The Sponsorship

Edge

Programme

Because hard work isn’t enough – unlock your executive career with senior advocacy that counts

Are you giving your all, delivering top results and still not advancing?

You’re not alone. Many brilliant, ambitious women feel stuck – passed over for promotion, left out of influential conversations and held in roles that don’t reflect their full capability. One of the biggest, unspoken barriers is the lack of sponsorship by senior figures. Research shows women are under-sponsored by more than 50% in organisations – the challenge is even more acute for women of colour and other backgrounds. 

This modular programme gives you the confidence and know-how to leverage sponsorship, using a unique science-backed blend of self-awareness, peer learning, real-world examples and practical tools.

Seize this chance to activate champions for what you truly bring to the executive table and elevate your career to heights unreached before.

“Such a powerful and reflective space for us to explore leadership and sponsorship from within. It sparked some important shifts in perspective for me. And the energy in the room was just incredible.”

What do you get from the programme?

Understand

what sponsorship is (and is not) and assess the “Sponsorship Gap” in your career

Explore

your leadership identity and how that influences your sponsorship potential

Plan

your strategic alliances and career moves, showing up with authenticity and impact

Practice

developing trusted sponsorship relationships in complex settings

Discover

your way to drive change, powering up sponsorship for yourself and others

Take away

your personalised “Sponsorship Roadmap” to turn insights into concrete next steps

What does the programme cover?

  • Why advocacy, not just hard work, propels leadership growth

    • Demystify what sponsorship is and why it’s vital for advancing to more senior roles

    • Reflect on your career so far through visualisation and peer learning

    • Surface the biggest questions and pain points in your work setting

  • What shapes you and the way you lead, from past to future

    • Explore leadership as part of your identity, not simply a role or title

    • Discover hidden drivers and influences on your leadership potential

    • Shape your leadership narrative rooted in your values and life story

  • How to plot the right people and paths forward, balancing focus and flexibility

    • Envision your possible roles, sponsors and career steps

    • Create and position for developmental alliances that build and adjust over time

    • Develop your inner circle to move forward with clarity and backing

  • What it takes to connect, engage and show up in more senior settings

    • Craft your way to be seen, heard and add value – without losing yourself in the process

    • Discern opportunities that boost or deplete sponsorship potential

    • Master everyday situations and scenarios, from hidden biases to virtual presence

  • How to manage sponsorship relationships with mutual trust and value

    • Learn how to manage expectations and dynamics with your sponsor

    • Practice real-world scenarios to strengthen confidence and impact

    • Explore how gender, culture and organisational norms shape the sponsorship relationship

  • What may still hold you and others back – sponsorship in the long run

    • Explore strategies to navigate sponsorship dynamics with other stakeholders

    • Uncover underlying norms and habits that block progress

    • Step into your own power as a sponsor and foster inclusion for others

  • How to embed sponsorship-building efforts with Helen by your side

    • Deepen your leadership awareness in your specific context

    • Learn from ongoing practice, guided by your Sponsorship Roadmap

    • Feel supported and motivated, with a dose of challenge where needed!

How does it work?

ESSENTIAL

Immersive Modules

Dive into six expertly designed sessions, each anchored in Helen’s signature Sponsorship Rings framework.

Tap into the collective intelligence and support of other participants from diverse backgrounds.

ESSENTIAL

Applied Learning

Start strong with an exploratory survey and Helen’s curated reading (total time: 1–2 hours).

Between modules, deepen your progress with reflective and practical exercises (total time: 5–8 hours).

OPTIONAL

Keep the transformation going with Helen by your side.

Schedule three 1-hour virtual coaching sessions anytime within three months after the programme.

Follow-on Coaching

The programme is generously hosted by The Nine, Belgium’s first-ever women-focused private member’s club. The Nine organises many cultural, professional, and social events throughout the year focused on stimulating and shaping gender equality conversations.

Where is it taking place?

Join Us In Person
📍 The Nine, rue Archimède 69, 1000 Brussels, Belgium

Evening Sessions
🕒 19:00 – 21:00 CET
🍷 Pre-drinks & networking from 18:30 CET

Module Dates

  • Module 1 - 23 September 2025

  • Module 2 - 14 October 2025

  • Module 3 - 4 November 2025

  • Module 4 - 25 November 2025

  • Module 5 - 16 December 2025

  • Module 6 - 13 January 2026

Can’t make one of the module dates? No problem, you will receive the materials to not miss out and keep momentum.

What do past participants say?

  • “To start from scratch with a group that has not been asked before who they truly are, what truly matters and how to find a professional shape for those things (let alone developing leadership) is quite a venture. I loved how tangible the conversations were.”

  • “I wanted to say a huge thank you for everything. Your enthusiasm, energy and the way you shared both the material and your personal stories made a big impact. It was both inspiring and engaging.”

  • “I had a truly inspiring experience, because of the contents and of your guidance, that created a powerful synergy in the group! Lots of take aways and food for thought.”

How much does it cost?

Programme only  

All: €425
The Nine members: €350

10% Discount

Programme + Coaching 

All: €845
The Nine members: €695

Coaching

(booked after programme)

All: €515
The Nine members: €425

Prices exclude VAT

ACTIVE PAYMENT METHODS

Is this right for you?

You’re likely to be:

✔ Aspiring beyond mid-tier roles

✔ Wondering how to be recognised by executives

✔ Feeling alone in advancing your career

Every person and context is different. If the programme sparks your curiosity and you’re unsure, please get in touch.