In this inspiring episode, host Demi-Lin sits down with Sarah Waller— an executive in the chemical industry —for a heartfelt conversation about navigating career transitions, showing up authentically, and embracing risk.

From humble beginnings in Southwest Virginia to executive leadership and entrepreneurship, Sarah shares the habits, mindset, and lessons that have shaped her personal and professional evolution.

In this episode, we explore:

• Sarah’s journey from mechanical engineer to executive and entrepreneur

• Why she believes authenticity is a cornerstone of leadership

• Her early struggles trying to fit into traditional leadership molds—and how she broke free

• The power of “daring assignments” to grow self-confidence and career momentum

• How mindfulness and self-leadership have become her secret weapons

• A refreshing mindset shift: why feeling stuck might be a good sign

• Why Sarah believes embodying the role you want is more powerful than chasing it

• Her take on failure, self-compassion, and the balance between ambition and peace

• The story behind her yoga certification—and how it symbolizes her love for growth

• The importance of building diverse and complementary teams

  
  

Connect with Sarah:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahcupertino/

Executive Leader | Sales & Growth Strategist | Senior B2B Executive | Advisor

Sarah Waller is a global executive leader with a track record of driving revenue growth, leading large P&Ls, and transforming businesses. With a background spanning operations, sales, and innovation, she brings a unique perspective on how businesses can scale effectively while staying agile in competitive markets.

Sarah began her career in operations and engineering before transitioning into commercial leadership and strategy, where she led global teams through high-impact transformations. As a senior executive, she has successfully turned around operations, built high-performing sales organizations, led complex go-to-market strategies, and spearheaded innovation initiatives to drive sustainable growth.

She is passionate about turning great products into real, scalable revenue by aligning teams around a shared vision, strengthening customer relationships, and leading with authenticity and purpose. She believes the best strategies put the customer at the center, creating clarity, connection, and real value across the organization.

Connect with Demi:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/demi-lin/

Our guest today is the incredible Laura Meyer—a dynamic entrepreneur, growth strategist, and relationship-building expert. Laura and I first met in an unexpected yet fitting place: the tennis court, where we faced off in a friendly but competitive match. That game wasn’t just about the sport—it was the start of a meaningful connection, sparked by shared snacks and built on shared values of strategy, resilience, and continuous growth.

With over two decades of experience, Laura has successfully scaled multiple businesses, both online and offline. She’s also a seasoned podcaster and the author of the highly acclaimed book Win-Win, where she unpacks the power of strategic relationships in business growth. Her insights help entrepreneurs and business leaders cultivate mutually beneficial partnerships that drive lasting success.

In our conversation, Laura opened up about the different phases of her entrepreneurial journey, the importance of building authentic relationships, and the abundance mindset that fuels sustainable success. She also shared her unique approach to balancing health and wellness, particularly the role of mental well-being in an entrepreneurial lifestyle—something I truly admire.

This was such a valuable and inspiring conversation, and I can’t wait for you to hear it. So, without further ado, let’s dive in!

Connect with Laura:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-meyer-cr...

Connect with Demi:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/demi-lin/

Welcome to today’s episode! I’m thrilled to have Cyronne Counts joining us—a dynamic professional whose career journey is nothing short of inspiring. Cyronne and I first crossed paths when we worked together on a marketing research project for a growth technology platform that I was leading at my previous employer. I was immediately struck by the depth and quality of her work, and it was clear that she brought a unique perspective and dedication to everything she did. That initial collaboration was the start of a meaningful connection, and I’m so excited to share her story with you today.

Cyronne’s career is a testament to the power of reinvention and the courage to step outside of comfort zones. She has navigated a fascinating path—from engineering to business, and to the non-profit sector—each transition driven by a deep sense of purpose and faith. Along the way, she’s also embraced entrepreneurship, a chapter of her life that I’m eager to explore with her. Her insights on taking risks and embracing change are truly empowering. As Cyronne puts it, “You can’t be afraid to reinvent yourself. Every experience you have takes something with you.”

But Cyronne’s story isn’t just about professional growth—it’s also about the importance of self-care and creating spaces that nurture your well-being. She’ll share how she’s transformed her home into her favorite place, a sanctuary that reflects her values and supports her journey. For Cyronne, comfort zones can be deceptive, and true growth often lies just beyond them.

So, whether you’re contemplating a career pivot, seeking inspiration to take that next big leap, or simply looking for ways to prioritize self-care in your own life, this conversation is for you. Let’s dive into Cyronne’s incredible journey and uncover the lessons she’s learned along the way.

Welcome, Cyronne—we’re so glad to have you here!

Connect with Cyronne:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/cyronne-counts-1315018/

Connect with Demi:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/demi-lin/