Paying It Forward: Finding Breakout Moments for Women — William “Bill” Jones
Recent studies tell us 92 percent of all U.S. Fortune 500 companies have mentoring programs. These programs are not only a “feel-good” activity but also a smart business strategy. Companies that have mentoring programs are posting median profits more than three times higher than those without mentoring programs.
We’re in conversation with Bill Jones, a passionate leader and dedicated mentor who regularly shares the lessons he’s learned in his career with the next generation of leaders, many of whom are female.
Bill, part of your purpose is to make an impact and be part of something that’s bigger than you. One way you’ve acted on that goal is by mentoring the next generation, particularly by sponsoring women leaders. What led you to this calling?
As a professional in public accounting, I have been surrounded by strong female figures throughout my career. Raised by a courageous single mother, I surely knew what a strong female figure looked like. And now, as the grandfather of two teenage girls, I look forward to cheering on these two young ladies as they come of age, enter the workforce, and soar as high as they want to go in their careers.
In my early years in banking, I mentored a lot of women, but it wasn’t until later I realized I wanted to double-down on my support for women in leadership. Women I mentored were expressing their frustration that doors weren’t opening as fast for them as they expected them to. “We need someone to advocate for us,” they said. “Not coach us. Not develop us. But make things happen for us.”
So I began sponsoring some of my mentees. Sponsorship is where I could extend my good will, political capital, and gravitas — essentially, “put my neck on the line” for them. When I started down the sponsorship path, successes unfolded at a much more rapid pace. I had a bigger voice in the room of these women’s careers and could help “make it happen” for them, bringing opportunities for breakout moments.
What are breakout moments? Can you give us an example?
A breakout moment is when a door opens to seize an opportunity, say, a new job — often one bigger and better than the one originally sought.
A young woman on my team at U.S. Bank, a manager whom I was mentoring, applied for a regional president position. I didn’t believe the role was the right fit for her at the time. She and I had a candid conversation about it. I offered what I thought were her strengths and weaknesses. She didn’t get that opportunity, but because of our honest conversation, we developed a trusting relationship. My words to her were, “No doesn’t mean never.”
Fast-forward 15 months, a reorganization at the bank created an opportunity even greater for her than the previous one. “This is the job for you,” I said. She went for it, won it, and succeeded at it far beyond expectations.
Another woman I sponsored was in the role of relationship manager. A bank leader was doing some reorganization and wanted someone who could be a creator, a thought leader, and a bridge builder for this business team. I said to him, “I have just the right person in mind for you. She doesn’t have the exact experience for this position, but she is so smart and such a quick study, she would do whatever it takes to succeed.” The job was four steps above the position she was in. At the risk of her failure — and mine, too, should she fall short — she was hired. She didn’t fail. She prospered and continues to amaze.
I’m still in touch with many of the women I’ve mentored and sponsored for job advancement and for board seats. In fact, they’ve been my greatest advocates as I search for my own new horizons on corporate boards. We continue to gain from, grow with, and be grateful for each other.
Thank you, Bill, for your thoughtful observations.
Independent board director and business leader Bill Jones is an inspired idea creator and positive change maker. A former public company CEO and CFO, he has been serving on multiple boards in diverse industries, from banking and health care to utility and broadcasting. Bill is known for his financial expertise, transformational approach, and distinct ability to build authentic relationships.
Connect with me on LinkedIn
