Hello, I’m Sarah, a passionate coach, mentor, and speaker dedicated to unlocking the full potential of individuals. With over 25 years of corporate experience and several years as an entrepreneur, I have honed my skills in guiding transformative journeys towards remarkable success. My purpose is to create an empowering environment where individuals can thrive and become the best versions of themselves, embracing joy and abundance. Through empowerment, my ultimate goal is to inspire positive change, fostering stronger and more prosperous communities. Together, we can share in our journey, support one another, and make a lasting impact.
What were your initial years of growing up like? Tell us about your life before starting your corporate journey/venture/initiative.
My early years were filled with adventure and constant change. When my parents separated when I was nine, my sister and I experienced a dynamic lifestyle, moving between living with our mother and father. We had incredible experiences living in Sydney, Melbourne, and even in the United States. My father was the pillar of our family and ensured our well-being. He emphasized the importance of aspiring to maintain a comfortable lifestyle and being self-sufficient. During my younger years, I certainly had more fun than I probably should have, which was reflected in my academic performance. High school wasn’t my priority; my early adulthood was spent working in and managing bars. However, my father encouraged me to ‘get a real job.’ Following his advice, I decided to return to school at the age of 24. I started by pursuing an associate diploma in business management at TAFE to improve my academic qualifications, eventually leading me to university. I obtained a Bachelor of Commerce degree, majoring in accounting, all while juggling a day job and working night shifts at the pub. It took me 12 years to complete my financial studies part-time, including achieving my CPA certification. At the age of 27, I secured a position as an assistant accountant in a multinational pharmaceutical company. Over the course of nine years and after an international assignment in the US, I steadily climbed the corporate ladder, eventually becoming the CFO for Australia and New Zealand. I then undertook roles in the Asia region, spearheading legal entity projects and driving transformative changes throughout the company. My final role with the company involved leading the implementation of SAP in Australia and New Zealand. With 50 fast approaching, I finally took the decision to start my own business venture! It was a long road, but wow, what a ride!
Every industry that is now a large-scale, top-notch business once started as a small idea in the minds of entrepreneurs. What was that idea or motivation that made you start your business /initiative? What motivated you within to say YES, go for it!”
After spending many years in the corporate world, my desire to make a profound impact on the lives of others grew stronger. I wanted to help people, not only professionally but also personally, to truly change their lives for the better. The idea of becoming a professional coach had been on my mind for a while, and the longing to pursue it became so compelling that I dedicated my days to upskilling others and gradually transitioning my responsibilities. After waiting for my kids to be a little older (as a single mum), I eventually made the decision to approach my company and request a payout to embark on this new path. After 21 years, they made me redundant, and it presented the perfect opportunity for me to say ‘yes’ and give it my all!
Tell us something about your initiative or current role. What is it about, and what impact are you trying to make?
In my current position, I am on a mission to create a coaching and mentoring business that goes beyond mere professional development. I am dedicated to helping individuals transform their lives for the better, both personally and professionally. My ultimate goal is to build a vibrant community of like-minded individuals who uplift and support one another in their journeys towards success. I firmly believe that our thoughts and mindset are the key drivers of our lives, often holding us back from realising our true potential. I am determined to make a significant impact by empowering as many people as possible to recognise their inherent abilities and take that crucial first step towards transforming their thoughts and, subsequently, their lives. I aim to free them from self-imposed limitations, allowing them to unshackle themselves from restrictive beliefs and stories. My mission is to instill unwavering confidence and inspire individuals to take action, enabling them to overcome self-sabotage and the fear of failure. Together, we will unleash their full potential and create a life filled with limitless possibilities.
Your journey and your vision are very inspiring, but are there any achievements or accomplishments you would like to mention?
Thank you for your kind words. I am incredibly proud of the milestones I have achieved throughout my journey. From ascending the corporate ladder, starting as an assistant accountant, and eventually reaching the role of CFO, I have persevered and surpassed numerous challenges. As a trailblazing female in our organisation, I take pride in breaking barriers and inspiring other women to strive for greater heights. Balancing demanding roles with my responsibilities as a single mother to twin boys has been a significant achievement, demonstrating my dedication and ability to thrive under pressure. Lastly, the most recent accomplishment that fills me with great joy is the courageous decision to venture into entrepreneurship, leaving the corporate world behind to pursue my own business. These achievements collectively have shaped my journey and further fuel my passion for empowering others and making a positive impact.
Would you like to share with our young budding women entrepreneurs the change you would like to see in the world if given an opportunity?
If given the opportunity, I would love to share with young budding women entrepreneurs the change I aspire to see in the world. The most significant obstacles we encounter are often our own fears of the unknown and concerns about how others might perceive us when things don’t go according to plan. However, it’s essential to embrace the journey itself. Persevere, continuously grow, and believe in your capabilities, for it is through these trials and tribulations that true growth occurs. Never give up, and never hesitate to seek help and support from others. Remember, when you experience a victory, celebrate it and share it with others. Inspire them to believe in their own potential and encourage them to follow suit. Together, we can create a culture of mutual support, collaboration, and shared success that empowers future generations of women entrepreneurs to overcome challenges and make a lasting positive impact in the world.
Women are a growing force in the workplaces worldwide, standing shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts. There are cracks in glass ceilings everywhere, with many women breaking through to carve out a space right at the top of the pyramid. What are your thoughts about women leadership today?
I find it incredibly inspiring to witness the growing presence of women in leadership positions today, as it paves the way for more women to follow suit. Achieving a balance alongside male counterparts can be a delicate task. In my personal journey, there were instances where I felt the need to integrate into the ‘boys club’ to advance. I learned to play golf because, at that time, it was where ‘all the deals were done.’ I attended male-dominated sporting events, often being the only female present. I did what I believed was necessary to gain entry and find support. I worked tirelessly to prove myself, often earning less than my male counterparts. I willingly took on challenging projects that others avoided, and I succeeded. Knowing that there are more women leaders today gives me hope that the next generation may not have to face some of the obstacles I encountered. It assures me that there are more female mentors and advocates ready to support their journeys.
What would you want to say to our young women leaders/audience reading this?
To all the young women leaders and audience reading this, I want to share a powerful message with you: Believe in yourself, embrace your uniqueness, and dare to dream big. You have the capacity to achieve incredible things and make a lasting impact in this world. Don’t let doubts or societal limitations hold you back. Surround yourself with supportive and empowering individuals who uplift and inspire you. Seek opportunities for growth, both personally and professionally, and never stop learning. Embrace failure as a stepping stone to success, for it is through challenges that we grow the most. Remember, your voice matters, and your perspectives are invaluable. Trust your instincts, stay resilient, and lead with authenticity and compassion. Together, let’s shatter glass ceilings, break barriers, and create a future where women’s leadership is celebrated and embraced. The world needs your brilliance, your vision, and your leadership. You are unstoppable! You just need to take that first step and the next……
