The Doors You Can Open

A pioneering professor of organizational behavior turns the concept of networking on its head, arguing that we must move beyond the standard mentorship model to embrace sponsorship, where we use our social networks and political capital on behalf of others.

"It's not what you know, but who you know." According to conventional wisdom, our social networks are a resource to exploit, and getting ahead means extracting value from our social connections. But according to Dr. Rosalind Chow, Professor of organizational behavior at Carnegie Mellon's business school, not only is this an antiquated notion, it's also useless in today's society and workplaces. And it certainly doesn't account for the fact that not everyone starts on equal footing in the workplace. Based on decades of original research analyzing social hierarchies, corporate environments, and gender and race relations, Beyond Mentorship makes a bold case for completely changing the way we network.

To increase the number of women and BIPOC employees in our organizations, particularly in senior roles, we need sponsorship, not mentorship. Sponsorship involves managing others' impressions or beliefs about a protege or colleague. Our social networks can and should be used on behalf of others. And it helps us too. What if we tried to position ourselves so that we could be the first to share new information, to elevate others to be more visible to decision makers, and to connect people to the help that they need? Suddenly, networking would become much more than just ladder climbing.

At a moment the workplace is going through a seismic transformation, this book is a potent reminder that we can all build more equitable connections effectively, meaningfully, and joyously. And this book will empower readers to be smarter about cultivating authentic, supportive, diverse relationships and communities.

"The Doors You Can Open is a smart and engaging book that argues for a new style of networking. Chow's concept of sponsorship is grounded in the idea that senior advisors should be more than just mentors who shape juniors in their image. Instead, they should shape how others see those juniors, opening doors that might otherwise remain closed. Chow weaves research and advice together beautifully, explaining why sponsorship works and how to be a sponsor in practice. An excellent read."
--Adam Alter, New York Times-bestselling author of Irresistible
"The Doors You Can Open has a beautiful message: we all have the power to help each other as sponsors by spreading praise and advocating for people we admire. This gem is packed with useful, research-based advice about how to give and get effective sponsorship. Chow's warm and witty writing voice make it a joy to read."
--Robert I. Sutton, New York Times-bestselling author of The No Asshole Rule
"The Doors You Can Open has been a valuable addition to our sponsorship efforts. Her powerful personal anecdotes and rigorous, evidence-based framework lend their weight to a common refrain I share with our leaders: anyone can be a sponsor! I strongly recommend this book to leaders at all stages of their sponsorship journeys to learn more about how to effectively act as a sponsor."
--Miriam Warren, Chief Diversity Officer, Yelp
"The Doors You Can Open is a compelling call to action for anyone in a position of power who seeks to make a difference in the careers of others. By grounding her advice in both scientific evidence and real-world examples, she shows how sponsorship can reshape workplace cultures and open doors to success for those who need it most. This book is an essential tool for leaders committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in meaningful ways."
--Linda Babcock, author of Women Don't Ask
"The Doors You Can Open is a powerful exploration of sponsorship and its potential to transform professional relationships. Drawing from her personal experiences and research, Chow highlights how sponsorship can break down social barriers, offering practical strategies to help others succeed. This book is a must-read for leaders and anyone looking to elevate those around them and foster meaningful change in the workplace."
--Dr. Marshall Goldsmith, New York Times-bestselling author of What Got You Here Won't Get You There
"The Doors You Can Open's insightful synthesis of groundbreaking research, gripping real-world stories, and compelling personal narratives opens the door to profound new possibilities. Chow shows how subtle changes in how we approach the world can dramatically alter the life outcomes of those around us, and our own. Building off her impactful research on power and status, she demonstrates why solving problems is a more effective method for navigating social networks than leveraging value. The Doors You Can Open will not only help you become a more committed sponsor but will lead you to create a life full of deeper connections."
--Adam Galinsky, author of Friend and Foe
"Chow has spent her career studying how to break barriers, and her book is filled with engaging stories, compelling evidence, and actionable advice."
--Adam Grant, #1 New York Times-bestselling author of Think Again
"Groundbreaking and inspiring, The Doors You Can Open has transformed how I think about that dirty word: networking. I highly recommend for anyone striving for more authentic relationships and greater success."
--Dolly Chugh, author of The Person You Mean to Be
"Packed with powerful insights, The Doors You Can Open is a must-read for anyone striving to uplift others in their careers. Drawing on her expertise in power and status, Chow seamlessly blends stories and science to offer practical guidance for becoming a more effective networker, influencer, and sponsor."
--Katy Milkman, author of How to Change
"Through rigorous research and compelling storytelling, Rosalind Chow revolutionizes our understanding of how careers advance. She demonstrates that the path to leadership runs through helping others rise--and that speaking up for those with less influence can create organizations that are more equitable and more effective."
--Daniel H. Pink, #1 New York Times-bestselling author of Drive
"With a generous and skillful blend of storytelling, research, and practical advice, The Doors You Can Open transforms sponsorship into an embodied practice that every clear-eyed professional should add to their skillset. When you think of the book on sponsorship, it should be this one."
--Lily Zheng, author of DEI Deconstructed

Dr. Rosalind Chow is an associate professor of Organizational Behavior and Theory at Carnegie Mellon University. A social psychologist by training, Chow draws on both psychological and organizational behavior research to provide empirically validated insights on managerial practice. She has particular expertise on how members of dominant groups can contribute to the dismantling of systemic bias within organizations.

Chow is the founding faculty director for the Executive Leadership Academy (ELA), an executive leadership program aimed at addressing the challenges facing the advancement of Black leaders in Pittsburgh, PA. She also serves as the faculty director for the CLIMB fellowship program, a partnership between Deloitte and Tepper Business School designed to increase the advancement of Black and Latino/Hispanic accountants. In addition, Chow leads the Fostering Organizational Equity (FORGE) Leadership Development program.

Chow's research is published in top psychology and organizational behavior journals and featured in articles in the Harvard Business Review and the MIT Sloan Management Review. She is a consultant and speaker for a variety of organizations, such as BNY Mellon Bank, Genentech, Intel, PNC Bank, the WNBA, and others.

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