Sarah Grigsby tells us all about her journey, from a cancer diagnosis at 15 to leaving her corporate job to start her business.
We love entrepreneurs and small business owners at Honeycombers, which is why we’ve created Launchpad, a comprehensive digital networking platform (with IRL benefits, too) that encourages connection, business support and community. It’s a privilege and pleasure to learn from so many talented and inspiring folks, so we’ve decided to share the love by interviewing some of the lovely Launchpad members. Looking for inspiration? Check out how Sarah Grigsby, the founder of Cultivating Wholeness, gets it done like a boss.
What is your backstory and why did you decide to launch your business?
The pandemic was a turning point of reflection on what’s important and the impact I wanted to have in the world. Driven by a combined passion for personal and organisational transformation and nature, I left my corporate consulting job in enterprise transformation to start Cultivating Wholeness in mid-2021. I wanted to support leaders and their businesses in their transition toward a sustainable, regenerative and prosperous future that aligns the planet, people and profit.
However, my origin story started when I was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 15. This pivotal event seeded the fundamental questioning that propelled me on a journey of exploring the meaning and purpose of life, what it means to be human, and healing on all levels – physical, emotional and even spiritual. In some ways, that was reflected in my career choices. The thread weaving all that was, at its heart, people and relationships. Alleviating frustration, empowering others towards possibilities, humanising the workplace, and tapping into their unique and collective gifts to live their fullest potential. Yet for me, the bigger picture of why lacked meaning and purpose.
Our planet is on its last straw. Although it’s the best time to be alive, it won’t be that way for the generations to come. As a collective, the race for profit and continuous growth over the last few centuries have had a more damaging impact on our environment than our entire human existence on Earth. I believe that leaders and their teams can pivot their businesses to be profitable and a force for good. Business is part of the solution, but we need to go back to the drawing board and break down old ways of doing to bring in this new prosperous reality. That’s where Cultivating Wholeness comes in.
What has been your biggest challenge so far and how did you overcome it?
One of the biggest challenges for me is facing my own limiting beliefs. Entrepreneurship is one of the most developmental paths since you often get in your own way. It’s been a great gift to face and overcome my insecurities.
What helped me the most was my life partner, Ling, whose belief and encouragement were monumental in giving me the courage to take the leap and overcome my fears. Also, my coach helped me unpack and move through the fears into impactful action. Being in a community of like-minded people who are already on the journey or just starting out offers uplifting peer support that helps us all reach for the stars, too.
How do you stay motivated and energised?
It’s the reminder of why I chose this path, seeing the spark of life and possibilities in my clients’ eyes as they transition and become inspirational success stories that create waves in their industry.
How do you keep stress levels low?
Connecting and going out in nature. I love to marvel at the intelligence and magic of its millions of years of evolution. Dancing is also a great form of expression that helps me connect with my body and the intelligence it holds. Daily breathing exercises are often part of rituals that start or end the day, too. They keep me focused and clear-headed on my purpose and vision.
Cooking is a moment for me to decompress. It’s also the greatest sign of love for yourself; a fundamental form of nourishment. It’s food for the soul. Plus, bonding with the community, because who doesn’t like a venting session?
Favourite places to work?
Depending on my mood, I either work in a quaint neighbourhood cafe, in nature, or at one of The Great Room locations in Singapore.
Can you share a work mantra that you use?
Follow what’s alive and what makes you feel alive. Focus on the next step; the path with unfold before you.
One thing you can keep talking about for hours?
The nature of humans and the intelligence of nature. How magical and awesome we are, and the incredibly complex ecosystem we are a part of.
Your go-to self-care activity?
Connecting with nature and meditation.
One piece of advice to your younger self?
Life comes through you, not at you. So dance your heart out and trust yourself to shine, and the path of your journey with unfold in front of you.
Get in touch with Sarah Grigsby online.
Launchpad is a comprehensive digital networking platform (with IRL benefits, too) that encourages connection, business support and community. It is designed to make the entrepreneurial journey not only easier, and more successful, but also a whole lot more fun. We offer almost daily activities for members to connect, along with weekly masterclasses, member networking roulette, small-business mentoring and media profiles on Honeycombers. Check it out and join us!
