The Mindful Innovator: Sarah Waylett's Journey to Transformative Leadership
Sarah's path to leadership was not a predetermined roadmap, but rather a series of unexpected encounters and deliberate choices shaped by her innate curiosity and drive for innovation. With nearly two decades of experience at Accenture, she honed her skills in problem-solving and market adaptation, always staying at the forefront of industry trends.
One of Sarah's notable projects at Accenture was revolutionizing client interactions by fostering a co-creation approach. Instead of merely offering solutions, consultants became partners in problem-solving, deeply integrating solutions into the client's business fabric. The success of this endeavor underscored the importance of collaborative innovation and empathetic leadership.
After her time at Accenture, Sarah started her entrepreneurial venture, "Dreamgarten," which stands as a testament to her commitment to holistic well-being. Inspired by her personal struggles with burnout, Dreamgarten combines mindfulness and design thinking to combat stress and foster creativity. For Sarah, well-being is the foundation for leadership and a catalyst for innovation.
Transitioning from a focus on innovation to leadership development was a natural progression for Sarah. After embarking on her entrepreneurial journey, she found her way to the Center for Innovative Leadership (CIL) through volunteer work at The Hill Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. It was CIL where she discovered a perfect alignment of values, seeing leadership and transformation through the lens of innovation.
At the Center, Sarah's role is multifaceted, encompassing innovation management, training and delivering transformative learning experiences. Drawing from her rich background, she ensures ideas translate into actionable strategies, guiding individuals and organizations toward meaningful change.
Sarah's primary goals at the Center revolve around facilitating workplace transformation amidst the evolving business world through developing strategic leaders, creative problem-solvers and agile innovators who can navigate today’s challenges. With a focus on bridging the gap between academia and industry, the Center aims to empower individuals and organizations to thrive in their careers, no matter their field.
In fostering creativity within her team, Sarah emphasizes psychological safety and embracing failure as integral components of the innovation process. By creating a culture where diverse voices are heard and experimentation is encouraged, she nurtures an environment where innovation flourishes.
Sarah's wealth of experience in navigating complexity and her knack for building meaningful relationships position her as a valuable asset to the Center. Her excitement for the Center's startup mentality is evident, as she looks forward to charting new territories and realizing ambitious goals.
As Sarah spearheads initiatives at the Center, her vision for transformative leadership serves as a guiding light. With her unique blend of innovation, empathy and strategic discernment, she is confident to help lead the Center into a future defined by collaboration, innovation and meaningful change.