Sara's Philosophy

After more than two decades advancing leadership development, personal growth, and organizational effectiveness at businesses and universities,

Sara Thompson is working to pave the way for organizations to work differently, with a more human-centered approach, one that is allowing them to thrive as they work from an authentic place filled with purpose, possibility, and joy.

As leaders in today’s workplace,

we are finding ourselves being called to create a new era of work -

to navigate ever-changing complexities such as creating hybrid models of working, understanding how to embrace diversity and inclusion, continuing to act with integrity, and navigating the positive and negative aspects of social media.

We need leaders who understand it is time to ‘right size’ work, honor the unique stories of their employees, and have challenging, yet conscious conversations.

I believe

these times require leaders who understand it’s not about doing more, it’s about being the most authentic version of yourself everyday in every relationship and situation.

These are not ‘soft’ or ‘easy’ qualities to demonstrate. Yet, they are necessary to transform individuals and the world.

I believe there is greatness in each of us. That everyone has eminent worth. Each of us are gifted, possessing unique talents and capabilities. Everyone has the potential to lead, to learn, to thrive.

Yet, too often we feel we have barely begun to tap into what is possible in our lives. Our opportunity - together - is to see the possibilities, do the things that bring you alive, and share your uniqueness with the world.

My Story

GROWING UP I ALWAYS KNEW I WAS BEING CALLED TO LEAD.

At an early age people would describe me as wise beyond my years, a natural leader. They seemed to think this was remarkable - yet, for me it felt familiar. It was who I was - part of my DNA. I was embracing my true identity.

 

 I was also embracing my midwestern roots and its bedrock values of hard work.

I TOOK ADVANTAGE OF OPPORTUNITIES THAT CAME MY WAY

 

working at a top
four accounting firm

designing a stellar leadership program on a college campus

earning two degrees
and working on a third

 

Then 2017 happened…

A pivotal year for me.

I was living in a Midwest community where I had a fantastic support system

and had worked my way up to a director position at a top university. I was proud of the team I led as we were very successful, earning national recognition. I was confident that my natural leadership would always guide me. Out of the blue, I was offered a position at a west coast college, an exceptional next step for my career. And my west coast boyfriend and I were happy to end the challenges of a long-distance relationship. I said yes and packed my bags.

 

Fast forward
to six months later –

I found myself experiencing a challenging work environment, my relationship had ended, and I had no support system in my new community. I was overwhelmed working on my doctorate while navigating all of this.

I started to question my own leadership – one that I had previously had full confidence in and assumed a given.  

One day

while leading a leadership program, I connected with a life and business coach. She opened my eyes to what was possible and to the awareness that I have choices. 

I started to feel my voice come back and move into a more authentically empowered place.  I became clearer about my life purpose and began to explore what really makes me happy. With the help of my coach, I began to make choices that honored my heart-felt callings.  

One day as I was facilitating a session for an executive leadership team, a woman came to me and said ‘I want you to be my coach. I’m going to email you.’  My first client found me.  My career as a coach and leadership consultant began to blossom.

What I know now…

When you’re honoring your gifts and talents, opportunities are presented to you and you find yourself saying yes.  Your eyes are open.  You can’t miss what is yours to do.

I share my journey with you because I too have walked the path.  I understand what it means to lead in your own life.  To create the life that you didn’t think was possible.  You can experience a life that is aligned with your heart-felt callings, one that honors who you are and allows you to contribute in meaningful ways and live joyfully.  

Let’s explore these possibilities together.

 
 

Official Bio

A consummate student of the world of work and leadership education,

I have a bachelor’s in business administration and a master’s in human resource development from the University of Illinois, and a doctorate in higher education leadership from Colorado State University. I hold a coaching certification through the International Coaching Federation and certifications in spiritual psychology from the University of Santa Monica.

 

Along with these academic credentials,

I bring 20 years of diverse work experiences to my clients–

having worked at Arthur Andersen LLP, then a Big Four accounting firm and one of the world’s largest multinational businesses, creating a nationally-recognized leadership center on a college campus and serving as director, and being on the faculty at Claremont McKenna College. At Claremont I am affiliated with the Kravis Leadership Institute, teaching courses in leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship, and career readiness competencies.

I coach mid-level directors to c-suite executives in corporate, higher education, non-profit, and entrepreneurship fields. My clients include top companies such as Google, Paul Hastings, and Ableton as well as entrepreneurs who are addressing issues such as the environment and workplace inclusivity. Other clients include colleges such as Scripps College and University of Illinois, and government agencies.

 

I continue to be passionate about leadership development for our youth.

The book I co-edited, “New Directions for Student Leadership,” explores leadership concepts and pedagogical topics of interest to high school and college leadership educators. I have supported the important work of the International Leadership Association through volunteering, being a firm believer in its mission of advancing leadership knowledge and practice for a better world. And sharing my leadership expertise with the Freedom to Choose Project in its work to transform the lives of individuals impacted by incarceration through compassionate experiential education has been a priority for me.