Meet Sarah Clark

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sarah Clark. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Sarah , thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.

I’ve found that imposter syndrome isn’t something you overcome once and never feel again. It can come up with every new role or challenge. What’s helped me tackle it more quickly each time is being willing to be transparent and vulnerable. I share what I don’t know yet or where I need help, so I can get the support I need to succeed instead of trying to pretend I have all the answers.

I’ve also been fortunate to have supportive leaders who remind me of my strengths and help me stay focused on what I can control, so I don’t take on unnecessary self-blame or worry about things outside my role. Finally, I actively connect with peers and more senior colleagues as informal mentors. Talking with them helps me level-set what’s realistic, what’s expected, and what growth looks like. That keeps me grounded and confident, even when I’m stretching into something new

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 am an Executive Director for a national nonprofit dedicated to curing blood cancers and supporting patients and their families. In my role, I have the privilege of leading a dynamic team of fundraisers and event staff who drive our peer-to-peer campaigns, build impactful corporate partnerships, and secure major gifts. Together, we work hand-in-hand with dedicated volunteers in our communities, building strong relationships that power both our fundraising and our advocacy efforts.

What makes my work so exciting and fulfilling is the opportunity to lead a team that inspires and empowers our passionate volunteers to dream bigger and do more than they ever thought possible. Many of our volunteer leaders raise hundreds of thousands of dollars each year for our mission. We coach and guide them to take on challenges they never imagined they could tackle. In doing so, they not only fuel life-saving research and patient support, but they transform their own lives as well. Every day, we are selling hope, dreams, and cures.

This mission is deeply personal to me. My family has been directly impacted by blood cancer. In the 1970s, my cousin Matt was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and given just a 10% chance of survival. Against the odds, he survived, but if he were diagnosed today, his survival rate at diagnosis would be closer to 95% because of the advances my organization has helped make possible through our Dare To Dream Initiative. Sadly, my paternal aunt was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia in the 1980s, a time when treatment options hadn’t changed since the 1950s. Today, thanks to the work we have done through our Beat AML campaign, she would have had real options — and a fighting chance. That’s why I’m so committed to this work: because every dollar raised and every connection made brings us closer to cures and a future where no family has to face what mine did.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

The top three qualities that have helped me succeed as a leader are strong leadership, the ability to build authentic relationships, and a balance of resilience and adaptability. I believe developing these qualities takes a mix of formal learning, real-world practice, and mentorship.

I’m a lifelong learner, so I’m always reading, listening to podcasts, and following leaders who exemplify these traits. It helps me keep sharpening my skills and staying inspired. But some of my most valuable growth has come from simply doing the work. Putting these qualities into practice every day and learning from real successes and failures. And having trusted mentors who already excel in these areas has been a game changer for me. Their guidance and example push me to grow as a leader, no matter what challenges come my way.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

My current boss has been one of the most influential people in helping me grow and succeed. She’s taught me how to build a culture where collaboration and honest feedback are the norm, not just for the team, but in how I lead and show up every day.

She’s also shown me the power of intentionally curating my own career path instead of waiting for opportunities to come to me. Through her example and guidance, I’ve learned how to support others in doing the same, helping people see what’s possible for themselves and giving them the tools and encouragement to get there.

Her mentorship has shaped how I approach challenges, lead teams, and invest in people’s growth, including my own.

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