She's grown to the highest ranks of corporate ladders by being the most candid person in the room. Join us as we chat with Sarah Hofstetter, Chairwoman of 360i, on candor, kosher eats, and finding your "superpower."
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STANCE // Sarah Hofstetter
1. Creator. Motivator. Leader.
B I G F I S H P R E S E N T A T I O N S . C O M
Interview Series
Getting Candid with
Sarah Hofstetter
2. Sarah Hofstetter is Chairwoman of 360i, a top
advertising agency in the U.S. that has helped its clients
capitalize on industry changes. During her 13-year
tenure, including five years as CEO, Sarah has led the
creation of best in class practices across creative,
media and digital. Under Sarah’s stewardship, 360i has
been named Adweek’s Breakthrough Media Agency of
the Year and featured in Ad Age’s coveted A-List issue
for eight consecutive years.
“I need critique in order to be
better. If you’re giving Me advice,
no matter your position or
standing, i’ll consider it.”
3. The world’s greatest presenters and where they stand,
on and off the stage.
(noun) /stans/
the attitude of a person or organization toward something; a
standpoint.
5. Not long ago, I switched jobs (from CEO to
Chairwoman.) When we were trying to explain to
our employees what that meant, we came up
with this: Sarah has certain superpowers that we
don’t want to lose, so we want to make sure
Sarah’s job leans into her superpowers.
Ask yourself the question:
What is my superpower?
Answer:
“The pirvots in my career were
derivative of curiousity.”
6. You’ve frequently stated that you
turned your vulnerability into an
asset. what Does that mean to you
and how can it help others?
Question:
7. Answer:
“You have to have a really
good answer for why this
is holding me back.”
You have to look at the things that are
holding you back and either blame them
or turn them. It’s a face check, because it
makes you think about how bad you
actually want it.
On the other hand, it exposes people to
your values and then opens you up to
theirs.
9. “Candor. It’s different from
transparency and honesty. ”
I believe in getting to the point and saying what you
have to say; that way there is no misunderstanding.
Too often in this world, there is misunderstanding in
conversations because people think they can outsmart
others by talking in weird jargon. I think candor is
essential to clearing the air in those situations.
Answer:
11. In some cases, my candor is delivered harshly.
However, I do think that candor as a value is so
critical.
Extra Thought:
Candor is most important with your kids. For
instance, I don’t believe in telling your kids they’re
smart. You can be the smartest kid in the world, but
what are you going to do with that knowledge if you
have no grit and determination to accompany it?
Kids can be super bright, but what if they are raised
to believe they are so bright that they don’t have to
work because of it? The world will blow smoke at
them, so it’s your job as a parent to be a reflection
of what the real world looks like.
Answer:
Candor.
12. What is some leadership advice you
wish you would have ignored?
Question:
13. “People telling me I
couldn’t do it.”
I like surprising people. For instance, if I went
back to my highschool teachers, I was
definitely not voted most likely to succeed.
When I became CEO, I was only 38, so I didn't
look the part. People casted doubt on me for
various reasons, but I got the job fair and
square.
Answer:
14. Question:
What have you learned in the past
couple of years that’s impacted
the way You approach Life?
15. I just found out they recorded some of their
stories from that time and I discovered
those tapes. It completely gave me a
different perspective of life and a greater
appreciation for my religion and everything
I’ve been blessed with.
Answer:
“My grandparents are holocaust
survivors and never spoke of what
happened.”