Sarah Ellis
(Re: work)“Conformity and Control from over 100 years ago are unrecognisable today.” - Sarah Ellis
Sarah Ellis is a prominent figure in the career development landscape, particularly noted for her work in promoting innovative approaches to career progression. Along with Helen Tupper, she co-founded Amazing If, a career development company dedicated to making work better for everyone by encouraging the concept of 'squiggly careers' - careers that are dynamic, flexible, and tailored to individual growth rather than following a linear path.
Before venturing into career coaching, Sarah held significant leadership roles, working at companies like Barclays and Sainsbury's. She later became the Managing Director at Gravity Road, a creative agency within the You & MrJones group. This diverse corporate experience has informed her approach to career development, emphasising adaptability, personal strengths, and the importance of curiosity in professional life.
Sarah is an alumna of Harvard, London, and Warwick Business Schools, where she earned her MBA. Her academic background complements her practical business experience, providing a robust foundation for her work in career coaching. She is also a qualified professional coach and a mental health first aider, showcasing her commitment to holistic personal and professional development.
Together with Helen Tupper, Sarah has co-authored two influential books: "The Squiggly Career," which became a Sunday Times No.1 Business Bestseller, and "You Coach You," focusing on self-coaching techniques. These books challenge conventional career wisdom, encouraging individuals to craft their career paths based on personal values, strengths, and interests rather than societal or corporate expectations.
She hosts the "Squiggly Careers" podcast, which has garnered a significant audience, discussing various aspects of career management and personal development. Sarah's work extends through workshops, speaking engagements, and numerous articles where she shares insights on career agility, self-awareness, and the power of curiosity.
Living in London, Sarah is not only a career coach but also actively engages with the community through initiatives like the Mayor of London Workspace Advisory Board. Her contributions continue to shape how people perceive and navigate their professional lives in the contemporary work environment.
The Body Of Work
Sarah Ellis, in collaboration with Helen Tupper, has significantly influenced the field of career development through various mediums. Here's a summary of her notable works:
Books:
"The Squiggly Career" (co-authored with Helen Tupper): This book redefines the traditional career path, advocating for a more fluid, self-directed approach to work. It became a Sunday Times No.1 Business Bestseller and offers practical advice on how to navigate a career that doesn't follow a straight line. It's filled with strategies for personal growth, networking, and resilience in the face of career changes.
"You Coach You" (co-authored with Helen Tupper): This book is a guide to self-coaching, providing tools and techniques for individuals to guide their own career development without external coaches. It focuses on goal-setting, self-reflection, and leveraging personal strengths for career advancement.
Podcast:
"Squiggly Careers": Together with Helen, Sarah hosts this popular podcast where they discuss insights on career management, personal growth, and adapting to the changing job market. The podcast covers topics like imposter syndrome, career pivots, and the importance of feedback, among others. It's known for its actionable advice and has built a large following.
Speaking and Workshops:
Sarah is a frequent speaker at events, conferences, and corporate settings where she shares her insights on career development. She and Helen have developed several workshops under Amazing If, including:
"Know Your Strengths": A workshop aimed at helping individuals identify and leverage their strengths in their careers.
"Career Strengths": Focused on how to apply strengths in professional settings.
"Career Curves": Addressing how to manage and plan for different stages of one's career.
Articles and Contributions:
Sarah contributes to various business and career publications. Her articles often extend the themes from her books, providing practical advice on career development, leadership, and personal growth. These writings are part of her broader mission to demystify modern career progression.
Online Presence:
Beyond her books and podcast, Sarah engages with her audience through social media, newsletters, and the Amazing If website, where she shares career tips, insights from the podcast, and updates on new content or initiatives.
Sarah Ellis's work is characterized by an emphasis on personal agency, adaptability, and the importance of self-coaching in a career landscape that's constantly evolving. Her influence helps individuals navigate their careers with more confidence and strategic intent.
Big Takeaways
Here are five significant takeaways from Sarah Ellis's work in career development, tailored for a British English audience:
Embrace a Squiggly Career Path:
Sarah advocates for recognising and embracing the non-linear nature of modern careers. She encourages people to see career development as a squiggle rather than a straight line, where lateral moves, skill acquisition, and personal growth are part of the journey.
Self-Coaching is Empowering:
One of the core messages from her work, particularly from "You Coach You," is the empowerment that comes from self-coaching. Sarah teaches that individuals can manage their career progression by setting personal goals, reflecting on experiences, and using their strengths to guide their path.
Understand and Use Your Strengths:
Through her workshops and writings, Sarah stresses the importance of knowing your strengths and how to apply them in your career. This knowledge not only helps in choosing the right roles but also in performing exceptionally in them, enhancing both job satisfaction and professional success.
Networking is Key to Career Resilience:
Sarah and her partner Helen Tupper often highlight the significance of networking in a squiggly career. It's not just about finding jobs but about building a supportive network that provides learning opportunities, advice, and potential collaborations. Networking is seen as a continuous activity, integral to career development.
Cultivate Curiosity and Continuous Learning:
A persistent theme in Sarah's guidance is the need for curiosity and lifelong learning. She believes that staying curious about the world, your industry, and yourself is crucial for adapting to changes in the job market. This mindset encourages innovation, personal growth, and resilience in one's career.
These takeaways from Sarah Ellis's work offer a framework for navigating the complexities of modern professional life, focusing on personal empowerment, adaptability, and strategic career management.