"Potential alone isn't enough — what unlocks it is belief."
Conversations with Champions: Our talk with Anne Marie Darling on mentorship, sponsorship, and the power of a champion in your corner.
Meet Anne Marie
Q. What does connection mean to you at this stage in your life and career?
A: "Connections have been a critical element through my decades in both my professional and personal life. It has fostered for me innovation by collaborating across teams to infuse diverse perspectives to drive powerful outcomes for colleagues and clients more broadly. Ultimately, it has facilitated key mentors for me to advance my skills, navigate challenges and drive alliances for sustainable personal growth. Partnering with Classroom Champions enables me to see first hand the connections and lasting bonds that are transforming from athletes to classrooms to helping students tackle life-long lessons and challenges. Connections are foundational to drive change."
Q. Has there been a mentor or meaningful relationship that shaped your own trajectory? How did that connection influence who you are today?
A. "One of the most influential relationships in my career was with a senior executive who became both a mentor and sponsor early in my tenure. They saw potential in my ability to connect strategy with execution and took a bold step, selecting me to lead a new business initiative that was central to the firm's growth agenda. I was given full autonomy and visible backing from leadership, which not only accelerated my learning but also shaped how I think about empowering others. That trust instilled in me a deep belief in the power of sponsorship, how a leader's confidence can unlock someone's capacity to perform beyond their own expectations. The experience taught me that leadership isn't just about managing results; it's about creating an environment where others feel trusted to take intelligent risks. I've tried to model that ever since, championing emerging talent, advocating for diverse viewpoints, and ensuring others have the same kind of opportunity I was fortunate to receive."
Q. In what ways have you stepped into the role of mentor or supporter for others?
A. "In my own leadership journey, I've tried to model that same commitment to developing others. I believe mentorship and critically sponsorship, is one of the most important, and often understated, responsibilities of senior leaders. It means creating space for honest conversations and feedback, opening doors to opportunities, and being willing to advocate for people when they're not in the room. That philosophy has guided me both in my professional and personal roles: as an advocate for students and young alumni from my alma mater, and within my career where I've helped build structured mentorship programs, particularly focused on advancing women in finance. These efforts have reinforced for me that mentorship isn't just individual guidance; it's a cultural investment in inclusion, growth, and long-term success."
"That trust instilled in me a deep belief in the power of sponsorship, how a leader's confidence can unlock someone's capacity to perform beyond their own expectations."
Q. How does giving back through Classroom Champions, in your community or relationships, bring fulfillment or purpose to your life?
A. "Giving back has always been deeply tied to my sense of purpose. Throughout my career, I've found that the moments that stay with me aren't just about achieving business results, they're about helping someone else see what's possible for themselves. Whether it's mentoring a junior colleague, supporting a student from my university, or helping elevate more women into leadership roles, those interactions remind me why leadership matters. There's also a sense of reciprocity in it. I've benefited enormously from people who believed in me early on, and giving back is a way of honoring that investment. It keeps me grounded and connected to the "why" behind the work, to build environments where others can grow, contribute, and lead. Across the numerous non-profit organizations that I'm involved with, it's incredible and inspirational to watch the journeys of the individuals and life-altering impact. At this stage in my career, that's what fulfillment looks like: amplifying opportunity, driving change and confidence in others."
"At this stage in my career, that's what fulfillment looks like: amplifying opportunity, driving change and confidence in others."
Q. Why do you believe it's important for every child to have access to a Champion, someone who sees their full potential and helps them grow?
A. "I believe every child deserves a Champion because potential alone isn't enough, what unlocks it is belief. When someone truly sees a young person's capabilities, often before they see it themselves, it changes the trajectory of what they think is possible. A Champion provides more than guidance; they offer belonging, confidence, and the reassurance that effort and ambition matter. Not every child has equal access to opportunity, but every child can benefit from encouragement and advocacy. Having someone who listens, shares their past experiences and lessons learned, affirms, and pushes you forward can bridge that gap. I've seen firsthand how a single voice of belief can ignite drive, resilience, and self-worth. At its core, having a Champion isn't just about achievement, it's about creating the foundation for lifelong confidence and a sense of purpose and assisting along the journey."
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