Description

“Boundaries take courage, but they’re a muscle you can build.” – Sarah Armstrong

Michelle and Julia are joined by the remarkable Sarah Armstrong, Vice President of Global Marketing Operations at Google and author of The Art of the Juggling Act: Bite-sized Guide for Working Parents. With an impressive career spanning roles at Coca-Cola, McKinsey, and now Google, Sarah reflects on her journey from excelling as a collegiate volleyball player at Georgetown University to leading global teams across industries, all while navigating the challenges of parenthood and personal growth.

The conversation goes beyond professional achievements, delving into the heart of what it means to lead a fulfilling and balanced life. Sarah opens up about the foundational support she received from mentors, the lessons she’s learned about setting and resetting boundaries, and the courage required to pursue new challenges—whether it’s leading in the boardroom or authoring books that inspire others.

Together, they explore actionable strategies for managing life’s demands, including the transformative power of outsourcing, the nuances of building confidence, and the significance of defining balance on your own terms.

Conversation Highlights:

• The Power of Confidence: Sarah reflects on how her upbringing, mentors, and professional experiences instilled her confidence. She shares the pivotal moments that shaped her journey, from a high school coach seeing potential in her athletic abilities to mentors at Coca-Cola encouraging her leadership. Sarah discusses how confidence grows through challenges and emphasizes that self-doubt is natural, even when you’re achieving major milestones. She also explains how writing her books helped her build confidence in new ways.
• Boundaries Are Not Walls: Setting and protecting boundaries is essential for managing life’s many demands, Sarah explains. She compares boundaries to flexible lines that can adapt when necessary but require conscious effort to reset when crossed. She offers practical tips, such as communicating boundaries clearly to colleagues, friends, and family to ensure they’re respected. Sarah also shares insights on why boundaries take courage and how they can evolve during high-pressure times like the holidays, encouraging listeners to prioritize what truly matters.
• Shifting from Surviving to Thriving: Sarah outlines her five pillars of balance. She describes how these pillars guide her daily decisions and shares examples of how she adjusts her focus when one area requires more attention. She stresses the importance of building a “strong core” to stay balanced amidst life’s shifting demands:
  • Work: Finding joy in what you do and aligning your career with your passions.
  • Family: Creating and cherishing special memories with loved ones.
  • Friends: Maintaining meaningful connections as a source of support and joy.
  • Health: Prioritizing self-care, including physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
  • Spirit: Giving back to others, which can fill your soul and provide a sense of purpose.
• Outsourcing for Sanity: Sarah champions outsourcing as a game-changer for busy professionals. She discusses the mindset shift needed to embrace help and suggests ways to find affordable solutions, like hiring part-time help or using delivery services. This approach, she explains, isn’t about avoiding responsibility but about creating more space to thrive in life and work.
• Mentorship and Paying It Forward: Sarah highlights the transformative power of mentorship, both as a recipient and a mentor. She shares how advice from mentors shaped her career and emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance from both men and women. She describes mentorship as a two-way street, providing her with fresh perspectives and a sense of fulfillment while helping others navigate their journeys.

ABOUT SARAH ARMSTRONG

Sarah Madden Armstrong is the author ofThe Art of the Juggling Act: A Bite-Sized Guide for Working Parents, vice-president of Global Marketing Operations at Google and proud mom of Grace, now approaching her senior year of college

Prior to joining Google, Sarah was a partner at McKinsey & Co. and worked at The Coca-Cola Company in global marketing for twenty years, where she led Worldwide Agency Operations across 200 countries. Sarah started her career at Leo Burnett (Chicago) in Media. Her work has been recognized around the world, resulting in her being named one ofAd Age’s “Women to Watch” and included in Ad Age’s Book of Tens (“Top Ten Who Made Their Mark”)

Sarah loves traveling the world and has been fortunate to travel to 55+ countries. She enjoys exploring new cities and spending time with Grace whenever possible. Sarah lives in San Francisco, where she loves walking along the water and enjoying the city’s natural beauty.

Whether you’re a working parent or simply looking for ways to manage life’s many demands, Sarah’s insights will leave you inspired and ready to take action.

CONNECT WITH SARAH:

• Website: https://thejugglingact.com/

RESOURCES:

• Timeshifter App

Sponsored by Palm Bay International, Season 2 is all about celebrating growth—because getting better deserves to be acknowledged with a toast. Whether we’re having a good laugh or diving into deeper conversations, each Just Getting Better episode is filled with candid moments, practical insights, and relatable stories.