We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sarah Bayliff a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Sarah, appreciate you joining us today. We’re complete cheeseballs and so we love asking folks to share the most heartwarming moment from their career – do you have a touching moment you can share with us?

I am passionate about coaching and mentoring people. I love getting to know someone, unlocking their potential, and watching them shine as they find their true path. In the spring of 2019, I led a software development project aimed at enhancing a well-being application for soldiers. When I joined the project, it was in the storming phase, but we managed to turn things around and exceed our customer’s expectations. Throughout this process, the team grew very close-knit. I made it a point to know each team member personally and professionally, providing coaching and mentorship.

In December 2022, the project I supported won the company’s award for “Transformational Team of the Year,” which was a full-circle moment for me. Although I had moved on to another opportunity in late 2020, the foundational work we did laid the groundwork for additional contracts supporting soldiers’ mental health. The recognition we received took me by surprise, and it was a testament to the impact we had.

During the award ceremony, I had meaningful conversations with two former teammates. One was an intern on the project who thanked me for helping her find her professional path and expressed her desire to be like me one day. Another colleague brought me to tears by sharing how I had changed his life. He told me that my support during an emotional time on a work trip made a significant difference, and he and his wife pray for me every day.

These moments made me feel truly seen and valued. They reinforced the importance of being present and intentional in how we connect with others, both virtually and physically. The lasting impact we can have on people’s lives by simply being there and listening is profound.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Sarah’s journey has been a harmonious fusion of diverse passions. From her early engagement in sports to a transformative psychology class in high school, she pursued a dual degree in Biological Sciences and Psychology, ultimately embracing a consulting career. Alongside her professional endeavors, Sarah deepened her yoga practice, becoming a certified yoga teacher with a focus on various styles. Notably, in 2018, she ventured into Agile methodologies, completing certifications and evolving into the role of an Agile Coach.

Outside her professional pursuits, Sarah creates a safe space for mental liberation, dedicating time to volunteering with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. With a dynamic leadership style, she leverages ten years of experience in leading cross-functional teams, specializing in project and program management, IT governance, digital transformation, and data management & analytics projects. As an Agile Coach, Sarah excels in translating stakeholders’ needs and driving her teams toward peak performance. In her free time, she enjoys yoga and exploration, inviting others to join her on this extraordinary journey of self-discovery both on and off the mat.

Sarah’s venture, Mind Travel Yoga, is an online sanctuary dedicated to harmonizing mind, body, and spirit. As an entrepreneur, yoga teacher, and Agile Coach, she has woven together her passion for movement, psychology, and exploration into a holistic platform. What sets Mind Travel Yoga apart is its multifaceted approach to wellness, integrating expert-guided yoga practices, curated travel tips, and mental health prioritization.

Embarking on a transformative journey with Sarah means immersing oneself in the art of yoga. Through her website, individuals can explore a wealth of resources designed to foster balance and serenity. Sarah’s unique blend of expertise allows users to delve into the world of yoga, travel, and mental health, creating a tapestry of wellness.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been to truly get to know people. Connection is one of my core values, and I believe that when people feel seen and heard, they are more likely to return. This is true whether I am in the yoga room or the consulting world. Remembering a client’s name or something they shared about their life goes a long way in building that connection. It’s about connecting to the human in front of you and making the work personal and meaningful. Sometimes, we lose sight of this in the hustle and bustle, which is why I deeply admire the work that WorkHuman does in spreading this message. They emphasize the importance of human connection, and it’s a philosophy that has greatly influenced my approach to growing my clientele.

Any advice for managing a team?

Leading with empathy is essential, but it’s just the starting point. Here’s how I approach managing a team and maintaining high morale:

Lead with Empathy: Understand and respect your team members’ feelings, perspectives, and challenges. Show genuine care for their well-being.

Foster Open Communication: Create an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing their ideas, concerns, and feedback. Regular check-ins and open forums for discussion can help achieve this.

Recognize and Celebrate Achievements: Acknowledge individual and team accomplishments, both big and small. Celebrating success boosts morale and motivates everyone to continue performing well.

Provide Growth Opportunities: Encourage continuous learning and professional development. Offer opportunities for training, mentorship, and career advancement.

Set Clear Goals and Expectations: Ensure that everyone understands their roles, responsibilities, and the team’s objectives. Clear direction helps maintain focus and alignment.

Promote Work-Life Balance: Respect personal time and encourage practices that support a healthy balance between work and personal life. Flexible schedules and remote work options can contribute to this. We don’t want anyone to burn out, and to giving people tools to help with balance keeps everyone happy and healthy.

Encourage Collaboration and Team Building: Foster a collaborative environment where team members support each other. Organize team-building activities to strengthen relationships and trust.

Be Transparent and Honest: Maintain transparency about company goals, changes, and challenges. Honesty builds trust and helps the team feel more secure and engaged.

By integrating these strategies, you can effectively manage your team and maintain high morale, creating a productive and positive work environment.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mindtravelyoga.com/
• Instagram: @sbayliff
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarah.bayliff/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-bayliff

Image Credits

Image Credits
Lee Melvin