We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sarah Coco a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Sarah, thanks for joining us today. One of our favorite things to hear about is stories around the nicest thing someone has done for someone else – what’s the nicest thing someone has ever done for you?
I believe honest is kind! I had an executive of my company who was an incredible advocate for me in my career growth. I had been working and exceeding expectations in my previous role, and I was expecting that my work would speak for itself and propel me to a promotion. I waited and waited. My advocate really challenged me to see things differently and consider what I could do to launch myself into my next position by being an undeniable, necessary voice at the table. I started meeting with VP’s from departments with which I worked to see how I could be a better partner. I met with the CEO and let him know my intentions. I worked as if I were a VP, and soon after received the promotion. It was the honest feedback that sometimes you have to speak louder than just your work to get to your next step. It changed my career, and was an invaluable lesson that I have been able to share with others!
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I am an officer in the Accounting department of a multi-billion dollar company. I started with this company right after I graduated from college, where I earned a BS/MS in Accounting. I started in a lower level and worked throughout my career moving laterally into different Accounting teams, learning and accomplishing as much as I could. This helped me to be promoted to higher positions throughout the Accounting department. Thirty-two years later, I am positioned as a vital part of the Accounting team, overseeing much of the Operations Accounting of a highly visible casual dining restaurant company. In the past year, I led Accounting in a multi-year project to successfully implement a full ERP system. It was an incredible challenge where I learned to use my voice, use my resources, and use my experience across much of Accounting to accomplish a successful outcome. I work in Accounting, but I am so much more than an accountant. I am a resilient leader with a passion to grow and develop others and deliver results, even when the path isn’t easy.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Being with the same company for thirty-two years has benefits and challenges. Because of my experience across the Accounting department I was asked to represent Finance on a journey to implement a new ERP system, on which we’ve now been live for a year. The journey was long and hard. I faced many challenges dealing with several third party partners, all hired to help design and implement the system. I got push back in many areas I should have been supported by leadership. I was blamed for set backs that were outside my control. In every challenge, I spoke up. I used my voice to explain the challenges and sought resolution whatever the push back. I used my resources, as I know I didn’t have all the answers, but I kept striving forward and moving toward a successful end goal until we made it. I learned from the failures of the project how to pick up the pieces and continue on and never give up. I learned that I thrive in challenging situations, and because of my steadfastness and resilience, my voice at the table was stronger than ever before. It was also more requested. From operators who work in our restaurants to our Executive leadership team, individuals reach out directly to me for action because they know they can count on me. I solve problems. I resolve issues. I bring items to closure. I do these things while building and maintaining great relationships with those in my path.
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
Building and maintaining relationships with your team members is vital to successful leadership. Those you work with know you care for them when you engage in meaningful, heartfelt conversations about things other than business. Making people feel special is so important and knowing a team member on a more personal level establishes trust. I believe that “leader” is just a word. A person is only a leader if they have individuals who are willing to follow them. You don’t have followers without relationships and trust. I make sure to establish with my team that my office has an “open door policy” and is a “safe zone”. Come in. Let’s talk. How can I support? I listen and take action when I can and where it makes sense. I show appreciation for my team members when they go above and beyond. This can be through extra compensation, just a note of thanks, or lunch. Appreciating team members in a meeting in front of other team members boosts morale. It strengthens teamwork and can improve job satisfaction.
Contact Info:
- Linkedin: Sarah Coco
