We were lucky to catch up with Sarah Sweeney recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Sarah thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.

I’ve always known I was meant to be in the helping profession, so pursuing a degree in social work felt like the natural path. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with people from all walks of life—individuals with disabilities, children in schools, those navigating chronic pain or substance use, and older adults. Social work gave me a strong foundation and helped me build a diverse skill set rooted in advocacy, empathy, and resilience.

But the moment that truly shifted my professional direction came when I discovered the We Live Without Limits division at Fowler International Academy. I had been researching coaching programs for a while, drawn to the idea of helping others through personal transformation—but I hadn’t yet found the right fit. That changed when I spoke with Barry Fowler and was introduced to Liz Venandaal, a master trainer who, like me, lives with cerebral palsy. Hearing Liz’s story and learning about her journey through FIA immediately resonated. For the first time, I saw a version of myself in the coaching world—not just welcomed, but valued.

That conversation lit a fire in me. I enrolled in the program, became certified, and eventually went on to complete my master trainer certification so I could help guide and empower others just as Liz and the program had done for me. As a person with a disability, the flexibility and self-directed nature of coaching felt not only aligned with my values, but also liberating. It gave me a way to step fully into my purpose—on my own terms.

Through coaching, I now support people with and without disabilities who are navigating life transitions, working toward self-growth, and redefining what’s possible. Everyone has a story, and if I can use my own experiences to empower someone else to take the next step in theirs, then I know I’m doing the work I was always meant to do.

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

My name is Sarah Sweeney, and I’m a certified professional life coach with a master’s degree in social work. I work with individuals who are navigating transitions, rebuilding their sense of self, or facing moments of uncertainty—particularly those with disabilities or chronic conditions, but also anyone looking for meaningful personal growth. My coaching is rooted in empathy, lived experience, and the belief that every person holds the power to grow, evolve, and create a life that feels aligned and fulfilling.

I’m currently in the process of building Sarah Sweeney Coaching, and my goal is to create a space where people feel seen, heard, and supported—whether they’re working through identity shifts, life transitions, or rediscovering their self-confidence. It’s important to me that I meet people where they’re at, help them clarify where they want to go, and support them as they take the steps to get there.

As someone with cerebral palsy, I understand the added layers people with disabilities often face—like being underestimated, navigating inaccessible systems, or constantly having to prove their worth. I bring that awareness into everything I do, and it’s helped shape my mission: to offer coaching that’s empowering, inclusive, and rooted in real understanding.

In addition to coaching, I’m stepping into public and motivational speaking. I believe in the power of storytelling to connect, uplift, and open hearts. Whether I’m working with someone one-on-one or speaking to a room full of people, I want to inspire them to see their own strength and take the next step toward whatever they’re called to become.

What sets me apart is the heart and perspective I bring into this work. I’m not here to give people all the answers—I’m here to help them uncover their own. I’ve lived through transformation, and I offer support and insight for those going through their own.

If there’s one thing I hope people take away from my work—or from working with me—it’s that you don’t have to have everything figured out to move forward. You just have to take the first step, and I’ll be there to help you through the process.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

A story that illustrates my resilience spans several chapters of my life—starting from when I was young, moving through school, but most notably during graduate school. Earning my master’s degree in social work was one of the most challenging and transformative experiences I’ve had. The university system wasn’t fully prepared for a student with a disability to live on campus, and that often made things harder than they needed to be. I had to work twice as hard to receive the same opportunities, especially when some in positions of authority questioned whether or not I truly belonged.

But that experience pushed me to become more vocal, more self-assured, and more grounded in who I am. I also built an incredible support system—fellow students and community members who saw me for who I was and stood beside me. The challenges I faced in that environment taught me how to navigate systems that weren’t necessarily built for me, and to do it with strength and grace.

That resilience carried into my professional life, where I faced more barriers—including receiving a job offer that was later rescinded once leadership became aware of my disability. No explanation was given. It was painful, but sadly, not surprising. What could have broken me ultimately reinforced my drive. I knew I had something valuable to offer, and I refused to let fear or bias shape my story.

Eventually, I moved to Texas and had the opportunity to work with an organization that truly supported me—one that embraced my strengths and gave me the chance to model for children what it means to dream big and adapt boldly. I was able to show them that while there may be different ways of getting things done, with an open mind and determination, great things are possible.

To me, resilience isn’t about pretending things are easy. It’s about learning to keep going, even when they’re not. Every obstacle I’ve faced has made me stronger, more compassionate, and more committed to creating a world where others don’t have to prove their worth in order to be accepted.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Social media has been constantly evolving since the beginning, and I have learned that being open to change—while staying grounded in who you are—is key. Building an audience has not been a straight line for me. I have tried different things, taken breaks, shifted directions, and allowed myself the space to grow.

My biggest advice for anyone starting out is simple: just start. That first step can feel uncomfortable, especially when you are trying something new, but getting started is often half the battle. One of the most valuable lessons I have learned from a mentor is the importance of consistent, committed, imperfect action (CCIA). This is not a concept I created, but one that has stayed with me and continues to guide how I show up—even when things feel uncertain.

Learn what you can about the platform you are using, think about how you want to present yourself, and get clear on who you want to reach and what you want them to feel. Social media will always be changing, and there will always be something to adjust or explore. But when you lead with authenticity and stay open to learning, real connection happens.

There is no perfect path—only the one you build by taking the next step, one post, one message, one moment at a time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sarahsweeneycoaching.com/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-sweeney-827272366?trk=contact-info
• Other: TikTok
  

  @sarahsweeneycoaching

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  https://sarahsweeneycoaching.substack.com/

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