changing perspectives + eating persimmons


Hi friend,

Last year I ran a creative journaling workshop for 600 people.

And I took a big risk by trying something new.

Rather than conventionally starting with pen to paper and a prompt, I asked people to change up their environment. To get playful and try something new.

Amidst confused faces and a few stifled groans, I gleefully went, "that's right! Everybody up!"

One by one people got up and started moving.

Some changed the direction they were facing, choosing the blue wall over the grey one.

Some chose to sit by a window.

Others found a comfy pillow or a blanket to ease into the session.

As people settled in, with their new setting, they looked refreshed.

Like this was an intentional decision and a change to get playful, rather than I'm scrunching up, nose-to-the-laptop-screen and hunched over.

And that, that is finally the time we're ready to be creative.

I've seen it happen time and time again.

What if we allow ourselves to experience something new? To be curious about our present situation?

We could try on new perspectives, appreciate new shapes and colors -- all of it.

In a very unsexy way, I imagine we could distill it down to a formula.

Being present + curious = creativity

Perhaps you are wholeheartedly agreeing with this or perhaps you'd alter the formula a bit, to fit into your world.

How does this creativity formula sit with you?

One last spot

There's one final, final spot left for our AuthenTech group coaching cohort!

AuthenTech is my group program for thoughtful women and non-binary folks in tech who are​ ready to figure out what’s next​, in and out of tech.

If you're opening these e-mails, you're nodding along, and you're feeling curious - this is your sign. There are a bunch of truly special, inspiring women who are excited to meet you.

Reply back or book a call to see if it'd be a good fit.

Persimmons, my love.

I have fully fallen for persimmons and how timely is it, that they are an autumnal fruit. As we speak, I have about 12 in my refrigerator and average 1.5 persimmon consumption a day. Never tried one? Think the crispiness of an apple, with a honeyed apricot, cinnamon taste. Sounds delicious, doesn't it.

The final tune

Have you been listening to Olivia Dean?

The lady is killing it and nearly everywhere I turn on the internet. Soulful with a bit of pop, I like to imagine I'm in a romantic comedy, and voila, this is the soundtrack.

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Start With Hello is a weeklyish letter for women in tech who want to reimagine what's possible with their career and life. I'm Sarah, a leadership coach, engineer, founder, and Sushi Go aficionado.

I help you navigate transitions with clarity and creativity. If you're burnt out, questioning everything, or craving something more meaningful, let's talk. My coaching is part reflection, part unlearning, part experimentation.

If you're ready to explore, I've got you.

Pass this along if it fits someone you know.

113 Cherry St #92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2205
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I help senior women in tech fall back in love with their careers.

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