Sarah Armstrong

Episode Overview

In this episode of Living a Fantastic Life, Dr. Allen Lycka interviews Sarah Armstrong, Vice President of Global Marketing Operations at Google, acclaimed author, and a thought leader in work-life balance. Sarah shares insights from her 25+ years in the corporate world, her journey as a parent, and her mission to help others thrive professionally and personally.

Key Topics Discussed

1. Sarah Armstrong’s Journey to Success

• Sarah’s corporate career spans nearly three decades in global marketing, culminating in her role as VP of Global Marketing Operations at Google.
• She is a proud mother to her daughter Grace, who is on the cusp of graduating from college.
• Sarah authored two books:
• A Mom's Guide to a Good Divorce: Offering guidance on navigating divorce while prioritizing children's well-being.
• The Art of the Juggling Act: A practical guide for working parents to balance career and family.

2. Work-Life Balance Challenges

• The constant juggle of responsibilities between family, career, and personal life.
• Importance of humor and perspective when managing life’s mishaps.
• The shared skills between managing a household and leading in the corporate world.

3. Boundaries and the Power of Saying No

• The critical role of boundaries in maintaining work-life balance:
• Sarah shares her approach to setting “Grace time” – a non-negotiable, two-hour daily block dedicated to her daughter.
• Learning to say “no” without justification:
• Sarah highlights the importance of saying no with confidence and not offering explanations to avoid unnecessary judgment.

4. Navigating Hybrid Work Environments

• Google’s hybrid work model: Three days in-office, two days remote.
• Sarah emphasizes the benefits of flexible work arrangements, particularly for working parents.
• Tips for maximizing commute time: Reframe it as personal time to decompress, reflect, or enjoy a favorite audiobook or podcast.

5. Living a Fantastic Life

• Sarah’s approach to a fulfilling life:
• Clear priorities that align with personal values.
• Passion for her career, writing, and travel.
• The joy of seeing her daughter launch into adulthood and giving back through her books.

6. Advice for Others to Live a Fantastic Life

• Reflect on what truly makes you happy and structure your life around those priorities.
• Protect your non-negotiables and establish boundaries in both your personal and professional life.
• Embrace opportunities for growth, connection, and self-care.

7. Resources Mentioned

• Sarah’s Books:
• A Mom's Guide to a Good Divorce: www.thegooddivorce.guide
• The Art of the Juggling Act: www.thejugglingact.com
• Dr. Allen Lycka’s Website: www.drallenlycka.com
• Sign up for weekly Golden Pearls and a chance to win a 4-night cruise or resort stay!

Final Thoughts

Sarah Armstrong’s wisdom inspires listeners to take control of their lives by setting boundaries, embracing balance, and finding joy in their passions. With practical advice and heartfelt anecdotes, she exemplifies what it means to live a fantastic life.

Be sure to connect with Sarah through her websites and explore her books for more insights into navigating life’s juggling acts!

BIO:

Sarah Armstrong has spent more than 25 years in global marketing and is now v-p of global marketing operations at Google. She is widely acknowledged as an industry leader in her area of expertise. She is also the author of The Mom’s Guide to a Good Divorce, appearing on more than 75 podcasts and other media. She lives in San Francisco.

Social Media:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-madden-armstrong/ 

Website: https://thejugglingact.com