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Lead with Heart, Grow with Intention – Career Lessons from Sarah Watts

Love your career podcast • Published on April 21

Lead with Heart, Grow with Intention – Career Lessons from Sarah Watts

Building a successful career is about more than ambition—it’s about values, consistency, and making people feel seen. Sarah Watts, CEO of Alliance Leisure, has built her leadership reputation by doing exactly that. From her early days in customer service to leading a company responsible for developing over 300 leisure facilities, Sarah’s career is rooted in humility, clarity, and care.

On the Love Your Career Podcast, hosted by Lawrence Everest, Sarah shared her thoughts on leadership, progression, and building a business that prioritises people over hierarchy. For those navigating careers in the fitness and leisure sector, her story offers a timely reminder: the best leaders don’t lead for recognition—they lead because they care.

1. Progression Comes from Patience and Purpose

Sarah didn’t chase job titles or promotions—she focused on doing her job well and building relationships. Over time, that consistency laid the foundation for growth.

“It takes two years to get into a new role properly and really start to deliver. We need to be patient with ourselves and with others.”

She encourages job seekers to focus less on racing to the top and more on becoming truly effective where they are. That, she says, is what leads to long-term progression.

For professionals starting out or pivoting into new roles, Sarah’s advice is a refreshing alternative to hustle culture: slow down, settle in, and focus on impact over image.

2. Culture Isn’t a Perk—It’s the Priority

At Alliance Leisure, culture isn’t just something that happens—it’s something that’s built intentionally. Sarah places immense importance on hiring for values over CVs and prioritising fit over flair.

“We can teach skills, but we can’t teach attitude. We look for people who are honest, open, enthusiastic, and kind.”

That same ethos informs everything from bonus structures (which are shared across the entire team) to company events (which include everyone, regardless of job title). The result? A business where people feel like they belong.

For job seekers, this is a powerful reminder to seek out organisations where culture is lived, not just spoken about.

3. Take Opportunities, But Don’t Force Them

Sarah’s career evolved naturally. She took on new responsibilities when they made sense, not just when they were offered.

“If the company needs something, and I can do it, I’ll put my hand up. But I’ve never been someone who’s looked for the next title.”

She encourages others to think the same way. Don’t chase progression for its own sake—look for roles that align with your strengths and offer space for growth.

And when the time does come to step up, make sure you’ve truly earned the right to be there by delivering consistently over time.

4. Confidence Comes from Curiosity

When asked how people can stand out and move forward in their careers, Sarah’s answer is simple: be curious.

“Ask questions. Listen. Learn. You don’t need to know everything—you just need to show that you want to.”

Rather than faking confidence, Sarah believes real confidence is built by engaging deeply with your role and being open to growth. That attitude, she says, is far more powerful than pretending you have all the answers.

For job seekers and early career professionals, this is key: you don’t have to have it all figured out. You just need to care enough to learn.

5. Leading Means Lifting People Up

As a CEO, Sarah leads by example. She’s present, approachable, and believes in the power of supporting people to be their best.

“We’re all in this together. Everyone at Alliance has something to teach, and something to learn.”

She doesn’t believe in hierarchy for the sake of it. She believes in shared ownership, mutual respect, and collective success.

For those looking to lead, Sarah’s style is a blueprint: make people feel safe, give them space to grow, and never forget where you started.

Final Thought: Be Real, Be Consistent, and Value the People Around You

Sarah Watts’ journey is proof that you don’t need to be loud to lead. You need to be clear, kind, and consistent. She’s built her career by staying true to her values, surrounding herself with the right people, and focusing on long-term impact rather than quick wins.

Whether you’re just starting out or preparing for your next leadership step, Sarah’s advice is a steady guide: lead with heart, work with intention, and build a culture that others want to be part of.