#LifeLessons - Sarah Brook

NAME: Sarah Brook

AGE: 34

INSTAGRAM HANDLE: @sarahebrook7

JOB TITLE: CEO and Founder – The Sparkle Foundation

Sarah Brook is well known in our community as a Humanitarian, Charity Founder, Speaker & CSR Consultant.

it's fair to say, we can't wait to learn more about Sarah's biggest life lessons, as we expect she will dig deep. Let's DIVE in.

#LIFELESSON – 1 – Where there is a will there is always a way

Often, when we encounter a resounding "no," it may seem like we've reached the end of our path, yet it is precisely at this moment that true possibilities begin to unfold. In my role, which involves persuading people to embrace the seemingly impossible, I’ve learned to view each "no" not as a full stop, but as an invitation to innovate and rethink. Part of this journey is guiding others, helping them to recognize their own capability and the significance of their contributions, no matter how small. By instilling self-belief and reinforcing that everyone's effort counts, I empower them to see that with the will to act, there is invariably a way forward. This perspective transforms every hurdle into a stepping stone, revealing opportunities for learning and growth beyond the immediate barriers. By looking beyond the apparent limits, we find paths that were once invisible, affirming that barriers are not dead ends, but detours to potential success.

#LIFELESSON – 2 - Be Authentic

Staying true to oneself is not just a mantra, but a survival strategy in the throes of life's challenges. As the founder of a charity, I've learned that authenticity is my greatest asset, even if it means not pleasing everyone. For years, I tried to mould myself to the expectations of others, constantly adjusting to make people feel a certain way—a necessity in a role I often joke as being a 'glorified beggar.' However, the reality of living under the microscope of public opinion, especially in a male-dominated sphere, is that feedback can be bewilderingly contradictory: too bold, yet not confident enough; too direct, yet too humble. The turning point came when I recognized that trying to satisfy these conflicting voices would lead nowhere. We need to embrace who we are. This journey has taught me a crucial lesson: growth and adaptation are essential, but they must never come at the cost of losing our core values. We are all uniquely crafted, and it is by leveraging our inherent traits that we can make the most substantial impact.

#LIFELESSON – 3 – Every relationship matters

In the intricate web of life, every relationship holds potential, from fleeting encounters to deep connections. At Sparkle, our success is deeply rooted in a simple, powerful practice: kindness. Every person, whether a cleaner or a close friend, is treated with respect and dignity. This ethos has built a supportive community around our mission.

We reinforce this every day with a policy: no email goes unanswered for more than 48 hours. This isn’t just about efficiency—it’s a commitment to making everyone feel valued and integral to our work. By nurturing every relationship and ensuring constant communication, we create an environment where everyone knows they matter.

For those looking to make a difference, remember: the strength of your mission lies in the strength of your relationships. Treat every interaction as an opportunity to sow kindness and respect, and watch as these seeds grow into a supportive network that can propel any vision into reality.