OCTOBER'S FEATURED FEW:

Sarah Cords

Leadership, Team & Culture Development Facilitator, Certified Dare To Lead Facilitator, Brand & Marketing Strategist

Textile

FEW Member since 2016

Hometown: St. Joseph, MN

Family: I have a wonderful family that includes a hubby, two daughters, Aliyah and Ava, three dogs, and two cats.

What do you actually do at work?

As a leadership development coach & facilitator, I work with individuals and teams toward transformational leadership and operationalizing values. I also work with brands and companies to create strategies that align across the short term and long term growth cross-functionally for sales and marketing (traditional, digital, social, etc.). My branding work affects all aspects of a business and is directly connected to consumer needs, emotions, and competitive environments. I am also working to elevate brands through values-based brand strategies & communication.

How do you help others succeed? 

I believe in lifting others up by highlighting their skills and strengths while always learning, growing, and creating forward momentum. Active listening and being present with people is key.

I recommend (book, movie, show, activity, restaurant, website, etc) and why?

Well, I am very passionate around the Dare To Lead work that Brene’ Brown is pioneering. I recommend to everyone to read Dare To Lead. While my recommendation list is quite long, that bubbles to the surface.

Who was your favorite teacher and what did they teach you?

I am a lifelong learner and have several teachers that have impacted my life. I had a wonderful teacher in college who was passionate about equal rights and feminism that introduced me to some eye-opening authors and resources. I consider my friends and children to be some of my biggest teachers almost daily, as well as my colleagues, fellow board members, committee members, and FEW tribe. We have some amazing leaders in FEW that I continually learn from.

Last book read?

I’m reading Good To Great currently. I just re-read Daring Greatly by Brene’ Brown, and for fun, The Toottooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris.

Last vacation spot?

Jay Cooke State Park - Camping gives my family the time to slow down and reconnect with each other, nature, and explore.

What's one word that friends say best describes you?

Driven & Attentive ( I had to ask!)

What is your personal or business philosophy?

Foster connection, share resources and always be a learner. Connect with your authenticity, and you will see a shift in who you attract. We all benefit from building others up around us. It’s okay to fail, as long as you learn from the experience and get back up.