Sarah Harris, head of marketing at Guardian Angel Carers, shares what inspires and drives her, her regrets and moments of pride
Franchising, at its core, has a relationship between franchisor and franchisees of mutual interdependence and reliance. To thrive, there must be a cooperative relationship built on trust and bound together by common goals and mutual interests.
Sarah Harris, head of marketing at Guardian Angel Carers (GCA), shares what inspires and drives her, her regrets and moments of great pride.
Business inspiration
I love business audiobooks, my all-time top five:
• Alchemy, Rory Sutherland
• Start with Why, Simon Sinek
• Tipping Point, Malcolm Gladwell
• The Choice Factory, Richard Shottton
• Everybody Writes, Ann Handley.
Drivers
When I became a mum, I reset my thinking to help me gain a better work-life balance. I reclassified my kids as my clients. So yes, I need to earn money to keep them in trainers, Lego, and yoyos (they are seriously retro) but I also need to do work that gives me time with them.
I need a role that keeps me inspired, where I can grow and come home buzzing, interested and interesting. I need to set an example. I believe hard work beats talent. My mantra, try new things, ski the mountain, surf the wave, take the opportunity, always say yes.
Regrets
Saying no to opportunities when I was younger – too scared, wanting to fit it, wanting (and failing) to be cool.
Proudest moments…
in life
As a mum, school reports that say that not only do my children try hard and join in, but they are both kind and thoughtful.
at work
Persuading a client to refurbish a delipidated playground in a deprived area near one of their factories. In the days before ESG or CSR was on the minds and bottom lines of corporates, this was the purpose before the bandwagon. We put a lot of smiles on a lot of small faces and won an industry award.
Role at GAC franchise
My role is to develop a coherent, exciting marketing strategy and measurable plans to help drive growth for our franchisees and our core branches, attracting new clients, promoting the brand to potential recruits. I love data and copywriting – and thankfully have a team who are brilliantly creative and visual.
