Sarah Padillo
When you began your career did you ever imagine you would have a leadership role like you have now? What advice would you give your younger self?
When I was younger, I always thought it would be really cool to work in business. I loved the idea of building something, being creative, and having the freedom to make my own decisions. But if I’m being honest, I had no idea what that actually meant or what it would take.
I didn’t realize that leadership comes with a lot of responsibility. It’s not just the exciting parts, it’s making difficult decisions, managing finances, solving problems, having hard conversations, and sometimes carrying the weight of an entire business on your shoulders.
If I could give my younger self advice, it would be to stop waiting until you feel ready. Most of what I’ve learned came from jumping in, figuring it out as I went, and trusting myself to solve problems along the way. That’s really what leadership has been for me, a constant willingness to learn and adapt.
Who inspires you and why? What is your most valued attribute in the leaders you respect or mentors you have had?
I don’t have one specific person who inspires me. I’m inspired by the people around me every day. Being able to learn from successful business owners and leaders has been incredibly valuable.
The attribute I value most is a willingness to keep learning. The best leaders I’ve met don’t pretend to know everything, they stay curious and open-minded.
What did it take in order to trust yourself to step into leadership?
I don’t think you ever fully trust yourself. One thing I’ve learned is that nobody really knows exactly what they’re doing all the time. Leadership is less about feeling ready and more about being willing to figure it out as you go.
Have you experienced any hardships and how did you overcome the obstacles? When did you know, the business was going to make it?
Honestly, growing my business has probably been the biggest challenge. People see growth as this exciting thing and it is, but what they don’t always see is the responsibility that comes with it.
There were a lot of times where I thought about pulling back because I was scared. My business basically tripled in what felt like the blink of an eye, and suddenly I was working with larger clients, managing a team, and helping support businesses that bring in millions of dollars. That’s a lot of pressure when you’re sitting there thinking, “I’m just figuring this out as I go.”
I don’t think I overcame it because I became fearless. I just kept saying yes to the next opportunity and trusted that I’d figure it out. Every time I faced a challenge, I learned something from it.
As for when I knew the business was going to make it, I still don’t know that I ever had a single moment. I think entrepreneurship keeps you humble. But when clients started staying, referring us to other people, and trusting us with bigger opportunities, that’s when I realized maybe we’re doing something right.
What do you attribute your success too? Secret to your success…
If there’s a secret, I think it’s curiosity. I’m constantly asking questions and learning from the people around me. Some of the best business lessons I’ve learned haven’t come from books, they’ve come from conversations.
I’ve also never been afraid to admit when I don’t know something. I think that’s allowed me to grow a lot faster than if I tried to pretend I had all the answers.
What advice would you give other local women leaders?
Don’t be afraid to take up space.
I think a lot of women spend too much time wondering if they’re qualified enough, experienced enough, or ready enough. The truth is, most people are figuring it out as they go.
Ask questions, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to put yourself in rooms where you’re the least experienced person. Some of my biggest opportunities and lessons have come from being willing to learn from others. n
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Jennifer Bardot (left) (ownyourgrit@gmail.com, or 314-630-1451) is CEO and Founder of G.R.I.T. Community For Women.
Marianne Biangardi (right)(mbiangardi@uhy-us.com or 314-322-4871) is Sr. Associate, Marketing and Business Development, at UHY LLP.