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!
Buy: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Books-A-Million | Bookshop.org | Target | Hachette
ABOUT
The Doors You Can Open
The Doors You Can Open draws on research on status, power, social networks, social inequality, and influence and persuasion to differentiate between mentorship and sponsorship and explain why this difference matters. While both mentorship and sponsorship are important forms of workplace support, they are not the same. Mentors try to change their mentees. In contrast, sponsors try to change how external audiences see their proteges.
With this distinction made, the book aims to equip readers with practical strategies for assessing their social connections so that they can be more effective, inclusive, and equitable sponsors. Throughout, I discuss how psychological processes impact sponsorship processes for people from marginalized social groups, with implications for the persistence of social inequality. With this distinction made, the book aims to equip readers with practical strategies for assessing their social connections so that they can be more effective, inclusive, and equitable sponsors. Throughout, I discuss how psychological processes impact sponsorship processes for people from marginalized social groups, with implications for the persistence of social inequality. My aspiration is that this book offers actionable insights to help empower people to understand their ability to shape a more inclusive and diverse society, one in which they can reap the social rewards that accrue not only to those for whom doors are opened, but also those who open doors for others.
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.”
“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.”
“A generous and skillful blend of storytelling, research, and practical advice…. When you think of THE book on sponsorship, it should be this one”
“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.”
“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”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“This book is a must-read for leaders and anyone looking to elevate those around them and foster meaningful change in the workplace.”
“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.”
“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.”