Sara Schairer

Compassion Expert, Author, and TEDx Speaker, San Diego, CA, USA

What would happen if we “Compassion It” as often as we “Google It”?

Meet Sara - The Full Human Being

Renowned for her deep listening ability, Sara's gentle yet powerful presence as a facilitator underscores her innate talent for creating an environment of trust and understanding. She advocates for a leadership style that balances vulnerability, humanity, and productivity - embodying the very traits they wish to nurture in their teams.

 Sara's dedication to making workspaces more loving and humane is not just a professional commitment; it's a reflection of her personal values and the joy she finds in human connection. Her nature has always inclined her towards open, heartfelt conversations, a quality that brings richness and depth to her work in cultivating compassionate leaders and teams. Sara’s friendliness and ease in connecting with people are both a wonderful personal trait and a professional tool.

Those who work with Sara not only benefit from her expertise in compassion and team building but also experience the warmth and humanity she brings to every interaction. Ready to explore how Sara can transform your team or organization? Connect with her to embark on a journey towards a more compassionate, human-centered workplace.

Transforming Workplaces with Compassion

Sara is a leader in cultivating compassionate workplaces. Her decade of expertise in self- and other-compassion, mindfulness, conflict resolution, and boundary setting are tools that she teaches and employs to strengthen the vital human muscle of compassion.

At the core of Sara's approach is a profound understanding that true transformation begins with compassion – for others and ourselves. Author of "A Case for Compassion" and a TEDx speaker, Sara advocates for shifting priorities towards people and provides a roadmap for reimagining systems through the lens of compassion.

Her work transcends typical boundaries, speaking directly to one's humanity and impacting diverse sectors from education to healthcare, and from for-profit to nonprofit, including technology and global communities. She is a beacon of transformative change, illuminating the path toward more humane, compassionate organizations. Interested in working with Sara? Reach out to her here.

Sara’s Story

Born and raised in the small, close-knit community of El Paso, Illinois, Sara's early life was shaped by the values and warmth of a small town. This nurturing environment laid the groundwork for her lifelong pursuit of compassion and community building. Her thirst for adventure and growth led her to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she embraced new experiences and broadened her horizons. Then, in her mid-20s, Sara chose the path less traveled: she and her then-partner quit their jobs, packed their lives into a Penske truck, and embarked on what was meant to be a temporary adventure in California. Little did she know, this leap of faith would anchor her in San Diego for over two decades, a place she now calls home with contentment and love.

Sara graduated from UNC Chapel Hill and entered the world of pharmaceutical sales. However, life had other plans. The tragic loss of her father in 2004, struck down by a sleepy driver while jogging, followed by an unexpected divorce, left Sara navigating intense personal suffering. These pivotal moments became the crucibles in which her dedication to compassion was forged. During these months of grief, her “compassion bug” was truly awakened. Sara realized the transformative power of compassion, not just as a personal mantra but as a tool for global change. Her journey of self-compassion and healing paralleled her burgeoning movement, Compassion It, leading her to Stanford University for a certification in Compassion in 2013.

Today, Sara feels more at home than ever: living in San Diego with her partner and daughter, dedicated to her passion and life calling. She continues to spread the message of compassion in every facet of her life. Sara’s story is not just a narrative of personal triumphs and challenges; it's a testament to the power of compassion in transforming lives and inspires us to embrace our humanity, to connect deeply with others, and to live a life enriched by compassion and understanding.

 Interested in learning more about Sara’s professional story? Connect with her on LinkedIn here.

Everything Else You Wish You Knew About Sara

Sara is a lover of life's simple pleasures—a well-crafted latte, a good podcast, and, of course, tacos. Whether it's a savory fish taco or a hearty veggie one, she finds joy in the flavors and the experience of a good meal. A former member of a pop-rock band, she once graced stages as the lead female vocalist. This experience, shared with five bandmates, was not just about the music; it was a journey of creativity and fun, adding another dimension to her multifaceted personality. And although it's been a while, her love for playing the guitar and singing remains a cherished part of her identity. Her story is a reminder that life is not just about what we do, but also about who we are and the simple things that bring us joy.

“I cannot recommend working with Sara enough. She's an amazing and powerful human, and a genuine pleasure to work with on all fronts! She really knows her stuff – I’ve learned more from her on compassion than any of the books I’ve read. Do yourself a favor and learn from Sara!”

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