Her Story
About Sarah
Sarah Ericksen is a seasoned learning and development professional with more than 27 years of experience in consulting, human resources, talent development, and organizational learning. She currently serves as a Global Learning Strategist at IBM, where she develops and delivers global learning initiatives supporting Finance & Supply Chain, HR & Talent, and Sustainability within IBM Consulting. Throughout her career, she has led strategic onboarding, leadership development, and workforce enablement programs that help professionals build the skills needed to succeed in an evolving business landscape.
Sarah earned a Master of Science in Human Resource Management from Purdue University Daniels School of Business after completing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Philosophy from Southwest Minnesota State University. Her background combines expertise in human behavior with business strategy, enabling her to create impactful learning experiences that drive organizational performance. Among her proudest accomplishments is leading IBM's early professional hire program for six years, successfully onboarding thousands of consultants who have gone on to advance into leadership and partner-level positions. She has also been recognized with an IBM Internal Award for Excellence in Delivery and has earned several IBM certifications, including Cloud Advocate.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Sarah is dedicated to giving back through volunteer leadership. She serves as a Girl Scout Troop Leader, volunteers with the P-TECH program, and contributes as a member of her daughter's middle school PTA Board. She attributes her success to building strong relationships, maintaining a trusted professional network, and seeking mentorship throughout her career. Guided by values of integrity, authenticity, hard work, and continuous learning, Sarah remains passionate about helping individuals and organizations navigate change, embrace innovation, and prepare for the future of work in an AI-driven world.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Sarah
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to building meaningful relationships, developing a strong professional network, and seeking guidance from mentors throughout my career. Those connections have helped me grow personally and professionally while creating opportunities to learn and advance.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received is to find a mentor, invest in building strong relationships, and develop a professional network within my field. Those connections provide valuable guidance, support, and opportunities throughout a career.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women to be bold, be authentic, and have confidence in who they are. Don't be afraid to take chances, start important conversations, and step outside your comfort zone. Taking thoughtful risks and remaining true to yourself will open doors and create meaningful opportunities.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I believe artificial intelligence represents both the greatest challenge and the greatest opportunity in my field. Successfully integrating AI into learning, talent development, and consulting requires organizations to help people embrace new technologies while continuing to prioritize human development and business outcomes.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value integrity, authenticity, hard work, and striving for excellence in everything I do. I also believe it is important to enjoy the journey, have fun along the way, and maintain meaningful relationships while pursuing professional success.
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