{
    "componentChunkName": "component---src-templates-editorial-ssr-tsx",
    "path": "/articles/julia-cai-banjo-ai-longevity-founder",
    "result": {"pageContext":{"editorial":{"title":"She Had a Life-Threatening Surgery at 48. Then She Built an AI Company to Redefine Longevity.","description":"Julia Cai survived life-threatening surgery at 48, then became an AI-native founder, building Banjo AI to help users live more intentionally in midlife.","slug":{"current":"julia-cai-banjo-ai-longevity-founder"},"isPodcast":null,"megaphoneLink":null,"articleAuthor":{"name":"Chief","slug":{"current":"chief-staff"}},"byline":null,"publishDate":"2026-09-11","episodeImage":{"imageAltTag":null,"asset":null},"heroBackgroundColor":null,"heroImage":{"caption":null,"attribution":null,"altText":"Illustration of brain as circuitry, connected to computer","asset":{"id":"image-34cafc0a47ae44f2d707f710e6d5c9ca2caff267-1733x1155-jpg","url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/xcsyo6gw/production/34cafc0a47ae44f2d707f710e6d5c9ca2caff267-1733x1155.jpg"}},"id":"-098b6ff8-2f61-5f86-b235-20a8cc33cccf","category":null,"editorialCategory":{"id":"-c0cffb03-0311-5c35-81f2-1d7ab44c7817","title":"AI & The Future of Work","slug":{"current":"ai-the-future-of-work"}},"podcastDescription":null,"podcastTranscript":null,"isSponsored":null,"_rawSponsorship":null,"_updatedAt":"2026-09-11T14:16:11Z","content":[{"_key":"59b3b7225879","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"a040cc6ca2040","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"At 48, Chief Member "},{"_key":"a040cc6ca2041","_type":"span","marks":["53a20259878e"],"text":"Julia Cai"},{"_key":"a040cc6ca2042","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" was living what she thought was a very healthy lifestyle. Then she was told she needed a major, life-threatening surgery."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"53a20259878e","_type":"link","href":"https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-cai-72b56819/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"ee3bc031d4cd","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"2bdbdc44e3350","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"That experience completely changed the way she thought about wellness and longevity. “Living a long and fulfilling life is about so much more than diet and exercise,” she says. “Social connections, purpose, community, purpose, spirituality, and giving back are also incredibly important.”"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"fd7a8cf6fe05","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"8634342072cd0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Cai, a two-time Chief Technology Officer, says her natural instinct was to start looking for tools that could help her understand and monitor the different dimensions of her own life."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"eb343b029c3e","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"105d1f71854d0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"She couldn't find one, so she decided to "},{"_key":"105d1f71854d1","_type":"span","marks":["8434ccb51815"],"text":"build it"},{"_key":"105d1f71854d2","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"8434ccb51815","_type":"link","href":"https://chief.com/category/ai-the-future-of-work"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"41f08a44d333","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"57f71708516d0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"The result is her company, "},{"_key":"57f71708516d1","_type":"span","marks":["3471e19a3b95"],"text":"Banjo AI"},{"_key":"57f71708516d2","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"3471e19a3b95","_type":"link","href":"https://banjo.site/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"048323c3436c","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"19dfcd52d64f0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"With a user's permission, the app processes information from their digital footprint to understand how they are spending their time across seven dimensions of longevity and help them identify where they may want to make changes."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"0507b02d09da","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"d1e832ed2fee0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"“That kind of holistic, personalized assessment simply wasn't possible at this scale a few years ago, Cai says. “I knew I would regret it if I went through this AI transformation as an observer rather than a participant.”"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"61d86c4403ef","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"aa7004c2a5590","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Her goal is to grow Banjo AI into an ecosystem for intentional living and "},{"_key":"aa7004c2a5591","_type":"span","marks":["8b15a268411e"],"text":"longevity"},{"_key":"aa7004c2a5592","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"8b15a268411e","_type":"link","href":"https://chief.com/articles/pvolve-women-midlife-fitness-longevity"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"efa9e6c14be2","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"5564d4114c9c0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"We asked Cai to take us inside her approach to AI-driven entrepreneurship. Here’s her advice for other women leaders who want to build something of their own."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"5ac6df598059","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"e201adbd993d0","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"On Her Approach to Building an AI-Native Company"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"heading2"},{"_key":"e435cff96321","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"bb49b994d1280","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Even before we wrote the first line of code, we asked ourselves: How should humans and AI agents "},{"_key":"bb49b994d1281","_type":"span","marks":["0e90089d13c8"],"text":"work together"},{"_key":"bb49b994d1282","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"? How do we create an efficient development assembly line without sacrificing quality?"}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"0e90089d13c8","_type":"link","href":"https://chief.com/women-leaders-agentic-ai-study-2026"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"b3bfec924245","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"d35db837f9b60","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Today, the vast majority of our product code is generated with AI, with humans acting as managers, reviewers, and quality-control checkpoints. I think that distinction is very important. AI can create tremendous efficiency, but humans still need to provide"},{"_key":"d35db837f9b61","_type":"span","marks":["5bd37fe43f07"],"text":" judgment"},{"_key":"d35db837f9b62","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":", product taste, user empathy, and quality control."