Sally Field began acting in middle school and, by high school, was the queen of the drama club.
At 17, she starred in the short-lived television sitcom Gidget and then in the whimsical television series The Flying Nun from 1967-1970.
But her early career success stalled. Sally was quickly typecast as a light, comedic television actress in the eyes of Hollywood execs. She couldn’t get on a list or in a room to audition – casting directors outright dismissed her!
A co-star introduced Sally to the Actors Studio in Los Angeles, a prestigious yet rigorous training workshop. Sally was convinced that her career trajectory would change if she became a better actress.
It was at the Actors Studio that she met Jack Nicholson, also a regular participant in the training. Jack noticed not only Sally’s dedication but her talent.
A few years later, when a casting director reached out to Jack looking for an actress for a movie role, Jack promoted her, “Sally is an undiscovered talent.”
Jack’s endorsement and recommendation opened the proverbial door for Sally. The casting director not only put her on the audition list but also cast Sally in her first substantial film, Stay Hungry, alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jeff Bridges.
This movie role was an inflection point in Sally’s career. It changed Hollywood’s view of her potential, leading to her role in Norma Rae, for which she won her first Oscar. About to turn 80, Sally has earned two Oscars, three Emmys, and a Tony nomination.
Jack Nicholson sponsored Sally. He used his influence and credibility on her behalf. He talked about her when she was not in the room, staking his reputation on her performance. He publicly endorsed her potential to advance her career.
And while a formal mentoring relationship is not required for sponsoring, sponsoring is an advanced mentoring technique – every Mentor can become a Sponsor to boost their Mentee. Like mentoring 2.0.
- Mentors help you grow, while a Sponsor helps you advance.
- Mentors talk with you, while a Sponsor talks about you.
- Mentors prepare you for the opportunity, while a Sponsor helps you get the opportunity.
But just because a Sponsor has a reputation, influence, or access to opportunities does not mean they will share it indiscriminately. Like mentoring, sponsoring requires an investment in mutual trust, communicated aspirations, and shared experiences.
An intentional act of altruism, sponsoring contributes by promoting people and possibilities.
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