Who Am I
Welcome. I’m Sara Bigwood. I’m a citizen of the world, a self-reflector, a lifelong learner, a sensitive woman.
From 2000 to 2022, I have successfully relied on my force, determination, charisma, critical thinking, and actions. I was such a rock that some felt I was too impressive. I was overusing my masculine energy.
In 2018, I burnt out, and it saved my life. The cracks in my shell let the light of realization shine through, albeit very slowly.
In 2023, six months after leaving my husband, my career hit a hard stop with no clients in sight and scarce jobs. It felt unreal, and I didn’t understand why, given the past 16 years of success, of which the last three allowed me to earn the highest income ever, thanks to inspiring missions and satisfied clients. Why?
The space left allowed me to sense, notice, and listen to my little voice telling me it was time to embrace more of my feminine energy, like compassion, receptiveness, intuition, softness, allowing emotions to flow through me.
I had to shift to a more feminine mindset.
The masculine and feminine are like bird wings; together, they raise the world – Marie-Laure Will.
My passion
I thrive when I create: a program, an article, a book, a video, a podcast. Creating is a flow that allows me to feel connected to the moment, to the power of inspiration. I become a channel to express a specific message. Being a catalyst is like offering a Canva and a brush to a team so that they can create their reality. Being creative is seeing patterns where people see complexity.
I’m here to help, contact me to benefit from the flow.
Partnerships
As the saying goes, we can go fast alone but together we can go far. I like speed, I love to guide clients directly but it has its limits. This is why I appreciate to co-create, be challenged and grow in connection with others.
I chose to collaborate with friends all over the world: AMP Consulting in Canada, with Agile Leadership Journey in the US, Mine Leadership in Belgium, Rhythmic Leader in Canada
Beginnings
I studied communication and marketing, worked in Fortune 500 companies in Belgium before finding coaching. I started her first company, Pro Action Coaching, in 2007 to help leaders be more proactive and collaborate better. I designed and facilitated workshops in leadership, communication, management, conflict management, time management, and collaboration. I coached individuals and teams in big companies like Sony, NATO, GDF Suez, Pfizer, UCB, Deloitte, Belgian Public Service, as well as small companies like Emakina, Arkam, Suseia and many more. My clients praised my ability to understand their needs and translate them into bespoke workshops. In 2014 I sold her company to move to the US.
Family
I met my husband, also an entrepreneur, and together we embarked on the most exciting and challenging venture of all: living together and building a family. Becoming a mother of two was a revelation: the bond I felt, the purpose and the love gave me a unique energy to be present for my family. I was sensitive to the importance of securing attachment with her newborns in a Western culture that seemed to have lost the connection. I refused to listen to the horrible visions of parenting other parents were sharing, so I wrote two books on how to understand and build a secure attachment with children from 0 to 3 years.
I took the most courageous decision of my life, to stay aligned with who I am and my values, by leaving my husband. It comes with a feeling of guilt and a responsibility to be independant. It is a fantastic journey, close to what I can call freedom. It demands more attention to the children and to find the balance between taking care of oneself and of the kids. Life experiences are fantastic opportunities to learn and grow, to step outside of our comfort zone. It is how it felt for me.
Expatriation
During the expatriation to New York with my family from 2014 to 2018, I focused on the system and its relationships. I used the time there, on top of developing programs and coaching, to be certified as an Organization Relationship System Coach (CRR Global) and in attachment-based child development (Neufeld Institute), adding to my certificate in Positive Discipline gained in Belgium. I expanded my focus to Adult Development Theory, learning about the work of Robert Kegan, Bill Joiner, Jennifer Garvey Berger, Ken Wilber, and Bob Anderson). I got even certified in The Leadership Circle.
Inpatriation
When I came back to Belgium, I worked at PwC to develop a leadership development program for Senior Leaders. It ran three years, during which I continued to learn and be certified in Adulte Development (The Art of Developmental Coaching, Leadership Agility). I joined the Agile Leadership Journey, became a guide and collaborate on interesting projects (McKinsey, Swiss Re, Desjardins).
I founded a second company, Transformation Mindset, to guide clients through a shift in mindset and/or culture to better navigate the complex, fast-paced, highly interconnected world. Past habits and low levels of consciousness will only sustain a feeling of being stuck and overwhelmed. By shifting ever slightly how you see and behave, you discover new resources and purpose that sustains transformation and adaptation.
Hobbies
I find balance in practicing Tai Chi, Yoga, and meditation. I’m a Tai Chi instructor. I hike regularly and enjoy freeride skiing when possible. Spending time with my family and connecting to the unique love and bond that she feels with her kids fuels her with joy. She is grateful to be part of such a beautiful family and a fantastic world.