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"5bd37fe43f07","_type":"link","href":"https://chief.com/articles/wisdom-becomes-our-competitive-advantage-in-the-ai-era"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"b8e66166c373","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"210b89e949c80","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Very early on, we also standardized around a set of tools that could help us move faster across different parts of the company. We use tools such as Linear for product management, Claude Code for engineering, Buffer and Hootsuite for social media, and Lovable for parts of our web development."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"e56ab873659b","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"0c102f9fba090","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"As Banjo expanded beyond engineering into areas like product, growth, marketing, research, and finance, we’ve started thinking differently about "},{"_key":"0c102f9fba091","_type":"span","marks":["aeda3cb82c30"],"text":"organizational design"},{"_key":"0c102f9fba092","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":". Instead of developing a traditional organizational chart made up only of human employees, we think about each team as a combination of human employees and AI agents."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"aeda3cb82c30","_type":"link","href":"https://chief.com/articles/ai-access-equity-workplace"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"6091cd1fa380","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"2f8b78edefb70","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"When we share knowledge, conduct meetings, document decisions, or onboard someone, we want that information to be available to both the human and AI sides of the organization. The goal is for our agents to understand the company context just as our employees do, so both can become more effective over time."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"528254cceae7","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"9357455ffd650","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"On How Leaders Can Incorporate AI Into Their Own Workflows"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"heading2"},{"_key":"32ce6fa4470b","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"31a5c10f9f340","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"First, embrace change. You cannot become too attached to a particular technology, framework, or way of doing things. Throughout my career, I've probably spent around 15% of my time learning about new technologies, architectures, and frameworks. Technology changes too quickly for a leader to stop learning."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"3ed3567b22d2","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"5b341c2a1f5c0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Second, be practical. Just because a technology is new, or works brilliantly for another company, doesn't mean it's right for yours. Every company has a different product, team, culture, and customer. The question I always ask is: Does this technology genuinely make our company or our customer experience better?"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"c56d3269118d","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"c86465fc8b7e0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"And finally, don't let speed lower your standards. I still care deeply about product quality, security, privacy, and the human experience tools deliver. The newest or shiniest technology is not automatically the best technology."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"229a81b707c1","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"798f3a9059b10","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"On What It Takes to Succeed in the AI Era"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"heading2"},{"_key":"d7a2c4b38f56","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"d7e2d52402a40","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"This is an extraordinary time to be a founder. Things that once required much larger teams, more capital, and specialized expertise can increasingly be accomplished by a small group of people using the right technology."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"f26ff4e06e87","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"75f9af45a1200","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"But, because AI makes it easier and faster to build, I think real differentiation becomes even more important. Can you build something people genuinely love? Can you create a great human experience? Can you earn people's trust? And can you maintain quality, security, and privacy while still moving quickly?"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"b65f8a7e5e23","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"686d6142943b0","_type":"span","marks":["b8e018619dc8"],"text":"Speed matters"},{"_key":"686d6142943b1","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":", but speed alone is not enough."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"b8e018619dc8","_type":"link","href":"https://chief.com/articles/women-leaders-ai-burnout-sustainable-leadership"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"3dccc5b8564f","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"9fc1bce57ab90","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"On the Role the Chief Community Has Played in Her Founder Journey"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"heading2"},{"_key":"eabd2769252a","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"b3879c366fac0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Because Banjo AI serves people aged 50 and older, Chief has been invaluable in helping me understand our users. I have been able to test early ideas, have direct conversations, and receive candid feedback from thoughtful and accomplished women who are part of the demographic we serve. Many aspects of Banjo have been shaped by these conversations. This access has helped me understand our users more deeply and develop the product much faster."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"d5765b1b35d2","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"f195d3c9ae800","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"At Chief, I have also met fellow members who are current or former entrepreneurs. We have exchanged notes, shared lessons learned, and introduced one another to valuable people and resources."