The Doors You Can Open

A New Way to Network, Build Trust, and Use Your Influence to Create a More Inclusive Workplace

Coming in April of 2025!

ABOUT
The Doors You Can Open

In THE DOORS YOU CAN OPEN: A New Way to Network, Build Trust, and Use Your Influence to Create a More Inclusive Workplace (PublicAffairs; April 8, 2025), Carnegie Mellon organizational behavior researcher Dr. Rosalind Chow introduces the novel concept of sponsorship. While mentorship can change mentees for the better through valuable coaching and encouragement, sponsorship takes it one step further — sponsors can change the social environment around their proteges by actively advocating for, raising the social visibility of, and protecting them. Put simply, while mentors act on mentees, sponsors act on external observers – audiences –to change how they see proteges.

 

We don’t just have the ability to change other people; we also have the ability to change other people’s relationships with one another.

 

Drawing on decades of original research analyzing social hierarchies, corporate environments, and gender and race relations, Dr. Chow makes it clear that our current approach to relationships and career advancement is falling flat and urges everyone to engage in sponsorship — not just those at the uppermost levels. Sponsorship opens doors in the workplace, making it especially impactful for women and people of color, and ultimately leads to mutually beneficial lifelong connections.

Praise for The Doors You Can Open

“Rosalind 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
“Rosalind Chow’s 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 Professor of Marketing, New York University Stern School of Business New York Times bestselling author of IRRESISTIBLE and ANATOMY OF A BREAKTHROUGH
“A generous and skillful blend of storytelling, research, and practical advice…. When you think of THE book on sponsorship, it should be this one”
— Lily Zheng, author of DEI DECONSTRUCTED
“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.”
— Katherine L. Milkman, Ph.D. James G. Dinan Professor at the Wharton School of The University of Pennsylvania and National Bestselling Author of HOW TO CHANGE
“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
“Dr. Chow’s 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
“Dr. Chow’s 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
“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
“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 is the Thinkers50 #1 Executive Coach and New York Times bestselling author of THE EARNED LIFE, TRIGGERS, and WHAT GOT YOU HEAR WON'T GET YOU THERE.
“Through rigorous research and compelling storytelling, Chow revolutionizes our understanding of how careers advance. Chow 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 best-selling author of THE POWER OF REGRET and DRIVE
“This gem is packed with useful, research-based, advice about how to give and get effective sponsorship. And Chow’s warm and witty writing voice make it a joy to read.”
— Robert I. Sutton, Professor Emeritus at Stanford and New York Times bestselling author of 8 books including THE NO ASSHOLE RULE and (with Huggy Rao) THE FRICTION PROJECT