Sarah Warby’s remarkable career is defined by her ability to seamlessly navigate major industry shifts with a customer-centric approach, while championing the philosophy that happiness is a key driver of professional success.
- Embracing Change and Restlessness: Sarah Warby’s career is characterized by her willingness to embrace change, driven by a restlessness that led her from Unilever to various industries, culminating in her current role at Nando’s.
- Customer-Centric Leadership: Warby highlights the importance of customer-centricity in business decision-making, a philosophy she implemented effectively during her tenure at Sainsbury’s, redefining the company’s approach to leadership.
- Happiness as a Success Catalyst: Challenging conventional wisdom, Warby advocates for happiness as a precursor to success, emphasizing that a happy and fulfilled mindset leads to greater productivity and achievement in professional life.
In the dynamic world of business, few stories captivate and inspire like that of Sarah Warby. Her journey, marked by a blend of restless ambition and a pursuit of happiness, provides a masterclass in career navigation. In a candid session, Warby shared her insights, offering a rare glimpse into the mind of a leader who has seamlessly transitioned across industries, from Unilever to the beer sector, and now to Nando’s as the Chief Customer Officer.
The Genesis of a Restless Career
Sarah Warby’s career is a tapestry of bold moves and strategic shifts. Reflecting on her early days, she says, “I learned the ropes, got restless, and moved on to something else. I realized what I really liked doing, so I did more of it in big companies with amazing brands.” Her tenure at Unilever was pivotal, where a moment of self-reflection led to an unusual twist: “I resigned, then un-resigned. It was a lesson in humility and resilience,” Warby recalls.
Leading with the Customer in Mind
At Sainsbury’s, Warby brought a refreshing perspective to leadership. “My job was to bring the customer voice back,” she says. This customer-centric approach wasn’t just a strategy; it was a cultural shift. “It was about making the customer the watchword of objectivity,” Warby notes. This approach redefined the business’s decision-making process, placing the customer at the heart of every conversation.
The CEO Journey: A Balancing Act
Transitioning to a CEO role, Warby faced new challenges. “It was a state of permanent triage,” she describes. This phase taught her the importance of prioritizing and the delicate balance of maintaining her marketing roots while steering the company forward. “I established my marketing director was good, then probably neglected marketing… I had to course-correct,” she admits.
On Happiness and Success
Warby challenges the conventional success-happiness paradigm. “Society has us believe that success breeds happiness. But happy brains are more successful,” she states. This philosophy has been a guiding force in her career and personal life. “Happiness breeds success, not the other way around,” she firmly believes.
New Horizons: The Nando’s Chapter
Warby’s latest role at Nando’s is a testament to her adaptive prowess. “When I got the call about Nando’s, I initially declined. But then, the conversation made me think,” she shares. This new role resonates with her core values – culture, people, values, and learning. “I’m demand, she’s supply. Boom, dead simple,” Warby says, outlining her vision for growth at Nando’s.
Final Thoughts: Resilience and Learning
Warby’s journey is not just about career milestones but also about personal growth and resilience. “There’s as much bump as there is road,” she quips. Her story is a beacon for those navigating the corporate world, highlighting the importance of listening to one’s inner voice and balancing ambition with contentment.
Sarah Warby’s narrative is a powerful reminder of the potential within each of us to chart our own paths, redefine success, and find joy in the journey. Her blend of professional wisdom and personal insight offers invaluable lessons for anyone looking to make their mark in the business world.
“To me, the pursuit of happiness isn’t just a personal goal; it’s a professional strategy. When we choose happiness first, success isn’t just a possibility, it becomes an inevitability.” – Sarah Warby