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"12dbcbaa743c","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"2831c86d00d10","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"On a more personal level, when I first had the idea for Banjo, I needed someone I trusted as a sounding board. My friend and fellow Chief Member, "},{"_key":"2831c86d00d11","_type":"span","marks":["84491d67fbf1"],"text":"Madeeha Tobiason"},{"_key":"2831c86d00d12","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":", supported me throughout the first six months of building Banjo AI. Although her career has primarily been within established corporations rather than startups, she spent time with me and my team and supported me through the inevitable highs and lows of turning an idea into a company."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"84491d67fbf1","_type":"link","href":"https://www.linkedin.com/in/madeehatobiason/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"da3f4d22b502","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"453358a8d23f0","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"On Her Advice for Other Women Considering Entrepreneurship"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"heading2"},{"_key":"21cb62109e1b","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"37f1f396ef440","_type":"span","marks":["3af5d7ae180c"],"text":"Don’t be afraid"},{"_key":"37f1f396ef441","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" to start building."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"3af5d7ae180c","_type":"link","href":"https://chief.com/articles/ai-imposter-syndrome-women-leaders"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"659e9fea25ae","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"257ffc67c2850","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"With the AI transformation happening so quickly, I think some people are still observing and wondering what it means for them. But the barriers to starting a company, particularly the technology barriers, are lower than they have ever been."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"07395f991d2a","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"bb710e7315fa0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Think about entrepreneurship as an incredible learning journey. So many women I’ve met at Chief are lifelong learners and great connectors, and building a company allows you to exercise both of those muscles every single day. Every problem you solve teaches you something. Every new chapter of the business forces you to grow. Even the discouraging conversations teach you something."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"d88b1cee08c5","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"ea465050eb140","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"And you will connect with people you never imagined connecting with. Starting Banjo has expanded my world tremendously."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"supportingContent":null,"_rawEditorialCategory":{"_id":"cb3ac35f-fc5e-4f3c-8539-f0c3ba755b0e","_type":"category","_rev":"PhG3vD6QlbdezOGSeq4EJB","_createdAt":"2025-10-09T14:08:02Z","_updatedAt":"2025-10-26T18:04:57Z","description":"Discover expert perspectives from the intersection of AI innovation, workplace evolution, and women's leadership.\n","hideFromNav":false,"seo":{"_type":"seoFields","seoDescription":"Dive into forward-thinking analysis and strategies from Chief — where women’s power meets AI and the future of work.","seoMetaTitle":"Chief | AI Transformation - The Future of Work"},"slug":{"_type":"slug","current":"ai-the-future-of-work"},"title":"AI & The Future of Work","id":"-c0cffb03-0311-5c35-81f2-1d7ab44c7817","children":[],"parent":null},"article_related_series":null},"next":{"title":"Beyond the Cubicle: Where Real Sponsorship Happens","article":{"title":"Beyond the Cubicle: Where Real Sponsorship Happens","description":"According to Industrious EVP Jessica Martinez, the most powerful executive advocacy for women leaders is now built across unexpected networks, that LinkedIn post, and human trust.","slug":{"current":"jessica-martinez-sponsorship-beyond-cubicle"},"isPodcast":null,"megaphoneLink":null,"articleAuthor":{"name":"Jessica Martinez","slug":{"current":"jessica-martinez"}},"byline":null,"publishDate":"2026-09-10","episodeImage":{"imageAltTag":null,"asset":null},"heroBackgroundColor":null,"heroImage":{"caption":null,"attribution":null,"altText":"Photo of Jessica Martinez, EVP of People & Organizational Effectiveness at Industrious","asset":{"id":"image-a1443911528092a3646e35753e3f733b70b7059f-2400x1256-png","url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/xcsyo6gw/production/a1443911528092a3646e35753e3f733b70b7059f-2400x1256.png"}},"id":"-d8c80845-6213-54b5-ac7c-174eb69ef8bf","category":null,"editorialCategory":{"id":"-659c21de-f56d-598c-bea6-fed9100a0d1c","title":"Power Moves","slug":{"current":"power-moves"}},"podcastDescription":null,"podcastTranscript":null,"isSponsored":null,"_rawSponsorship":null,"_updatedAt":"2026-09-10T16:46:03Z","content":[{"_key":"28a0a4c3a059","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"0737c55f19d80","_type":"span","marks":["0ca5f785914c","em"],"text":"Jessica Martinez"},{"_key":"0737c55f19d81","_type":"span","marks":["em"],"text":" serves as the EVP of People & Organizational Effectiveness at Chief partner Industrious, where she shapes the overall people strategy to align with business goals. She also founded Tomorrow's Office, where she writes and speaks on the future of work, leadership, and building workplaces where people can do their best work and live their best lives."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"0ca5f785914c","_type":"link","href":"https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-martinez-futureofwork/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"d859a8d57eed","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"77b7c31db0ba0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"When I founded Tomorrow’s Office, my very first consulting client, Mike was my husband’s friend from college. In desperate need of help on culture transformation strategy, Mike called Glen, another college friend (and one of our groomsmen). He responded, “You should call Jess.”"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"955d369d484f","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"cac71bc73fbb0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"My second client? Introduced to me by a childhood friend I hadn’t spoken to in over 20 years."