sponsors, by contrast, actively use their influence to open doors and create opportunities for you.
Amy Mattle from WTW, with 25 years in the industry, shared how mentorship has changed for her. Now it’s about giving back to the next generation, though she still sees value in learning from younger colleagues through reverse mentorship. Courtney Davis of HUB International, who is in the middle of her career, described how her role has shifted from mostly being a mentee to now mentoring others and stepping into sponsorship. Davis recalled how during the early days of COVID-19, a senior leader advocated for her in ways that helped reshape her career.
Elizabeth Mertel from Crum & Forster Insurance Brokers described a unique mentorship experience involving working across cultures with a mentee in China. This taught her about different management and communication styles, proving that while the insurance business is global, new perspectives can change the game.
The panel agreed that while mentoring is common, women still face a gap in sponsorship. Mattle pointed out that women often wait until they feel fully ready before seeking new opportunities, unlike many men who act more quickly. Sponsorship, she said, helps women build confidence, gain skills, and get noticed. Erin Kelly from Intact Insurance gave a practical example of how she connected an employee interested in product development with the right projects early on, helping her gain credibility before a formal role opened.
Starting mentorship or sponsorship can seem tough, but the speakers encouraged simple actions like sending a quick message after a meeting to make a connection. Kelly advised people to "lead with your passion," while Davis suggested small steps like reaching out on LinkedIn, asking for 20 minutes, and coming prepared. She emphasized that mentors don’t always need to have all the answers; often, it’s the person asking who drives the relationship.
The final message was clear: don’t be afraid to ask for support. Davis said, “Closed mouths don’t get fed.” Kelly encouraged pushing past discomfort, as many senior leaders do want to help. Mertel stressed the need for honest self-reflection to be ready for sponsorship. Duarte wrapped up by challenging attendees to identify one area in their career where they need a mentor and one where they need a sponsor—and then take action to build those relationships.
Those interested can learn more about these ideas and watch the full webinar through the Women in Insurance Mentoring Network’s online resources.