The Influence Advantage: Unlocking Leadership Through Partnership, Mentorship and Sponsorship

🔍 Synopsis:

In this episode of The Workplace Therapy Podcast, host Scott Arrieta sits down with Ellin Sidell, CEO of The Sidell Method and co-author of The Influence Advantage. Together, they unpack what it really means to lead with influence—ethically and effectively. Drawing from decades of experience inside Fortune 500 companies like Nestlé, Microsoft, and Costco, Ellin introduces a simple but powerful model for leadership: Partnership, Mentorship, and Sponsorship.

From launching a scalable mentorship program at Costco that impacted hundreds of employees, to breaking down Dr. Robert Cialdini’s influence principles for leadership application, Ellin brings hard-won wisdom, practical examples, and heartfelt advice. This episode is a must-listen for leaders, HR professionals, and anyone navigating career development in today’s evolving workplace.

📝 Show Notes:

Guest: Ellin Sidell, CEO of The Sidell Method and co-author of The Influence Advantage
Host: Scott Arrieta, CEO of Unity and Company

Topics Covered:

  • The three relationship types that shape leadership: Partnership, Mentorship, and Sponsorship

  • Why mentorship programs often fail—and how Ellin built one that scaled across Costco

  • The neuroscience behind influence and how leaders can apply it ethically

  • How reciprocity, liking, and curiosity build bridges across organizational silos

  • Strategies for securing a sponsor—even if you're early in your career

  • What generational differences reveal about how employees approach mentorship

  • The “There is no box” story: A leadership lesson that changed everything

Resources & Links:

Connect with us:

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  • Email questions or inquiries to: info@unityandcompany.com

  • Follow Scott Arrieta on LinkedIn for highlights and upcoming episodes

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