In this exclusive interview, we spoke to Sarah Sefton, Chief of Staff to the CEO about her areas of expertise, motivations for being an advisor, disruptive trends on the horizon in her industry, and the most impactful project or decision she has been involved in as an executive. With her extensive knowledge of corporate communications, digital, demand generation, partner and customer outreach, and other functions of marketing, Sarah is a seasoned professional who has contributed significantly to the strategic initiatives, departments, and leaders within her organization.

Her unique perspective and skills in working with high-level and experienced leaders have helped navigate and stabilize changes throughout the go-to-market functions as a result of turnover and shifts in the company's focus and priorities. In this interview, Sarah shares her insights on how generative AI will be a primary innovation and disruptor in her industry and how advocating for more benefits for working mothers has been one of the most impactful projects she has been involved in as an executive.

What are your areas of expertise?

As Chief of Staff to the CEO, I am involved in all cross-functional aspects of the business and have a deep understanding of and contribute to a variety of strategic initiatives, departments, and leaders within the organization. Prior to this role, the first half of my career was in marketing, so I also have extensive knowledge of corporate communications, digital, demand generation, partner and customer outreach, and other functions of marketing.

What's your main motivation for being an advisor?

I'm interested in sharing my knowledge with other businesses and teams, especially those at an earlier stage than my current company. In particular, there are many lessons learned I have from over the years that often come from growing pains within our organization and have given me ideas for what I would do differently in the future.

What types of situations are you capable of advising on?

The biggest challenges I've dealt with have been around company scale, leadership turnover, and executive management. I've been involved in multiple rebuilds within our company, most frequently within the Sales and Marketing organizations, and have helped navigate and stabilize changes throughout the go-to-market functions as a result of turnover and shifts in the company's focus and priorities. I also have a great deal of experience in managing up to a variety of executive roles and personas, giving me a unique perspective and skill in working with high-level and experienced leaders.

Do you see any disruptive trends on the horizon in your industry or position?

Generative AI will be both a disruptor and a primary innovation in my industry. My company has already started to incorporate AI into our integration tool, and while this has the potential to eliminate the need for our product offering and jobs in the future, our goal in combining AI learnings with our product is to help customers work better and smarter, rather than harder and less.

Tell me about the most impactful project or decision you've been involved in as an executive.

While this example has had minimal direct impact on the business in terms of revenue, customer acquisition, etc., something I'm most proud of has been advocating for more benefits for working mothers and taking away stigmas or questions around the needs of women who are working while pregnant and once they return to work postpartum, particularly if they choose to breastfeed. I've had two children in the past two and a half years, and it's been difficult to work with (primarily only) men who don't understand the physical and emotional needs I've had during those times. I've aimed to be as clear and matter-of-fact as I can when it comes to the time and resources I need to simultaneously deal with working full-time and being a mom, and in doing so, my goal and impact are to make it easier for other women in the workforce who find themselves with similar needs as mine.

In conclusion, the role of a Chief of Staff requires a deep understanding of various strategic initiatives, which is exactly what Sarah Sefton brings to the table. With extensive experience in marketing, corporate communications, digital outreach, and demand generation, Sefton is a valuable asset to any organization. Therefore, if you are looking for a knowledgeable advisor to assist with cross-functional aspects of your business, look no further than Sarah Sefton, who is currently available for hire on AdvisoryCloud. Trust us, you won't go wrong with her expertise and professionalism.