Meet Sara Chadil

We were lucky to catch up with Sara Chadil recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Sara, thank you so much for joining us today. There are so many topics we could discuss, but perhaps one of the most relevant is empathy because it’s at the core of great leadership and so we’d love to hear about how you developed your empathy?

For as long as I can remember, people have called me an “old soul.” Even as a child, I carried a deep introspection with me, often lost in books or pondering life in ways that were beyond my years. I’ve come to see this depth as both a gift and a response to life’s events. My childhood was, in many ways, picture-perfect: running around with my brother, surrounded by love and stability in the suburbs. Yet, the sudden and traumatic death of my brother at age thirteen shattered that bubble, leaving me to navigate grief and search for meaning in ways most eleven-year-olds never have to face.

This loss, followed by my father’s equally traumatic death, pushed me to develop an empathy that goes beyond the surface. I learned early that people are often carrying untold stories, pain they may never speak of. My journey with PTSD—something misunderstood, especially in the corporate world—has taught me the critical importance of acknowledging mental health. At one point, I was juggling dissociative episodes, physical symptoms, and the pressure of a corporate merger at work. It felt insurmountable. Yet, what carried me through was asking for help, focusing on what truly mattered, and being honest with myself and those close to me about my struggles.

Empathy has become a superpower, particularly in the workplace, where I’ve found emotional intelligence often outweighs technical know-how. People connect more deeply, collaborate better, and perform more effectively when they feel seen and understood. It’s not about being the “best” accountant (though I do love a good spreadsheet!); it’s about being the best version of myself, fully authentic, and in tune with those around me.

Navigating difficult conversations and complex topics has been a recurring theme in my career. I’ve found a way to balance the traditionally “corporate” mindset with compassion and empathy—an approach that hasn’t always been easy. Society often expects us to check our emotions at the door or equates emotional detachment with stronger rationality. But I’ve learned that in order to excel, I must stay true to my authentic self, and that includes embracing vulnerability.

In the end, my journey has taught me that the things we go through can shape us for the better if we allow them to. And through it all, I hope my legacy is one of service, authenticity, and a dash of accounting nerdiness—proof that we can lead with both heart and mind.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’ve always believed that leadership isn’t about titles or hierarchy, but about influence and service. In my role as a mentor, whether in the corporate world or through my volunteer work, I’m passionate about sharing what I’ve learned to help others grow. There’s nothing quite like the moment when someone experiences an “aha” moment—that spark when they grasp something new that moves them forward in their career or life. It’s one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.

Over the years, I’ve found that my work with Shimmering Wings, a nonprofit supporting children in grief, has shaped much of my approach to leadership. Running a grief camp for children requires empathy, patience, and adaptability—skills that translate seamlessly into my corporate role. In both spaces, I’m constantly learning and evolving, but the lessons from camp, such as understanding the power of vulnerability and creating safe spaces for emotional expression, have been invaluable in shaping my leadership style.

Recently, I’ve been excited about leveraging my corporate experience to improve the organizational structure of the camp. By integrating business acumen with the heart of the camp, we’re creating an environment where campers can have their best experience possible. I believe strongly in combining the “hard” skills from the business world with the “soft” skills that come from truly understanding people and their needs.

Looking forward, I’m working on a book and speaker series that will explore empathy-driven leadership. It’s an approach that centers on filtered vulnerability, where we can be open but thoughtful, and genuine authenticity. I believe these traits, paired with a spirit of curiosity and commitment to personal development, create leaders who not only inspire but also transform the people and organizations around them.

Ultimately, I want to share the message that leadership is about more than just what you do—it’s about who you are and how you connect with others, creating spaces where diverse ideas and experiences thrive.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Reflecting on my journey, there are three key qualities that have been most impactful: openness, self-awareness, and intentionality in relationships. These are foundational to cultivating a leadership style that is both empathetic and effective.

Openness has been transformative in my life and career. By being open and honest, I’ve been able to create an environment where others feel safe to share their perspectives, which fosters a team rich in diverse thought. This openness has led to deeper collaboration and innovation, as team members feel heard and valued. For those early in their journey, I encourage you to lead with vulnerability. It may feel risky, but it’s through genuine connection that trust and creativity flourish.

Self-awareness and self-care are inseparable from sustainable leadership. I learned that in order to lead effectively—whether at work or in my personal life—I must first take care of myself. There’s power in prioritizing moments of rest and joy, whether through volunteering, spending time with family, or curling up with a good book. When I’m grounded, it creates space for others to do the same, allowing for deeper, more authentic interactions. My advice to others is to set clear boundaries and non-negotiables. You can’t be everywhere at once, but you can be fully present where it matters most.

Lastly, intentionality in building relationships has shaped the support system I rely on both personally and professionally. A strong coalition is key—people who offer candid, empathetic feedback and hold unwavering belief in your ability to succeed. Seek diversity in this group, because growth doesn’t come from surrounding yourself with those who reflect only your own experiences. Ask yourself if your coalition is challenging you to think differently, to expand your perspective. If not, work to cultivate it.

To those just starting out, my advice is to nurture these three areas: openness to others, self-awareness to care for yourself, and intentionality in your relationships. These are the building blocks for leadership that is empathetic, inclusive, and impactful.

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?

The number one challenge I’m currently facing is navigating the transition after my company’s acquisition and my subsequent layoff. Throughout this process, I’ve remained committed to maintaining high standards and pushing for what’s right, even as complacency has set in around me.

While it would be easy for me to step into another accounting or finance role—something I’m well-versed in—I find myself questioning if it would be truly engaging or meaningful. It’s safe and familiar, but I can’t help but wonder if I could do more—something that benefits others beyond a financial statement.

I’m at a career crossroads, exploring how to build a new business venture that leverages not just my technical expertise in accounting, but also my personal and professional experiences in community engagement, mental health advocacy, and servant leadership principles. I want to create something that serves others in a meaningful way, using everything I’ve learned both in the workplace and in my work supporting those in need. While taking this untraditional path feels risky, I’m working on building the self-confidence to take the leap, believing that this venture could make a lasting impact.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.shimmeringwings.org/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarajchadil-cpa