Test students' ability to analyze how mentoring, sponsorship, and professional networks influence executive leadership career progression, including underlying mechanisms (skill development, visibility, access to opportunities), measurable outcomes (promotion rates, role breadth, retention), common moderating factors (gender, race, organizational culture), methods for assessing impact (qualitative case analysis, quantitative indicators), and evidence-based strategies to strengthen equitable leadership pipelines. Tasks may include interpreting empirical findings, critiquing research design, comparing mentoring versus sponsorship effects, and proposing practical interventions for organizations and leaders.