Welcome to the Forty Over 40 blog. Every week we spotlight one of our honorees and their thoughts on reinvention, mentorship and momentum…plus a peek into what makes them tick.
This week’s Q & A is with Sarah Gormley. Sarah recently joined Adobe as VP, Brand Marketing. In her next chapter, she will be leading a team for the Adobe brand in an entirely new (to her) industry. After sixteen years in New York City, Sarah will relocate to San Francisco. At 43 her journey is both continuing and just beginning!
1. What was a pivotal momentum of reinvention for you?
I think “reinvention” is a tough word. The older I get and the more people I talk to, the more I appreciate the difference between what appears to be an intentional career path versus a series of events that make sense only when you look back and wrap a narrative around them. Reinvention happens when you take a risk, are forced to pivot in a new direction, or excel so much in one area that growth is the only option. Some people resist and dig in their heels because they like what they know…and some people just say “bring it on” and go for it. I’ve always been the latter. New city, new job, new role… I’m excited by what’s new and by constant learning!
2. Who has been a valuable mentor or sponsor?
Rich Gelfond, the CEO of IMAX, has been a huge influence in my life—both as a boss and as a friend. I believe I grew up professionally during my time at IMAX, and I was fortunate to have a great rapport with Rich from my first day on the job. He hired me despite my not having media/entertainment experience because he thought I was smart…and knew how to hustle. Even when I decided to leave IMAX, he remained incredibly supportive. One of my favorite things about Rich is his openness and candor – not only in the career highs but the lows as well. In fact, he taught me that “things are never as good as they look or as bad as they seem” which is perspective that I try to apply in both personal and professional scenarios.
3. What is your biggest goal right now?
Right now, I want to put my energy into work that has big impact. Effective philanthropy and the enormous growth and interest in organizations that make a difference continue to set the stage for a real cultural shift. I consider my biggest strength to be the mix of creative energy and business analytics I bring to my work, and I want that mix to be a factor no matter what I do. Honestly, I can’t wait to see what the next 15 years hold for me.
4. What time do you typically wake up? What do you do every morning?
I haven’t set an alarm clock in 20 years. I wake up on my own and, most mornings these days, Howard Hughes (a 20-pound black cat who still thinks he’s a kitten) climbs on my head to inform me it’s time to start the day around 5 or so. The routine is the same: coffee, WSJ,New York Post, Morning Joe, dreaded-but-necessary workout, shower, and out the door. I probably send 10 to 15 emails between 6 and 8 a.m. every day. I don’t love that we’ve become an “always on” culture, but I find it more efficient to check and respond to emails as I see them.
5. What’s the best networking contact you’ve made? How did you make it?
I heard the CMO of DonorsChoose, Katie Bisbee, speak at a marketing conference and decided I wanted to meet her to compliment her work and presentation. We exchanged pleasantries and contact information and since have become great professional allies. I invited her to speak at a Girl Scout event, we’ve co-presented to a women’s group at a startup, and generally go to each other for advice and a gut-check when we need one. I think what’s interesting about our relationship is that it was triggered by something intentional but authentic; I knew I wanted to meet her, but it was largely based on my desire to compliment her. As my pal Nancy says, “If you have a compliment, give it.” You won’t regret it!
6. What challenge / achievement are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of the fact that no matter what my job, I try to show up with my best self every day: I treat people with kindness, encourage creative problem-solving, and always, always remind myself that there’s more going on with any human being than is out there on display in the office. I believe that working at being a good person makes it easier to be a good boss and colleague. Authenticity is a bit of a buzz word right now, but I think it packs a ton of value.
7. What was the last business book you read?
Joel Klein’s Lessons of Hope: How to Fix Our Schools is a book everyone who cares about public education should read. What I appreciate most is the personal journey that sets the context for why and how this man dedicates himself to making a difference. And I suggest that anyone who doesn’t think a book about public schools is a book about business should reconsider and buy the book immediately!
8. What cause do you most want to advance?
Girl Scouts, but of course! And ASPCA/preventing cruelty toward animals, and public education. Sorry, that’s three.
9. What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
When I was a college freshman, just cut from a sorority and desperate to transfer to the school my brother attended (picture me crying, standing on an ottoman in my parents’ bedroom in a highly dramatic fashion), my mother said, “It’s not where you are that makes you happy, Sarah. YOU make you happy.” I think about that quote at least once a week. I also think about everything I gained from staying at DePauw, which is not only an amazing school, it’s the alma mater of some of the most incredible people I am fortunate to call my friends—all because my mom was right, of course.
Check out Sarah Gormley’s full 40 Over 40 profile here!
Latest posts by Whitney Johnson (see all)
- Forty Over 40 Asks: Adina Levin, Co-founder of Collab - May 3, 2017
- Forty Over 40 Asks: Alma Alexander, Renaissance Woman - April 26, 2017
- Forty Over 40 Asks: Angelina Fiordellisi, Founding Artistic Director at Cherry Lane Theatre - April 19, 2017