Navigating Feedback: Sara Bartlett on Giving and Receiving (MDE590)

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Sara Ismail-Beigi Bartlett, a dynamic HR consultant and executive coach based in Cleveland. We kicked off our conversation with a light-hearted introduction to Sara, who shared insights into her life as a mother and her professional journey. Sara's path to HR and leadership training was anything but linear, beginning with an unexpected pivot from mechanical engineering to organisational behaviour during her college years. This shift was sparked by a fascination with how organisations motivate and inspire their teams.We delved into the complexities of change management, exploring how Sara's background in organisational behaviour informs her approach to helping companies navigate transformation. She emphasised the importance of understanding the psychological aspects of change and the need for organisations to genuinely care about their people to facilitate meaningful progress.Our discussion also touched on the challenges of giving and receiving feedback, a central theme of Sara's podcast, "Can I Offer You Some Feedback?" Sara shared her insights on the nuances of feedback, the role of trust, and the impact of personal biases. It was a thought-provoking conversation that highlighted the intricacies of human interaction in professional settings.