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OWNER & CHIEF GROWTH PARTNER

Sarah Ward, CLF®

Meet Sarah Ward, the dynamic co-founder of Empire Growth Partners. With over 20 years of experience in Executive Leadership Coaching and helping Fortune 500 companies craft sustainable growth strategies, Sarah is a driving force in guiding these firms towards making the right talent choices.

Sarah's commitment to her clients is unmatched, delivering top-tier concierge service fueled by her unwavering passion for nurturing growth through meticulous planning, effective training, and empowering coaching. As a co-founder, she excels in empowering individuals and teams to maximize their productive potential. Her expertise lies in propelling growth through strategic insights, leadership development, and impeccable execution.

Prior to co-founding EGP, Sarah held various positions within Northwestern Mutual, one of Fortune’s Most Admired Financial Planning Companies. As the Director of Development, Sarah served in many capacities: recruiting, hiring, training and professional development of all new full-time advisors, as well as leading a team of financial advisor interns. Sarah advised and coached teams for 10-years as Director of Development. During Sarah's time with Northwestern Mutual's corporate office (Milwaukee, WI), as the Growth Consultant of the Internship Program for the entire country, she partnered with executive leadership to transition Internship Programs into Business Units. Additionally, Sarah partnered with field leadership to develop a national leadership program, and a national training program.

Sarah's unique background, encompassing both field and corporate experience, allows EGP to offer clients a distinct perspective. She earned her BS degree in business administration-public management and held licenses in NYS Life, Accident, and Health, along with Series 6 and Series 63 certifications. Her impressive credentials include the Chartered Leadership Fellowship (CLF®), Master Coaching, and Master Trainer certifications.

An Empire State native, Sarah enjoys spending time with her family in upstate NY. Sarah and her husband, Dylan (who she recruited into the business), reside in sunny St. Petersburg, FL. After many years in upstate NY, and Milwaukee, WI, they decided it was time to trade the snow and cold for fun in the sun. During her downtime, Sarah revels in leisurely summer weekends at her families Lake Ontario cottage, dabbles in drumming, and plays the tourist with Dylan along the Gulf Coast.

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Testimonials

What It’s Like Working With Us

"The training program provided by Empire Growth Partners covered the right materials at the right time. It also did a great job of having more training content in the first half, and then slowly transitioning more of my time toward the actual duties of my position. I feel well-equipped to take on the responsibilities of my position, and I also have a strong passion for the important of my role!"

Maggie Laurence - MISHAWAKA, IN

"Empire Growth Partners provided a very helpful outline of a structured process to get our team on the same page. It was easy to follow and implement in our various offices. It was great to get the team together to learn and commit."

Kaitlyn Stott - PITTSBURGH, PA

"Empire Growth Partners provides 1x1 coaching as well as they go above and beyond to help the whole team out. Our firm has had success when implementing all of the recommendations that EGP offers. The team all of different strengths provides you with multiple opportunities to utilize different specialties."

Kim Hargis - CHICAGO, IL

"Empire Growth Partners always has new ideas they work so well together to stay on the same page, and they are super quick to respond in times of need!"

Emily Dock - MEMPHIS, TN

"Empire Growth Partners is a huge asset to our organization. They have helped on-board and train new recruiters, enhanced leadership’s understanding of the activity required to achieve acquisition goals, provided resources to enrich our college internship program, and connected us to resources to improve our new representative development. Empire Growth Partners is a true partner in our success. And any organization would be well served by their passion and commitment to their clients."

Helen Jardine - ST. LOUIS, MO

“Empire Growth Partners added enormous value to our organization through their thoughtful, professional, and dedicated efforts. I would highly recommend them to any teams looking to revitalize their focus.”

Jenna Murphy - San Diego, CA

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