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"9d7b85e70386","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"05e7ea4098680","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"My third client was a college friend who had been following my LinkedIn posts about creating great workplaces for months."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"db960fe8a2f4","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"45a6d46375570","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Some clients were referred by former executive assistants to leaders I had served under. Others were direct peers from teams I worked on a decade ago."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"1dda2bca21f7","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"1f21b89835030","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"None of these "},{"_key":"1f21b89835031","_type":"span","marks":["d12d1b1eac77"],"text":"career-moving moments"},{"_key":"1f21b89835032","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" happened on the rungs of a traditional corporate ladder or from within a formal HR-mandated mentorship program. They happened because sponsorship has never been a "},{"_key":"1f21b89835033","_type":"span","marks":["917f86d89bfa"],"text":"single, linear path"},{"_key":"1f21b89835034","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" inside a single building, but it has always been about shared identity and high trust."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"d12d1b1eac77","_type":"link","href":"https://chief.com/category/power-moves"},{"_key":"917f86d89bfa","_type":"link","href":"https://chief.com/articles/when-ambition-evolves-our-definitions-should-too"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"29b928fac37b","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"aec6d124af6e0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Redefining Proximity"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"heading2"},{"_key":"8b257ed84798","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"9cc0471be2b30","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Like mentorship, we tend to assume sponsorship requires strict corporate alignment. Senior partners sponsor associate lawyers. CFOs sponsor high-performing analysts. Historically, the single-employer office was designed to force that kind of proximity — and for good reason. Studies show that without proximity, high performance alone is rarely enough to secure active advocacy behind closed doors. That’s especially true for women leaders who are underrepresented in executive spaces to begin with. Trust is built in visible, real-time moments."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"444f694380a7","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"707f6b1b59350","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"But here’s the rub: Those traditional environments mostly brought you close to people who looked like you, had resumes like you, and were competing for the exact same internal promotions as you."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"71150407b8b1","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"c15df6a033ea0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Proximity "},{"_key":"c15df6a033ea1","_type":"span","marks":["em"],"text":"is"},{"_key":"c15df6a033ea2","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" critical to sponsorship, but we’ve severely limited ourselves by thinking it only applies to the boss two doors down or the colleague at the next desk."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"7b4b9ac7bcfa","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"90f86c534d9a0","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"The most powerful proximity is closeness to people who actually know your character, relate to your narrative, and understand your value."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"76c20b67cccb","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"763aea32af660","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Flexible work models and digital platforms have redefined who you can be “close” to and the length of your reach. The evolution of the workplace has traded the singular corporate tower for virtual boardrooms, distributed teams, and flexible coworking lounges. On any given Tuesday morning at Industrious, you might share coffee in the members’ lounge with a therapist, a comedy producer, and a beauty founder before your first call."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"76ac5f9c4e98","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"7e8bddfd3ccc0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"The ecosystem of who can advocate for you, hire you, or open a door is now wide open. In today’s working world, proximity is no longer confined to your access floor. It’s defined by how closely connected you remain to the people who believe in you and how you choose to show up in the world."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"8c8db963689f","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"26b8b8a4ba5b0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Trust in Every Trench"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"heading2"},{"_key":"d5e4f0e47f71","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"0f12b8537ccb0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"As our work environments become increasingly AI-native, technical execution in every field is becoming commoditized, making genuine human trust the only currency that actually matters."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"8fc3d98173ee","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"3746677c11840","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"This isn’t to say skills and experience don’t matter, but they can’t fuel sponsorship like trust. Behind closed doors, a senior leader or potential client won’t drop your name because you’re a standout leader in AI literacy. They’re "},{"_key":"3746677c11841","_type":"span","marks":["em"],"text":"reminded "},{"_key":"3746677c11842","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"of your name because you’ve proven yourself through your actions or story as the AI literacy leader. They "},{"_key":"3746677c11843","_type":"span","marks":["em"],"text":"say "},{"_key":"3746677c11844","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"your name because they trust your judgment, your character, and how you show up when things get chaotic. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been at an executive table discussing talent and heard someone say, “I can’t totally vouch for their exact technical skill in this area, but I know how they operate. They're exceptional. Definitely worth a conversation.”"