Turn Everyday Conversations
Into a Career Breakthrough
Get my free guide: Top 5 Networking Secrets for Parties— and learn how to turn everyday conversations into real career momentum (without feeling awkward or salesy).
Story Time. 😁
A few years ago, I attended a holiday party for my husband’s company.
A senior leader came up, introduced himself, and asked my name and role. I replied,
The moment he realized I wasn’t an employee, he literally turned around and walked away.
Rude, but whatever, I didn’t think much of it… until about 45 minutes later.
I was chatting with another colleague I’d met before when she casually asked,
That same leader was standing nearby and overheard.
He immediately walked over, shoved his phone in my face, and said:
“My client's son wants to work at McKinsey. If I can help this kid get a job, I’ll probably win more business.
Can I tell the client I have an in? Can I send his son your contact info for a call?”
No small talk. No context. No relationship.
My response? “Uh… hi again. And no thanks, you cannot.”
Because here’s the truth: we can all feel the difference between genuine connection 🤗 and transactional networking🤢.
And social gatherings? They are one of the most powerful - and underestimated - places where future opportunities quietly begin.
They can lead to:
• Relationships that unlock incredible job opportunities
When you approach conversations with curiosity, generosity, and intention, the payoff is often far bigger than you expect.
That’s why I created my free guide: Top 5 Networking Secrets for Parties
It’s a practical, proven playbook to help you build relationships in casual settings that genuinely support your future...without feeling awkward or salesy.
Want to be remembered for the right reasons? Sign up below and I’ll send it straight to your inbox.
You deserve a career that
feels as good as it looks on paper
Your resume is exceptional, but underneath that shiny surface, you’re struggling.
Imagine how great it would feel to achieve your big goals without losing yourself in the process.
To thrive towards your own definition of success, instead of chasing “shoulds” that no longer fit.
Through a powerful combination of executive coaching, mindset work, and practical strategy, SBC Executive coaching helps clients reconnect with their intuition, redefine what success means, and
make bold, aligned career moves with clarity and conviction.
Meet the Founder: SBC Executive Coaching, LLC
Hi, I’m Sarah Baker Coombs! I’m an International Coaching Federation (ICF)-accredited executive coach who helps high achievers design careers—and lives—that feel as good as they look on paper.
Before becoming a coach, I spent years in high-performance environments like McKinsey & Company, Duke University, and Emory University. I know firsthand what it’s like to chase success at full speed—and I also know what it’s like to hit burnout and finally pause to wonder, “Is this what I actually want for my life?”
My own turning point came during the pandemic, when life and career milestones all collided at once. Suddenly, the version of “success” I’d built my life around no longer made sense. That season pushed me to redefine success on my own terms—trading perfection and pressure for clarity and purpose.
Since then, I’ve supported ambitious professionals and leaders across industries as they navigate career transitions, leadership growth, and life changes. My clients come to me ready to create sustainable success—on their terms—and to align their ambition with fulfillment.
As your coach, I’ll be both your mirror and your guide: helping you untangle the pressures of achievement, reconnect with what truly matters, and design a version of success that feels deeply fulfilling and uniquely yours.
Let’s connect and explore how you too can create a career and life that not only look good on paper—but feel good, too.
Education & Certifications
Emory University - Goizueta Business School, MBA
Duke University, BA
International Coaching Federation, ACC Accreditation
Emory University - Goizueta Business School, Advanced Executive Coaching Certificate
Professional Highlights
Founder & CEO - SBC Executive Coaching
Senior Recruiter & Executive Coach – McKinsey & Company
Director of Alumni Career Services – Emory University
Head Novice Rowing Coach- Emory University
Division 1 Athlete, Women’s Rowing – Duke University
Executive Board Member- Partnership for Appalachian Girls’ Education
Career Transition Coach- The Honor Foundation
