$240 / month
Start free, decide later
I coach people to become indispensable teammates and leaders, by focusing on how to thrive with others. I help with strategic planning to build social capital, navigate difficult teams, improve confidence, and succeed in ambiguity. My approach is support and goal-oriented.
About you:
You might be one or more of the following:
1) New to a role: I will help create a plan to keep you on track with quick wins while focusing on long-term success.
2) New lead / manager / director: What got you to this point will likely not be what you need now. We can work through a plan for you to be successful in your new role.
3) UX researcher: I am happy to help with any stage of your career.
4) Career pivots: Find how to transfer your skills and interests towards a new path
About me:
I stepped away from big tech (Google, Microsoft) after 10+ years to focus on helping people. I do this via career and executive coaching, and community organizing.
At Google, I was Head of Research for hardware and platform teams. I built UXR teams from scratch, hired extensively, inherited teams, and led leaders. I was a member of the cross-functional leadership team, focused on shipping risky V1 products. My leadership scores from the team I led were the highest in the 500+ person engineering department.
After I gave notice at Google, the GM of my org asked to keep me on for 6 months, to consult the leadership team on functioning more effectively.
I've worked in video games, hardware, software, services, edtech, and independent consulting.
I hold a PhD from Stanford focused on learning in online communities; my undergrad work at UCLA was in cognitive science. I've completed 60 hours of training through the Center for Executive Coaching, and have a certificate in career coaching.
I've mentored / coached people on:
- Increasing confidence and visibility on a team
- Working with difficult people
- Return from parental leave
- Dealing with overwhelm
- Figuring out UXR AI workflows
- Stepping outside of traditional work roles
- Interview prep
- Career plans
- Hiring and firing
- Career pivots
- Research plans, analysis and impact
- Thriving in ambiguity
Please reach out to start your free trial, to see if there's a fit! I'm happy to answer any questions.
You tell Sarah your goals. They see exactly what you want to work on before session one.
You meet within days. Sarah reviews your application and books your first session, usually within a day or two.
You leave with a plan. Concrete next steps and a weekly rhythm from your very first week.
Sarah Walter
Career & Executive Coach | ex- Head of UXR | Social Science PhD at ex-Google; ex-Microsoft
Enter your email and we'll let you know when Sarah has open spots. You'll also get a link to manage your wishlist – no account needed.
Book a free intro call with Sarah
Connect with Sarah in a quick call (usually 15-20 minutes)
One-off sessions with Sarah
One-off sessions are a great option if you're looking for specific advice on a certain topic.
Your resume often decides whether you get the interview or get overlooked. This MentorCruise session is designed to help you strengthen your resume so it …
Interview preparation is about showing up with clarity, confidence, and a strong sense of how to present your experience. This MentorCruise session is designed to …
Whatever doesn't fit the mold: Get a full hour with a mentor to discuss your needs. Be it help with coding something, deciding on a …
What's included in the trial?
Every trial is a little different–here's what Sarah says about their trial:
We'll meet for a quick call (usually under 30 minutes) where we:
- Break the ice and introduce ourselves
- Discuss your goals and how I can support you
- Coordinate logistics like time zones, meeting frequency, and communication methods