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"a75ed4cc9757","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"72ebbda5dd090","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Real sponsorship is the natural byproduct of trust forged in "},{"_key":"72ebbda5dd091","_type":"span","marks":["em"],"text":"every"},{"_key":"72ebbda5dd092","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" trench:"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"a8b2d4d122dd","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"69b74e9de91b0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Trading slide edits late at night right before a high-stakes pitch"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"64e6c5dbde53","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"49f6c1f5a6960","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Powering through a grueling 2:00 AM cram session in the college library"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"3d43a76c7209","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"4d82781c0cd40","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Rallying volunteers when the music club fundraiser is falling apart"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"6434dc6e1aaa","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"16c072fda2370","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Washing the dishes at your friend’s house after they hosted game night so they can get to bed"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"e951ae2de046","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"0076c22005fb0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Sending a DoorDash order to your coworker because sometimes life gets heavy and being a good teammate means sending the Two Chip Chocolate Chip Cookie from Levain Bakery (IYKYK)"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"e9bd0374b556","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"ba0a49fb98fd0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Ways of working will keep shifting, but "},{"_key":"ba0a49fb98fd1","_type":"span","marks":["f5416e95ac41"],"text":"human trust doesn't age out"},{"_key":"ba0a49fb98fd2","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":", get automated, or lose value over distance. It’s the only investment that compounds everywhere you go."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"f5416e95ac41","_type":"link","href":"https://chief.com/articles/tina-tchen-relationships-leadership"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"054a0dd0e95e","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"37233a431b1d0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Four Rules for Modern Sponsorship"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"heading2"},{"_key":"6dce872af72e","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"3eacacc7d6e60","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"No matter where your office is located, who you share it with (or even whether you have four walls and a chair), finding real sponsorship outside of the traditional office comes down to four non-negotiables:"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"aeba9c941a65","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"241ea6aa1c5c0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Broaden your sponsor pool."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"heading3"},{"_key":"3f23c8567c12","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"094de57587280","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Set up meet and greets across your company, but don’t forget the community you’ve built after 5:00 PM The assistant coach on your kid’s youth soccer team. That neighbor who always reminds you to put out the trash bins. These folks know and trust you. They want you to succeed. And they can open doors to opportunities you would never have access to through your boss alone."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"775ce30153a0","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"e53898bcf4180","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Build your network before you need it."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"heading3"},{"_key":"1d531f600817","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"a6cdf615b7380","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Invest in your circle when there’s nothing on the line. Like monthly reporting, networking and cultivating sponsors should become a regular part of your professional schedule. Trust is easier to establish when you’re genuinely not looking for anything but connection, and it allows you to cultivate your advocates long before you ever need a reference, a client, or an emergency pivot. Sponsorship is founded in real, "},{"_key":"a6cdf615b7381","_type":"span","marks":["6e06dc609e28"],"text":"human relationships"},{"_key":"a6cdf615b7382","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":". If you’re only reaching out when you need something, people will notice."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"6e06dc609e28","_type":"link","href":"https://chief.com/articles/how-to-build-genuine-relationships-that-advance-your-career-according-to-a-human-connection-expert"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"59b4e261e81e","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"98f420d64c6d0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Your story is the sponsor."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"heading3"},{"_key":"e8704955a8b9","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"79109d3328740","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"In a distributed world, narrative clarity closes the proximity gap. When you speak openly about your wins, your values, and "},{"_key":"79109d3328741","_type":"span","marks":["5c9bf095c270"],"text":"the problems you love solving"},{"_key":"79109d3328742","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":", people don't need to sit next to you to trust you. Their own conviction about who you are is built in the consistency with which you show up anywhere, including online. Give your network a clear, unmistakable story to tell so that when an opportunity opens up, your name is the only one they remember."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"5c9bf095c270","_type":"link","href":"https://chief.com/articles/redefining-networking"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"04c5ebdf68f3","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"bd7ab0445dfb0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"The biggest sponsors get the biggest sponsorship."