Even the most talented professionals don’t advance alone. Allies — colleagues, mentors, managers, sponsors, and peers — play a powerful role in helping you grow, get noticed, and navigate your career with confidence. But here’s the part we often overlook: your allies can only support you when they know what you need.
On International Women’s Day 2023, Ericka Young, bestselling author, speaker, and coach, led a free Women Lead webinar (now Business Essentials) on how to activate the people around you as true partners in your growth.
If you’ve ever struggled to ask for help, felt unsure how to articulate your aspirations, or wanted to strengthen your network of champions, this session offers practical, research-backed strategies.
Watch the Webinar Replay
Download the Discussion Guide
Use this guide to reflect on your ally relationships—or to spark a conversation with colleagues, ERG members, or a peer circle.
The guide includes prompts to help you identify your goals, clarify what support you need, and practice communicating those needs with confidence.
What You’ll Learn
Ericka’s session reframes allyship as a two‑way relationship—one that requires clarity, communication, and trust. In the webinar, she explores:
- How to identify the allies already in your orbit
- Why clarity about your goals makes it easier for others to support you
- How to communicate your needs in a way that feels authentic
- The difference between allies, mentors, and sponsors—and how to engage each
- Practical strategies to build stronger, more reciprocal relationships
Her message is simple: when you clearly articulate what you want, you empower others to help you get there.
Keep the Conversation Going
This session is ideal for group viewing. Encourage colleagues or ERG members to watch together and use the discussion guide to deepen the conversation around allyship, advocacy, and career growth.
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