👉 Heads up: This episode was recorded around International Women’s Day—so if you hear a few references to Women’s Month, that’s why!

Mentorship matters—but so does knowing the difference between mentoring and sponsorship.

In this episode of Women in Safety, Alanna Ball sits down with Nicole Neal from McConnell Dowell for a powerful conversation on what it truly means to grow as a woman in the health and safety profession.

Together, they unpack the real impact of mentorship and sponsorship, and how both play a key role in career development, especially for women navigating leadership roles in safety and construction.

They speak candidly about the barriers that often hold women back—like self-doubt, lack of structured programs, and the pressure to fit in—and how the right support can change everything.

Nicole shares lessons from her own journey, while Alanna reflects on the value of simply showing up as yourself and being brave enough to ask for help. It’s a timely and honest chat that reminds us: we rise by lifting each other.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, unseen, or unsure where to go next in your career—this one’s for you. And if you’re already in a leadership role, it’s a reminder of the difference you can make by backing the next woman up.

💬 What’s your biggest takeaway from this conversation? We’d love to know. Tag us, send a DM, or drop a comment—because this space grows stronger when we all join in.

Connect with Nicole on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolelouiseneal/ 

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