Sara Nathanson: Driven Athlete to Empowered Leader – Lessons in Teamwork and Finding Exceptional Talent at Aritzia
EPISODE 3
Sara Nathanson: Driven Athlete to Empowered Leader – Lessons in Teamwork and Finding Exceptional Talent at Aritzia
EPISODE SUMMARY
In this episode of DRVN, Sara Nathanson shares how her early years in sports taught her leadership values that now guide her approach to creating a people-first culture at Aritzia. From driven athlete to empowered leader, Sara Nathanson’s journey to Vice President of Talent Acquisition at Aritzia is all about determination, teamwork, and leading with purpose.
Sara reflects on her career path, sharing stories of both challenges and triumphs that shaped her leadership philosophy. She provides listeners with actionable strategies for creating inclusive workplaces and emphasizes the critical role of relationships in driving success. This episode offers rich insights into leadership, team dynamics, and the art of cultivating a positive organizational culture, making it a must-listen for those looking to inspire and lead effectively.
WHAT WE TALKED ABOUT
00:00 - Introduction: Anne’s admiration for Sarah
03:00 - Building Confidence: Family and sports influences
04:00 - Family Influence: How Sarah’s upbringing instilled resilience
08:15 - Starting Out at Aritzia: Sarah’s career progression
11:20 - Career Milestones at Aritzia: From part-time role to VP
15:30 - A People-First Approach: Why genuine connection matters
18:30 - Empowering Others: Building an inclusive culture at Aritzia
20:45 - Work-Life Balance: Reflections on family and motherhood
25:10 - Personal Life & Balance: Juggling career and motherhood
27:00 - Advice for Career Pivoting: Navigating professional growth
29:45 - Tips for Career Transitions: How to make a pivot confidently
32:15 - Embracing Authenticity: Sarah’s thoughts on self-worth
36:00 - Final Reflection: Finding value in one’s unique path
MENTIONED
People:
Brian Hill – Founder of Aritzia, discussed as part of Aritzia’s history and Sarah’s professional journey.
Jennifer Wong – CEO of Aritzia, mentioned as a significant influence and supporter in Sarah’s career.
Pippa Morgan – Head of Retail at Aritzia, referenced as a mentor who values team input and collaboration.
Jeanette Gichan – Sarah’s former colleague at Aritzia who helped her get her first job at the company.
Sarah’s Family Members – Frequent mentions of Sarah’s husband, son (Freddie), three older brothers, younger sister, and parents, who were all influential in her upbringing and character development.
LISTEN
ABOUT THE GUEST
Sara Nathanson is a people-first leader dedicated to empowering individuals and building high-performing teams through authenticity and connection. In this inspiring episode of DRVN, Sara shares her journey from competitive athlete to Vice President of Talent Acquisition at Aritzia, where she has spent over two decades shaping a culture that values collaboration, expertise, and personal growth. She believes true leadership is about lifting others up, fostering strong relationships, and creating opportunities for people to thrive. Read more about Sara Nathanson and her podcast episode here.