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"heading3"},{"_key":"f8c7d862e3b2","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"a72dd7dd9bf30","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Sponsorship is a feedback loop. The fastest way to get high-level advocacy in your corner is to aggressively sponsor, elevate, and open doors for other people first. By being a great sponsor, you also get the added benefit of understanding what great sponsorship can look like."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"148c6d58621a","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"6186ae15c05f0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Modern sponsorship is no longer about sitting closest to the executive boardroom. It's about how generously and authentically you show up everywhere else. While there will always be a benefit from building relationships within your working world, don’t stop there (and certainly don’t wait for a formal system to assign you an advocate). Invest in real relationships with the people in every area of your life. Tell your authentic story. Most importantly, open the door for someone else today. And when your groomsman drops your name for an out-of-left-field opportunity, opening a door you never saw coming? Walk on through."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"ca2d0a595142","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"3b337f74de710","_type":"span","marks":["em"],"text":"Chief Members: Take advantage of exclusive perks from Industrious. "},{"_key":"3b337f74de711","_type":"span","marks":["b80f73659793","em"],"text":"Head to the Chief app"},{"_key":"3b337f74de712","_type":"span","marks":["em"],"text":" to redeem complimentary day passes, discounts on meeting room bookings, and more."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"b80f73659793","_type":"link","href":"https://members.chief.com/"}],"style":"normal"}],"supportingContent":null,"_rawEditorialCategory":{"_id":"73e158e3-ae00-4aa5-81c6-91cb768f66a7","_type":"category","_rev":"kuh6IZ2IntHupgeCe43T25","_createdAt":"2025-10-09T14:06:59Z","_updatedAt":"2025-10-26T18:00:31Z","description":"From cultivating key relationships to securing what you're worth, dive into strategics and tactics for making your next bold move.","hideFromNav":false,"seo":{"_type":"seoFields","seoDescription":"Get actionable strategies for your next career leap, from cultivating key relationships to securing what you're worth. Read thought leadership from Chief.","seoMetaTitle":"Chief | Power Moves - Networking & Negotiation at Work"},"slug":{"_type":"slug","current":"power-moves"},"title":"Power Moves","id":"-659c21de-f56d-598c-bea6-fed9100a0d1c","children":[],"parent":null},"article_related_series":null},"slug":"jessica-martinez-sponsorship-beyond-cubicle","heroImage":{"caption":null,"attribution":null,"altText":"Photo of Jessica Martinez, EVP of People & Organizational Effectiveness at Industrious","asset":{"id":"image-a1443911528092a3646e35753e3f733b70b7059f-2400x1256-png","url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/xcsyo6gw/production/a1443911528092a3646e35753e3f733b70b7059f-2400x1256.png"}},"content":[{"_key":"28a0a4c3a059","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"0737c55f19d80","_type":"span","marks":["0ca5f785914c","em"],"text":"Jessica Martinez"},{"_key":"0737c55f19d81","_type":"span","marks":["em"],"text":" serves as the EVP of People & Organizational Effectiveness at Chief partner Industrious, where she shapes the overall people strategy to align with business goals. She also founded Tomorrow's Office, where she writes and speaks on the future of work, leadership, and building workplaces where people can do their best work and live their best lives."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"0ca5f785914c","_type":"link","href":"https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-martinez-futureofwork/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"d859a8d57eed","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"77b7c31db0ba0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"When I founded Tomorrow’s Office, my very first consulting client, Mike was my husband’s friend from college. In desperate need of help on culture transformation strategy, Mike called Glen, another college friend (and one of our groomsmen). He responded, “You should call Jess.”"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"955d369d484f","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"cac71bc73fbb0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"My second client? Introduced to me by a childhood friend I hadn’t spoken to in over 20 years."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"9d7b85e70386","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"05e7ea4098680","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"My third client was a college friend who had been following my LinkedIn posts about creating great workplaces for months."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"db960fe8a2f4","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"45a6d46375570","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Some clients were referred by former executive assistants to leaders I had served under. Others were direct peers from teams I worked on a decade ago."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"1dda2bca21f7","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"1f21b89835030","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"None of these "},{"_key":"1f21b89835031","_type":"span","marks":["d12d1b1eac77"],"text":"career-moving moments"},{"_key":"1f21b89835032","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" happened on the rungs of a traditional corporate ladder or from within a formal HR-mandated mentorship program. They happened because sponsorship has never been a "},{"_key":"1f21b89835033","_type":"span","marks":["917f86d89bfa"],"text":"single, linear path"},{"_key":"1f21b89835034","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" inside a single building, but it has always been about shared identity and high trust."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"d12d1b1eac77","_type":"link","href":"https://chief.com/category/power-moves"},{"_key":"917f86d89bfa","_type":"link","href":"https://chief.com/articles/when-ambition-evolves-our-definitions-should-too"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"29b928fac37b","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"aec6d124af6e0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Redefining Proximity"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"heading2"},{"_key":"8b257ed84798","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"9cc0471be2b30","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Like mentorship, we tend to assume sponsorship requires strict corporate alignment. Senior partners sponsor associate lawyers. CFOs sponsor high-performing analysts. Historically, the single-employer office was designed to force that kind of proximity — and for good reason. Studies show that without proximity, high performance alone is rarely enough to secure active advocacy behind closed doors. That’s especially true for women leaders who are underrepresented in executive spaces to begin with. Trust is built in visible, real-time moments."