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:
Get The Influence Advantage: Available on Amazon or visit EllinSidell.com
Learn more about Unity and Company: unityandcompany.com
Contact Ellin: ellinsidell.com/book-a-call
Connect with us:
Subscribe to The Workplace Therapy Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite platform
Email questions or inquiries to: info@unityandcompany.com
Follow Scott Arrieta on LinkedIn for highlights and upcoming episodes