Ripple Effect Leadership Spotlight: Sarah A. Scala

This month, I’m excited to spotlight a friend, fellow speaker and coach, and someone who is also committed to supporting LGBTQ+ leaders.

I met Sarah Scala via my QueeHR community several years ago, and she’s been a consistent presence bringing ideas, questions and sound advice for others in our group.

I admire her journey to come out more publicly as a certified LGBT business in the last couple of years and help her clients develop more diverse, equitable and inclusive workplaces.

What would you like our readers to know about you?

I’m the founder of Sarah Scala Consulting, an 11+ year old company in Boston and Cape Cod. Sarah Scala Consulting, a certified woman-owned and LGBT Business Enterprise®, provides organization and leadership development, executive coaching, LGBTQ+ leadership coaching, change management, public speaking facilitation, and team development solutions. Serving as a consultant, coach, and educator, our work increases client revenue, reduces turnover, creates business value, and transforms performance of leaders, and teams, helping them reach their highest potential.

What’s important and meaningful to you about your work?

My work is meaningful and important to me because it is important and meaningful to my clients. I know this because we measure ROI, they continue to hire me back repeatedly, and they write beautiful testimonials about the impact of the solutions that I provide.

What does it mean to “bring your authentic self” to work? How do you practice this?

Authenticity at work to me means personally being out and being out as an LGBT certified business. My authenticity shines through in my social media posts on DEIB and LGBTQ+ topics, my YouTube videos, global, national and local speaking events where I lead programs on inclusion and belonging. 

What is your definition of leadership?

A leader is one who focuses on the growth and advancement of those they encounter or interact with; not just direct reports. A leader is always looking to empower, support and help others grow, even if it means moving above their role.

How has your coming out journey and/or identity strengthened who you are as a leader?

My coming out journey has enabled me to be and build my confidence, especially when providing solutions with ERGs/BRGs, global and national LGBTQ+ events, and providing LGBTQ+ executive and leadership coaching. I have blogged, done videos, and spoken about this journey publicly, in order to let others know I am a safe ally. 

What is something you still struggle with as a leader who identifies as LGBTQ+?

Places are still not 100% safe for LGBTQ+ folks in the US. When I am traveling or brought in to speak at events, I am cautious about the politics and geography that I am at, and take extra steps to ensure my safety.

What resources do you tap into for support?

I have 8 mentors who are extremely honest and supportive, especially with the evolution of my company providing more and more solutions to support LGBTQ+ and less-represented folx at work. I also have a therapist and a coach. I am fortunate to have this dream team who continues to serve as advisors, and sounding boards as my business continues to grow.

Tell us about something you're especially proud of - work or non-work related.

I am proud to have recently won the "2023 Massachusetts Microenterprise of the Year" from the Small Business Association (SBA), and also proud to be training to run a 10K as that has been a goal of mine.

What excites you about the future of work/leadership?

I am excited about the future of work and leadership, because as the world and technology evolves, people still want and need the human approach - especially for providing leadership coaching and public speaking. I don't think that will ever change - or at least I hope it will not!

What else would you like to share?

I am extremely thankful to have been a part of the QueeHR Community since it first started! I gain tremendous value from the stories and sharings of members in our monthly meetings. Many members have become friends and have hired me to support their organizations.

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For more information about the QueeHR community we’re building, you can visit my community page and request to join our LinkedIn group. Each spotlight recipient is someone who embodies the core Ripple Effect Leadership values of vulnerability, kindness, empathy, curiosity and humility.