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"444f694380a7","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"707f6b1b59350","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"But here’s the rub: Those traditional environments mostly brought you close to people who looked like you, had resumes like you, and were competing for the exact same internal promotions as you."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"71150407b8b1","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"c15df6a033ea0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Proximity "},{"_key":"c15df6a033ea1","_type":"span","marks":["em"],"text":"is"},{"_key":"c15df6a033ea2","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" critical to sponsorship, but we’ve severely limited ourselves by thinking it only applies to the boss two doors down or the colleague at the next desk."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"7b4b9ac7bcfa","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"90f86c534d9a0","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"The most powerful proximity is closeness to people who actually know your character, relate to your narrative, and understand your value."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"76c20b67cccb","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"763aea32af660","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Flexible work models and digital platforms have redefined who you can be “close” to and the length of your reach. The evolution of the workplace has traded the singular corporate tower for virtual boardrooms, distributed teams, and flexible coworking lounges. On any given Tuesday morning at Industrious, you might share coffee in the members’ lounge with a therapist, a comedy producer, and a beauty founder before your first call."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"76ac5f9c4e98","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"7e8bddfd3ccc0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"The ecosystem of who can advocate for you, hire you, or open a door is now wide open. In today’s working world, proximity is no longer confined to your access floor. It’s defined by how closely connected you remain to the people who believe in you and how you choose to show up in the world."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"8c8db963689f","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"26b8b8a4ba5b0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Trust in Every Trench"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"heading2"},{"_key":"d5e4f0e47f71","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"0f12b8537ccb0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"As our work environments become increasingly AI-native, technical execution in every field is becoming commoditized, making genuine human trust the only currency that actually matters."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"8fc3d98173ee","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"3746677c11840","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"This isn’t to say skills and experience don’t matter, but they can’t fuel sponsorship like trust. Behind closed doors, a senior leader or potential client won’t drop your name because you’re a standout leader in AI literacy. They’re "},{"_key":"3746677c11841","_type":"span","marks":["em"],"text":"reminded "},{"_key":"3746677c11842","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"of your name because you’ve proven yourself through your actions or story as the AI literacy leader. They "},{"_key":"3746677c11843","_type":"span","marks":["em"],"text":"say "},{"_key":"3746677c11844","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"your name because they trust your judgment, your character, and how you show up when things get chaotic. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been at an executive table discussing talent and heard someone say, “I can’t totally vouch for their exact technical skill in this area, but I know how they operate. They're exceptional. Definitely worth a conversation.”"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"a75ed4cc9757","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"72ebbda5dd090","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Real sponsorship is the natural byproduct of trust forged in "},{"_key":"72ebbda5dd091","_type":"span","marks":["em"],"text":"every"},{"_key":"72ebbda5dd092","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" trench:"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"a8b2d4d122dd","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"69b74e9de91b0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Trading slide edits late at night right before a high-stakes pitch"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"64e6c5dbde53","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"49f6c1f5a6960","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Powering through a grueling 2:00 AM cram session in the college library"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"3d43a76c7209","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"4d82781c0cd40","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Rallying volunteers when the music club fundraiser is falling apart"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"6434dc6e1aaa","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"16c072fda2370","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Washing the dishes at your friend’s house after they hosted game night so they can get to bed"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"e951ae2de046","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"0076c22005fb0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Sending a DoorDash order to your coworker because sometimes life gets heavy and being a good teammate means sending the Two Chip Chocolate Chip Cookie from Levain Bakery (IYKYK)"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"e9bd0374b556","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"ba0a49fb98fd0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Ways of working will keep shifting, but "},{"_key":"ba0a49fb98fd1","_type":"span","marks":["f5416e95ac41"],"text":"human trust doesn't age out"},{"_key":"ba0a49fb98fd2","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":", get automated, or lose value over distance. It’s the only investment that compounds everywhere you go."