About Sarah O

the core values that underpin my business

Authenticity

Keeping it REAL with an authentic approach that resonates with Kiwi women.

Mindfulness

Empowering clients to attain greater awareness, and therefore options, to reach their goals.

Professionalism

Delivering all services with passion, enthusiasm, and a high level of professionalism.

Expertise

Leveraging years of real-world expertise in leadership, business ownership and professional coaching.

My Journey

Background & Experience
The Eighties | ‘80s
Where It All Began
I began my working career in the hospitality and tourism sector – perhaps because I’m one of eight children and had social parents that loved to both entertain and host. The hospitality industry provides a training ground for customer service, teamwork, multi-tasking and innovation.
The Eighties | ‘80s
The Nineties | ‘90s
First Foray into Management
My first 15-years working across the hospitality industry also included event management and conferencing – later incorporating sales and marketing roles for regional tourism offices. These roles and industries provided me with the skills to manage and juggle multiple tasks, projects and personalities.
The Nineties | ‘90s
The Noughties | ‘00s
A Passion for Coaching is Born
In my mid-30s I became a business coach and professional speaker – initially mentoring and coaching business owners within the hospitality and tourism sector. In 2007, with the global financial crisis looming, I branched out to coach multiple industries, as well as clients in Australia, Asia, United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.
The Noughties | ‘00s
Oh-Nine | ’09
Business Ownership & Hands-On Leadership
At 39 years old, feeling like I was finally responsible enough to lead a team and with some solid business acumen in hand, I became involved in, and subsequently purchased, a small business in the health sector. As an owner I led the charge of strategy, growth and governance. As an employee I was responsible for the growth of the brand, working with and leading the Sales and Marketing team.
Oh-Nine | ’09
Twenty-Twelve | ’12
Growth, Change & Everything In-Between
Shortly after I moved into the Managing Director’s role, and in the coming years there were significant highs and lows and as a result multiple learnings. I lead our small regional business to become New Zealand’s leading national brand in its field. We experienced the Christchurch earthquakes and the impact that had on Cantabrians and New Zealand as a whole. We grew a national network of sub- contractors and developed a beautifully diverse and dynamic work force.
Twenty-Twelve | ’12
Twenty-Tens | 2010s
Training & Certification
During this time I completed my certification as a professional Board Director. I also gained certification – and have now 10 years experience – as an approved yoga and meditation teacher and have trained as a Health Coach out of USA.
Twenty-Tens | 2010s
Twenty-Eighteen | ’18
Selling a Successful Business
Almost a decade after the purchase of my business, I entered into the process of due diligence and subsequently selling to an international purchaser. I spent the following two years as part of the Senior Executive.
Twenty-Eighteen | ’18
Twenty-Twenty | ’20
A Passion & Purpose-Driven Service
Today my attention turns to transformational and executive coaching with women in senior leadership roles that require support in areas of strategy, professional pathways, confidence and their wellness – and managing all that comes with being a woman in a demanding environment. 2020 is like no year the world has ever experienced. The world is changing. Now is the time to bring all of ourselves as women to how we work, how we address change, our relationships and what keeps us whole and growing in the pursuit of our full working lives.
Twenty-Twenty | ’20
And All the While
I am the mother of two amazing young women. Through my career I have embraced and juggled raising my now 15 and 21 year old daughters with the challenges of shared care. Through parenting I have robust skills and insights which enhance my understanding, empathy and ability to support, encourage and coach women.
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Ready to Reach Your Goals?

I can help you with…

Coaching

One-on-one and group Executive and Business Coaching.
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Speaking

Professional keynote speaking that engages, educates and inspires.

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Yoga

Foster a deeper mind-body connection with yoga, teaching.

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Client
Love

Sarah O is deeply committed to helping her clients achieve positive outcomes. Here’s what they have to say about their experience.

Emily Gardner

"Thank you Sarah for the wonderful job you did introducing our team to strategies to support their wellbeing both in the office and at home. Your energy and humour were highly effective in connecting with our audience, who have historically not had a lot of formal exposure to these topics. Your presentation was enjoyed by all and talking to participants afterwards, they each had their own personal take-aways from the ideas and techniques you shared. Many thanks!"

National Association of Women in Construction, Canterbury Chapter

"Sarah adapted her presentation to capture the exact information we were hoping to deliver to our attendees while putting her own spin on it. This made a popular topic in our industry feel new and engaging. Sarah was professional, down-to-earth, fun, engaging, and had practical advice for participants to take away and put into practice. She was informed and delivered her presentation with passion and confidence. "

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