Sarah Centrella
My background is in corporate sales, specifically technology sales in the e-discovery space and high-tech Oracle consulting. I never initially set out to become an executive coach, but as a side hustle I was writing my first book and sharing how I was reinventing my life after a major event in 2008 that left me as a single mom of three young kids.
As I worked to rebuild my life and move up the corporate ladder, I developed a toolkit that helped me stay focused, resilient, and clear on what I wanted. I started sharing that work on my blog, and it quickly gained traction, eventually turning into coaching on the side. In January 2017, I reached a decision point where I had to choose a path, and I took a leap of faith to start my own company. It hasn’t been easy, but I haven’t looked back since. I’ve now been doing this full-time for nearly 10 years, and about 15 years overall.
Today, my primary focus is mindset and executive coaching. I work with corporate teams and leaders, and deliver keynotes teaching practical, applicable tools for focus, performance, stress management, and creating a more balanced, fulfilling life. I’ve also built a strong reputation in the vision-setting space, which was the first part of my work to gain traction about 15 years ago. All of my work is grounded in proprietary, methodology-based frameworks.
I’m also a four-time traditionally published author, which is a significant accomplishment in today’s publishing landscape, with multiple books hitting number one and several released on Audible, including my latest, which just launched.
On a more personal level, one of the most fulfilling parts of my work is teaching corporate audiences who often have little to no exposure to these tools. Seeing someone gain control over areas that once caused stress, anxiety, or imposter syndrome, and watching that shift happen in real time, is incredibly rewarding.
• Portland State University (Business major
• Did not graduate - left 3 years in when she had her first child)
• Red Cross
• College Possible
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to what I call a relentless pursuit. It’s the ability to see the bigger picture of what I’m working toward, align my mindset with that outcome, and then consistently put in the daily work to close the gap and turn that vision into reality.
Resilience has also been a constant throughout my life. I’ve had to navigate challenges and setbacks at different stages, and learning how to move through those without losing focus has been critical. That combination of clarity, mindset, and consistent action is what has allowed me to keep building, even when things weren’t easy. It’s also the foundation of what I teach in my coaching today, because those are the same skills that allow anyone to create meaningful, lasting success.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
It really has to be a calling. For me, the transition from corporate into entrepreneurship, especially as a single mom with young kids in grade school and middle school, was a significant risk for our family. That kind of decision requires a level of passion and commitment that goes far beyond simply wanting to try something new.
You have to genuinely love the work and believe deeply in what you’re building. In my case, developing a proprietary method is what allowed me to create a sustainable career and stand out in a very crowded space. I’m also very honest about the fact that the coaching industry is evolving. With the rise of AI, a lot of basic coaching can be replicated, so having something truly unique and experience-driven is more important than ever.
No matter the industry, if you want to build something of your own, you have to be willing to sacrifice and stay committed through the challenges. You need to see a vision that others don’t yet see and be willing to pursue it through difficult days, setbacks, and uncertainty, because those are guaranteed.
I also think it’s important to be realistic. There’s a lot of messaging, especially on social media, that makes entrepreneurship look easy or effortless, and that’s simply not true. It’s demanding, and there are moments that will test you. But if you’re clear on your vision and committed to the process, it is absolutely worth it. Looking back now, more than 10 years in, I can say that with certainty.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Misinformation, for sure. That’s something you’re always navigating in this industry, because coaching still has very mixed perceptions. People aren’t always clear on the value, or what actually makes someone effective versus not. For me, I’ve never set out to try to change that narrative broadly. I’ve focused on being very clear and honest about who I am and what I bring to the table. When someone interacts with me or experiences my work, that clarity comes through right away, and they can see how what I offer is different.
I also don’t spend time focusing on competition. I see my work as a unique offering, and I’ve built it that way intentionally. My focus has always been on delivering real value and building a reputation that is grounded in authenticity and results. If you do that consistently, people recognize it. They trust it. And they respect it, regardless of whatever broader misconceptions may exist about the industry.
Locations
VIVIAMO
Portland, OR