We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sandy Spady a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Sandy, thanks for joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
Imagine a room filled with people eager to learn, grow, and be inspired. At the center of it all is Sandy Spady, a woman whose presence is impossible to ignore. Sandy speaks from the head and heart with a voice that commands attention and a passion that resonates with everyone in the room. This is her world, where she thrives by helping others break through their fears, discover their unique talents, and step into their full potential.
But how did Sandy get here? How did she become the powerhouse speaker, the influential leader, and the visionary entrepreneur she is today?
It all began with a deep-rooted desire to make a difference, sparked by her journey and the incredible women she met. Sandy has always been someone who saw potential where others saw limitations. In her 35 years of experience across sales, media, PR, and nonprofit ventures, she encountered countless individuals who were stuck—stuck in their careers, stuck in their personal lives, and stuck in a mindset that kept them from truly thriving.
As she built her career, Sandy met many amazing women who opened up to her, sharing their stories of struggle, resilience, and triumph. These conversations were deeply impactful, and they stayed with her. Three years ago, she created a space to share these stories more broadly. She held her first Women with Voices event, featuring three successful women who courageously opened up and shared their journeys. At that moment, watching these stories’ profound impact on everyone in the room, Sandy realized she was onto something powerful.
She knew this was a worthwhile endeavor because it was rooted in a genuine need—people were hungry for guidance, inspiration, and someone to show them what was possible. Sandy understood that the fear of failure, the fear of stepping out of one’s comfort zone, was holding too many people back. She realized that her unique ability to connect with people, understand their struggles, and guide them toward success could change lives.
The logic was undeniable: Sandy was solving a problem that was universal yet deeply personal. She offered something unique—an approach combining her extensive business experience with her passion for personal development. She wasn’t just teaching people how to succeed but empowering them to redefine success on their terms.
What got Sandy most excited about this idea was the potential for transformation. She knew that she was also unlocking her own by helping others unlock their true potential. The energy in the room when she spoke, the look of realization in someone’s eyes when they finally saw what they were capable of—these moments fueled her.
Sandy’s journey didn’t stop there. She furthered her vision, founding Power Up Leadership Coaching & Consulting, a company designed to empower professionals across Omaha and beyond. She also created Women with Voices, a networking group dedicated to helping women share their stories and celebrate triumphs. Through these platforms, Sandy has become a beacon of change, a leader who talks and walks the walk.
Her impact hasn’t gone unnoticed. Sandy has been honored with prestigious awards and featured in prominent publications. She continues to inspire through her talk show, Power Up KPAO. Sandy remains true to her mission through every endeavor: to spark positive change, empower others, and create a culture where everyone can rise.
In the end, Sandy’s story is one of courage, vision, and the unwavering belief that we all have the power to change our lives—and by doing so, to change the world.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
For those who may not know me yet, my name is Sandy Spady, and I’m deeply passionate about sparking positive change and empowering individuals to reach their full potential. My journey into the world of public speaking, leadership coaching, and entrepreneurship has been anything but ordinary—it’s a culmination of over 35 years of experience across various industries, from sales and media to nonprofit ventures. But more than that, it’s driven by my desire to help others conquer their fears, embrace their unique talents, and confidently step into the spotlight of their lives.
I began my career in sales, which naturally evolved into media roles, where I spent years working in television, print, and radio. Along the way, I discovered that my true calling was in helping people—whether it was building teams, guiding organizations through change, or mentoring individuals. This realization led me to found Power Up Leadership Coaching & Consulting, where I offer leadership coaching, team building, and strategic consulting services designed to empower professionals at all levels.
But my passion didn’t stop there. Despite their incredible talents and achievements, I noticed that many women struggled to share their stories and celebrate their triumphs. This inspired me to create Women with Voices, a networking group that allows women to share their stories, connect with like-minded individuals, and find strength in their collective experiences. Women with Voices has since grown into a robust community where women from all walks of life come together to inspire and uplift one another.
Through these platforms, I solve several critical problems for my clients. For professionals and organizations, I provide clear, actionable strategies for leadership development and team success. For women, I offer a safe, supportive space where they can explore their personal and professional growth, gain confidence, and learn to leverage their unique strengths. My holistic approach sets me apart—I don’t just focus on the business or professional aspect; I believe in empowering the whole person and helping them align their values, passions, and goals.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the impact my work has had on the lives of others. Whether it’s a client who’s finally stepped into a leadership role they never thought possible or a woman who’s found her voice and shared her story for the first time, these moments of transformation are why I do what I do. My talk show, Power Up KPAO, is another platform I’ve created to amplify the voices of community leaders and inspirational individuals, fostering a culture of change and positivity.
