Sarah Lloyd is a cheerleader for the Divine Feminine. And also an award winning PR expert, author, writer, radio show host and mum of two. In the media and PR business for 25 years, Sarah quit her global corporate role in 2017, in a bid to be a master of her own destiny, follow her passions and to bring a better balance to life. ISPR was created and now serves entrepreneurs & authors, mind, body & spirit brands, innovative technology and health & wellbeing businesses.
Thank you for interviewing with us today, can you introduce yourself to us?
Hi, and thank you for having me. My name is Sarah Lloyd, I am the founder of IndigoSoulPR, I am passionate about supporting and promoting female entrepreneurs, wellbeing festivals, authors and innovative brands.
Can you take us through your journey to where you are now?
I fell into PR around 25 years ago. I had quit my secretarial role at a Medical Center and was temping. I landed a role in the Communications Dept for a major Defence contractor and that was that. Communications and PR was my thing, and over the years I worked both corporate roles and agency side, reaching Global Head of Thoughtleadership Campaigns for a major tech company around 7 years ago. It was at that point a new boss started in the US, and they were going through a major restructure. So, I was given an alternative stay or go. I had at that point come out the other side of two pregnancies, a PND diagnosis and was suffering vertigo and chronic back pain. 6 months prior to that I had taken myself off on a women’s retreat and it was that experience that made me realize, I could live a very different life – it also luckily coincided with my girls beginning school. So, I left the job and decided to set up on my own. I freelanced for some major corporates and agencies but after the pandemic I went all in on my business.
Since starting, have you made any changes to your business model?
When I first began my business, I was working part time as a contractor for a corporate firm. Which worked for a while – as I only had a handful of ‘Done for You” clients, then my business started to shout a little louder. So, when my contract came to an end, I was able to launch a membership and offer 121 Done for You PR services to more businesses.
I am luckily enough to sit in some communities – and work closely with a publishing company – who I have tailored offers for; which has supported the growth of my business.
Have you ever had a mentor? If so how has this benefitted you either personally or professionally?
Yes, I have invested in a business coach in the past; I also am lucky to call some of my collaborations my friends, and mentors. It’s benefitted in two ways. When I have invested in a coach, mostly I see things I don’t want to replicate in my business or life. But secondly, I’ve appreciated having someone to bounce thoughts and ideas off of. Which has helped me refine offers or remember how important self-care is!
What outlets do use for marketing?
I tend to use Convertkit to send out marketing newsletters which can be quite sporadic! I also use Facebook, Instagram and Linked in. I guess I have always focused heavily on PR as that is what is familiar to me!
What or Who has inspired you most recently?
I am very inspired by the growth of womens circles and memberships. I am honoured to be a part of several spaces and the womens holding those spaces are so inspiring!
What is the best piece of business advice you have received to date?
First thought best thought – this wisdom was shared by my friend and client Carolyn Creel – a hugely successful business woman and intuitive.
One thing I have found, certainly since becoming a mum and a master of own – it is all about trusting your inner compass and intuition. For example, if the client feels off, they are likely to be difficult or hard going. I am all about working with people who I vibe with and am passionate about – after all I have to promote them – it needs to be second nature for me, or it just doesn’t work!
How do you create an evenly balanced work and personal life?
I created a rule when I set up my business. Split life into thirds. A third of my time is allocated to my family and kids; a third of time is spent on business and a third of my time is dedicated to me and my self-care. The third that normally suffers, but is most important is the third spent on me – but that’s something I am constantly working on!
Name a seminal point in your career so far?
Probably when I was offered redundancy. I didn’t fear it, I was ready to take the leap; and whilst I have had moments in the past 6 years as I have grown my business, I still check in with myself to see if this path is the one I want to stay on.
What gives you ultimate career satisfaction?
I love to see women shine. My favourite thing is helping women fall in love with their story, so they know they can share it without fear or ridicule. I love seeing them on the TV or in magazines inspiring other women.
Are there any leading entrepreneurs or SME leaders that you admire and if so, why?
So many entreprenuers… love what Gayle Berry does – leading from a space of love; my business bestie Nicola Humber and the Unbound Press is a force; and again love all the authors who share their unedited stories. I think any woman who is driven enough to create a community where you are raised up and celebrated; is to be admired and celebrated.
How do you define your own success?
Success is when I can go to bed at night not worrying about ‘work’. Success is when I can pick my girls up from school and be fully present. Success has been being able to buy my long-coveted Campervan. Success is cancelling meetings in favor of self-care. Success is sitting in circle with amazing and inspiring women and helping them widen their spaces using my skills.
Finally, what can we expect from you next?
Well, I have launched my new PR Circle membership – a space where women are held, as they learn how to amplify their stories in a way that feels good. I am also contemplating resurrecting my Mother Speaks podcast; and I am planning a Womens Empowerment Festival in the South on behalf of ProspHer next April.
indigosoulpr.com
sarahlloyd_ispr – Instagram
https://www.facebook.com/IndigosoulPR
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-lloyd-indigosoulpr/
