In this episode of the Artist Recovery Podcast, Sarah Bierenbaum shares her inspiring and unorthodox journey from professional theatrical stage manager to tech startup executive, and now, founder and coach at Nimble Penguin Coaching. Sarah brings a unique blend of creativity and leadership experience to the table, offering invaluable insights on how empowerment, self-awareness, and alignment with personal values drive success—whether in the arts, tech, or entrepreneurship.
🔑 Key Moments in This Interview:
The unexpected crossroads of art and tech: Sarah reveals how her path from stage management to tech was both surprising and transformational. She walks us through her first role in a tech startup and how she adapted her artistic instincts into effective leadership in business.
A transformative conversation about values in the workplace: Hear about Sarah's frank conversation with her CEO, where they explored how to align personal values with the companies you work for—a moment that will resonate deeply with anyone navigating work-life values .
Salary negotiations & advocacy: A moment of vulnerability as Sarah reflects on her early struggles with salary negotiations in the tech industry and how she learned to advocate for herself, a lesson she now passes on to others, especially women and marginalized groups .
Lessons learned at the intersection of art and business: As a former stage manager, Sarah brings creativity and adaptability from the world of theater into high-stakes business environments. She explains how both worlds require innovation and teamwork, where people from diverse backgrounds collaborate to create something new .
Sarah’s journey is one of self-discovery, resilience, and growth. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a leader looking to level up, or someone navigating a career transition, Sarah’s story will inspire you to find your unique path and bring your whole self to work.
📈 How to Grow as a Leader:
Sarah emphasizes the importance of empowering others and yourself, creating spaces where innovation thrives, and knowing your worth in negotiations.
She shares her experience from working with “Chief,” a private network for executive women, highlighting the power of community and the support it offers as women climb to the C-suite .
🌟 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and comment with your thoughts or questions! Who is someone you know that has successfully made a career shift? Let us know below!
🔗 Stay Connected with Sarah Bierenbaum:
Nimble Penguin Coaching: https://www.nimblepenguin.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahbierenbaum/
✴️ Connect with Rich: https://www.theartistrecovery.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richwrightunltd/
#Leadership #Tech #CareerTransition #StageManagement #Coaching #Entrepreneurship #WomenInBusiness #Empowerment #SalaryNegotiation #CreativeLeadership #CareerGrowth
Always remember, Listen to your Heart and Be Kind to Your Mind! -Rich Wright
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