If there’s one thing I want potential clients, followers, or fans to know about me and my work, I am deeply committed to your growth and success. My brand is built on the belief that everyone has the potential to rise above their circumstances, to achieve more than they ever thought possible, and to create lasting change in their lives and communities. Whether you’re looking for leadership coaching, a supportive network, or inspiration, I’m here to help you navigate your journey confidently, clearly, and purposefully.
In everything I do, from coaching to speaking to hosting events and workshops, my goal is to empower you to unlock your true potential and to lead with passion and purpose. I’m excited to continue this transformation journey with all of you, and I look forward to helping you power up your life and career.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
My journey into building Women with Voices and my career as a leadership coach began with the realization that many women had incredible stories to share but lacked the confidence to speak in public. This challenge inspired me to create a space where these voices could be heard, but getting Women with Voices off the ground wasn’t without its setbacks.
When I first envisioned this community, I knew there was a wealth of experiences and wisdom that needed to be shared. However, I quickly discovered that many women I contacted were hesitant to step into the spotlight. Despite their remarkable achievements and powerful stories, they needed to figure out their ability to speak in front of an audience. This hesitation became the first significant hurdle in bringing Women with life voices.
The initial events were small, as many women were reluctant to participate as speakers. It was disheartening at times, as I knew the impact their stories could have if only they could overcome their fears. I found myself at a crossroads, questioning how to begin building this community when the people I wanted to uplift were holding back.
But instead of giving up, I decided to tackle the challenge head-on. I began by creating a supportive and encouraging environment and workshops where these women could practice and build their confidence. I offered coaching and guidance, helping them find their voices and realize the power of their stories. I knew that the ripple effect would be tremendous if I could help even a few women overcome their fear of public speaking.
Each small success—each woman who found the courage to share her story—reinforced my belief in the importance of this work. Slowly but surely, more women began to participate, and the community started to grow. Women with Voices became a space where stories were shared, confidence was built, and empowerment was cultivated.
Looking back, I realize that the initial setback wasn’t a roadblock but an opportunity to refine my approach and truly understand the needs of the women I wanted to help. Today, Women with Voices is a thriving community, and it all began with the decision to start small, offer support, and keep moving forward despite the challenges.
This version highlights how Sandy’s journey began with a challenge—helping women who had powerful stories but lacked the confidence to speak in public—and how she turned that challenge into an opportunity for growth and empowerment.
How did you build your audience on social media?
When I first started building my social media presence, I wasn’t trying to be anyone else but myself. I knew the key to connecting with my audience was to be genuine and authentic to myself. Social media can often feel like a place where everyone tries to showcase a perfect version of themselves, but I wanted to do things differently. I wanted to create a space where people could see the real me—my passions, challenges, and journey.
I focused on sharing content that reflected my true values. Whether it was talking about the empowering work we were doing with Women with Voices, sharing insights from my leadership coaching, or just posting about my everyday life, I made sure that everything I shared came from the heart. I wanted my audience to feel like they were getting to know the real Sandy, not just a polished version of me. It was a joy to share my personal experiences and connect with my audience on a deeper level.
One of the things that helped me grow my audience was consistency. I made it a point to show up regularly, engage with my followers, and participate in the conversations that mattered to me. I didn’t focus on the numbers or try to chase trends; instead, I concentrated on building meaningful connections with the people who resonated with my message. Over time, this approach led to organic growth, as people began to follow me for my authenticity and the value I provided.
My advice for those just starting to build their social media presence is simple: be you. Don’t try to imitate others or present a version of yourself that isn’t true. People are drawn to authenticity; when you’re genuine, it shines through in everything you do. Remember, there’s power in being yourself. Also, building a presence takes time—focus on creating content that you’re passionate about and letting your audience grow naturally.
Another tip is to engage with your followers. Social media is a two-way street, and the more you interact with your audience, the stronger the connections you’ll build. Respond to comments, ask questions, and be genuinely interested in what your followers say. This helps create a loyal community and makes your social media experience more fulfilling.
Ultimately, your social media presence should be an extension of your identity. Embrace your uniqueness, share your journey, and remember that the most important thing is to stay true to yourself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://powerupbysandy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandy_spady/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sandy.a.spady
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyspadyspeaker/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@PowerUpTalkShowwithSandy-eb7gh?si=Qu0SiHn4Qg8TSFv-
Image Credits
Brianna Marie Photography