Susan R. Madsen: What women want from men

Sometimes we have no idea that our lives are about to change. I had been teaching at what was then Utah Valley State College for about a year when I first met our new president, Bill Sederburg.

While I was impressed by his warm smile and sense of humor, little did I know that this man would not only become a mentor and sponsor, but also help me grow professionally by giving me strategic, challenging and meaningful opportunities.

In contemporary jargon, Bill was a “male ally.” Our newly released research shows that male allies play a critical role in supporting and advancing women in the workplace. They can do this in a variety of ways. As mentors, men can share their own leadership development stories and convey to women confidence in their ability to succeed. Men can get involved in the hiring processes and make sure women are included in the application pool.

Allies acknowledge women’s contributions, both large and small, and give recognition in public settings. I remember many a time Bill would introduce me to a group of people by praising my latest project or endeavor. It sent a message to my peers and superiors that I was an important part of his efforts.

Yet, as much as it helps to be mentored, our data reveal that what women really want is “sponsorship.” Sponsors go beyond advice and praise. Sponsors act. Bill positioned me to serve on important campus committees. He introduced me to key players, legislators and community leaders who found funding for my research. He provided opportunities for me to discover and use my voice, as when he asked me to create solutions after learning that Utah had substantially fewer women graduating from college than the national average.

True allies go beyond cheerleading. Bill didn’t validate me by telling me, “You’re great!” Instead he gave me projects and opportunities that conveyed the message, “I trust you and know you can do this!”

Even when I wasn’t quite sure I was ready, these opportunities built my capacity and developed skills that only came from taking risks.

We know that organizations thrive when both women and men hold top positions, and we know that male allies make a huge difference. So, why do some men still sit on the sidelines? One reason is that, even if the majority of men want to help women in the organization succeed, many of the challenges that women face are invisible to them. Good intentions will only create change if supported by good information and awareness. So, if you want to be an ally, talk to the women in your workplace. Ask how you can have their backs. Believing in them will help them believe in themselves. Be a mentor but, more importantly, be like my dear friend Bill. Be a sponsor! #CountOnMeToo

Susan R. Madsen

Susan R. Madsen, Ed.D., is the Orin R. Woodbury Professor of Leadership & Ethics in the Woodbury School of Business at Utah Valley University. She is also the founder and director of the Utah Women & Leadership Project.

Help all Utahns have access to local journalism

Thank you for reading this article from The Tribune. As CEO & Executive Editor, I am proud to lead our team of journalists as they tell the stories others can’t — or won’t.

We have been Utah’s independent voice for 154 years. Tribune reporters are dedicated to shining a light on how Utah works. From daily reporting that empowers Utahns to make informed decisions about their communities to longer investigative projects on the power structures in this state.

The critical work we do wouldn’t be possible without people like you — individuals who understand the power of local, independent journalism.

Now, we want to bring that journalism to more Utahns.

We want to make sltrib.com free to access in 2026., removing the barriers, financial or otherwise, that can prevent access to the news.

However, we can only do this with your help.

In order to make The Tribune free we need to raise $1,000,000.

We can ensure every Utahn can access independent, local reporting. We can ensure that everyone has the information they need to make informed decisions about their communities. With your help, this vision can become a reality.

When you support the nonprofit Salt Lake Tribune, you’re doing more than making a donation: you’re investing in a future where transparency, accountability, and community thrive.

Join us in this work.

Donate today.