Sarah Ellis is one of the UK’s leading voices on career development, learning and leadership, making her a compelling choice as a motivational speaker for organisations adapting to constant change. As Co-Founder of Amazing If and co-creator of the ‘Squiggly Careers’ concept, Sarah has helped reshape how individuals and businesses approach success at work. Her work challenges traditional career ladders, encouraging people to focus on skills, growth and fulfilment. Through Amazing If, she has worked with global organisations including Microsoft, Google, the BBC and Visa, equipping teams with practical tools to navigate uncertainty and build meaningful careers.
Before founding Amazing If, Sarah built an impressive corporate career, holding senior leadership roles across major brands. She served as Managing Director at Gravity Road, and held multiple senior positions at Sainsbury’s including Head of Marketing Strategy, alongside earlier roles at Barclays. This experience gives Sarah a grounded, credible perspective on the realities of modern work. She understands the pressures leaders and employees face because she has operated at that level herself, which allows her to connect with audiences in an authentic and relevant way.
Sarah is also a highly respected author and communicator. She is the co-author of three Sunday Times bestselling books, including ‘The Squiggly Career’, ‘You Coach You’ and ‘Learn Like a Lobster’, each offering practical frameworks for personal and professional growth. She is the co-host of the ‘Squiggly Careers’ podcast, which has achieved over 5 million downloads and built a loyal global audience. Her TEDx talk with Helen, 'The Best Career Path Isn't Always a Straight Line', has attracted a huge global audience. In addition, Sarah is a contributor to Harvard Business Review, an RSA Fellow, and was recognised in Management Today’s Women in Leadership Power List 2024, further reinforcing her authority in the field of leadership and development.
On stage, Sarah combines insight with clarity and practicality. Her sessions are engaging, structured and immediately useful, giving audiences ideas they can apply straight away. Whether she is speaking about learning in the age of AI, building confidence, or leading through ambiguity, Sarah delivers content that resonates across all levels of an organisation. Her ability to turn complex challenges into simple, actionable steps ensures lasting impact, leaving audiences motivated, capable and ready to take control of their careers.