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"f5416e95ac41","_type":"link","href":"https://chief.com/articles/tina-tchen-relationships-leadership"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"054a0dd0e95e","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"37233a431b1d0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Four Rules for Modern Sponsorship"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"heading2"},{"_key":"6dce872af72e","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"3eacacc7d6e60","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"No matter where your office is located, who you share it with (or even whether you have four walls and a chair), finding real sponsorship outside of the traditional office comes down to four non-negotiables:"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"aeba9c941a65","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"241ea6aa1c5c0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Broaden your sponsor pool."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"heading3"},{"_key":"3f23c8567c12","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"094de57587280","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Set up meet and greets across your company, but don’t forget the community you’ve built after 5:00 PM The assistant coach on your kid’s youth soccer team. That neighbor who always reminds you to put out the trash bins. These folks know and trust you. They want you to succeed. And they can open doors to opportunities you would never have access to through your boss alone."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"775ce30153a0","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"e53898bcf4180","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Build your network before you need it."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"heading3"},{"_key":"1d531f600817","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"a6cdf615b7380","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Invest in your circle when there’s nothing on the line. Like monthly reporting, networking and cultivating sponsors should become a regular part of your professional schedule. Trust is easier to establish when you’re genuinely not looking for anything but connection, and it allows you to cultivate your advocates long before you ever need a reference, a client, or an emergency pivot. Sponsorship is founded in real, "},{"_key":"a6cdf615b7381","_type":"span","marks":["6e06dc609e28"],"text":"human relationships"},{"_key":"a6cdf615b7382","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":". If you’re only reaching out when you need something, people will notice."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"6e06dc609e28","_type":"link","href":"https://chief.com/articles/how-to-build-genuine-relationships-that-advance-your-career-according-to-a-human-connection-expert"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"59b4e261e81e","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"98f420d64c6d0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Your story is the sponsor."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"heading3"},{"_key":"e8704955a8b9","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"79109d3328740","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"In a distributed world, narrative clarity closes the proximity gap. When you speak openly about your wins, your values, and "},{"_key":"79109d3328741","_type":"span","marks":["5c9bf095c270"],"text":"the problems you love solving"},{"_key":"79109d3328742","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":", people don't need to sit next to you to trust you. Their own conviction about who you are is built in the consistency with which you show up anywhere, including online. Give your network a clear, unmistakable story to tell so that when an opportunity opens up, your name is the only one they remember."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"5c9bf095c270","_type":"link","href":"https://chief.com/articles/redefining-networking"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"04c5ebdf68f3","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"bd7ab0445dfb0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"The biggest sponsors get the biggest sponsorship."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"heading3"},{"_key":"f8c7d862e3b2","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"a72dd7dd9bf30","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Sponsorship is a feedback loop. The fastest way to get high-level advocacy in your corner is to aggressively sponsor, elevate, and open doors for other people first. By being a great sponsor, you also get the added benefit of understanding what great sponsorship can look like."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"148c6d58621a","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"6186ae15c05f0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Modern sponsorship is no longer about sitting closest to the executive boardroom. It's about how generously and authentically you show up everywhere else. While there will always be a benefit from building relationships within your working world, don’t stop there (and certainly don’t wait for a formal system to assign you an advocate). Invest in real relationships with the people in every area of your life. Tell your authentic story. Most importantly, open the door for someone else today. And when your groomsman drops your name for an out-of-left-field opportunity, opening a door you never saw coming? Walk on through."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"ca2d0a595142","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"3b337f74de710","_type":"span","marks":["em"],"text":"Chief Members: Take advantage of exclusive perks from Industrious. "},{"_key":"3b337f74de711","_type":"span","marks":["b80f73659793","em"],"text":"Head to the Chief app"},{"_key":"3b337f74de712","_type":"span","marks":["em"],"text":" to redeem complimentary day passes, discounts on meeting room bookings, and more."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"b80f73659793","_type":"link","href":"https://members.chief.com/"}],"style":"normal"}]},"href":"https://chief.com/articles/julia-cai-banjo-ai-longevity-founder","relatedArticles":[]}},
    "staticQueryHashes": ["1283004308","1456097487","1783121836","3101781331","3627451256","3783448019","667690031","772055865"]}