Embracing Change and Navigating Uncertainty – A Conversation with Sarah Betts
Starting a new chapter in life—whether it’s a new job, an unexpected career pivot, or even adjusting to new family dynamics—is both daunting and exciting. In the first episode of Epochal Growth, I sat down with Sarah Betts, Director of Support at Alyce (now by Sendoso), to discuss her experience with navigating change, leading with empathy, and managing transitions both personally and professionally.
Sarah’s journey is filled with valuable insights, especially for those of us who might be dealing with our own life transitions. Whether you’re adjusting to new responsibilities at work or trying to figure out what comes next in your career, Sarah’s story will give you practical advice on how to embrace uncertainty and use it as a tool for growth.
1. Embracing Career Transitions with Grace
When Sarah’s company Alyce was acquired by Sendoso, she found herself in an unexpected transition, going from a small, close-knit team to being part of a much larger organization. This kind of change can feel overwhelming, but Sarah managed it with remarkable poise. She talked about how important it was to take things day by day, allowing herself to process the changes while leading her team through the transition.
"I managed it really well for a couple of days, but then I just closed my laptop, went to bed, and sobbed. But sometimes you need that release before getting back to it."
— Sarah Betts
This honesty really stood out to me. It’s easy to think we have to be strong all the time, especially in leadership roles, but Sarah’s story reminds us that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed. The key is to give yourself the space to process those emotions before getting back into the driver’s seat.
2. Leading with Empathy and Trust
One of the core themes in our conversation was the importance of leading with empathy—not just for your customers, but for your team. Sarah shared how she created an environment where her support agents felt valued and empowered to take ownership of their work, even in the face of uncertainty.
"My team knows they can come to me, and they know I’ll support them. Whether it’s a tough customer interaction or navigating their own transitions, I’m here to listen and help them grow."
— Sarah Betts
This is something I deeply believe in as well. A successful leader is one who creates a safe space for their team to ask questions, make mistakes, and learn from them. Sarah’s leadership style is rooted in trust, and that’s something we can all strive to foster within our own teams.
3. Redefining Success in a Time of Change
One of the most powerful parts of our conversation was when Sarah talked about redefining her own version of success. After the acquisition, she was given the opportunity to rethink her role within the company. Instead of feeling boxed into a specific title or job description, she took a step back to figure out what she truly wanted out of her career.
"I’ve started making a list of things I want from my career and what I don’t want. It’s important to ask yourself: Is this a path I truly want to follow, or is it something I feel like I should be doing?"
— Sarah Betts
This really resonated with me. It’s so easy to get caught up in what we should do, especially in corporate environments, but Sarah’s approach is a reminder to take a step back and align your goals with what truly matters to you.
4. The Importance of Self-Reflection
Sarah also spoke about the value of self-reflection during moments of uncertainty. By reflecting on her career so far, she’s been able to understand what drives her and what she values most—whether it’s spending time with her family or finding fulfillment in her work.
"You have to ask yourself, ‘Does this decision align with what I want for my life and my family?’ That’s been a big part of my process as I navigate this next chapter."
— Sarah Betts
This is such a great reminder for anyone going through a major life change. Taking the time to reflect on your values and priorities can help you make decisions that align with your long-term goals, even when the future feels uncertain.
5. Fostering Communication and Transparency in Teams
One of the key lessons from Sarah’s leadership journey is the importance of open communication within teams. Especially during transitions, it’s crucial that team members feel like they can voice their concerns and ideas. Sarah encourages regular check-ins and makes sure her team feels heard and supported.
"We start every team meeting with kudos, and then we dive into what’s working and what isn’t. It creates a space where everyone feels comfortable sharing, and it leads to better outcomes for the team and our customers."
— Sarah Betts
This approach to team communication is something we can all learn from. By fostering an environment where people feel valued and heard, you not only build stronger relationships but also create a more effective and engaged team.
Key Takeaways:
Allow Yourself to Feel – It’s okay to feel overwhelmed during transitions. Give yourself time to process those emotions before getting back to work.
Lead with Empathy – Create a safe space for your team to ask questions, make mistakes, and grow.
Redefine Success – Take a step back to reflect on what you truly want from your career and align your goals with your personal values.
Prioritize Self-Reflection – Use moments of uncertainty as an opportunity to reflect on your values and what matters most to you.
Foster Open Communication – Encourage transparency and open dialogue within your team to build trust and improve outcomes.
Conclusion:
My conversation with Sarah Betts was filled with moments of insight and reflection, especially as we talked about navigating transitions and finding clarity in uncertainty. Whether you’re going through a career change or trying to find balance in your current role, there’s so much to learn from Sarah’s approach to leadership, empathy, and self-reflection.
If you haven’t tuned into Epochal Growth yet, now is the perfect time. Sarah’s story is just the beginning of a series of conversations that will inspire you to embrace change and grow both personally and professionally. I can’t wait for you to join me on this journey!
