Sarah Lindemuth, Researcher at Meshsem, Inc.

What’s an accomplishment you’re really proud of, that maybe you didn’t receive recognition for?

I’m cautious to say it out loud, but building a business through COVID that allows me to do what I envisioned. I’m not a big social media sharer (I can feel the looks from the Pyper team), so the people who know what I am working on are typically my clients and friends who ask. My goal was not to be front and center but to become a go-to for organizations who are doing big things and need the data or translation of the data to magnify and share what they are accomplishing—whether to catch the eye of funders, other businesses, developers, to make a case for grants, etc. I am proud of the work I have had the opportunity to do over the past seven years and of the reputation I have built albeit under the radar…and that’s okay with me.  

Who is a woman who inspires you?

I’d like to shift tis into a group of women who inspire me. Around 2012, I joined a group called Ekhos. Meetings were based in Tampa, but members were from all over the Tampa Bay area and represented all different industries. We had dinners where we each went around to share highs and lows. Quarterly gatherings brought in a speaker followed by small table breakouts with question prompts to feed the discussion. I have never felt more seen and supported than I did during the eight years I was involved. These were not networking meetings; they were hours of soul-enriching conversations. Many of these members now hold high profile positions in Tampa Bay and it always makes my heart happy to see one announce a major life event. That’s what makes efforts like this SO important.

What's the single decision that had the greatest impacton your professional success?

Pretty early in my career, I was given the option to apply for Leadership Tampa Bay. I completed the program and immediately “got it.” Before that point I was regularly attending networking events, but as an introvert who doesn’t love transactional interactions, I got to see what it looks like to build a professional network rooted in deeper connection. I stayed involved with the group and four years later was on the committee to name the next chair. Someone I admired very much commented that they believed the next chair was in the room and so I looked around only to see that they were making direct eye contact with me. I thought about it and realized what a great personal and professional opportunity it would be. I said yes and I think that sequence of events has had the greatest impact on my path ever since.

Who championed you early in your career, and how did they change your trajectory?

I have been so fortunate to meet and connect with wonderful people over the years. Early on, peers from leadership programs were unbelievably supportive and opened my eyes to opportunities for involvement and engagement. These are not just women—though connecting with female entrepreneurs has been very impactful. After I started consulting, I naturally wondered if this was the right decision and would work out. I remember sitting in the conference room with one of my first clients (a man) reviewing a report. He threw down the paper and looked at me and said, “Sarah, this is amazing. It makes me so proud of what we do.” For whatever reason, I really needed to hear that, to confirm that the vision was taking shape. I work to remain proud and make my clients proud of what we do together.

Do you have any advice for emerging female professionals early in their careers?

Take a close look at who you surround yourself with and pay close attention to constructive criticism to ensure it really is intended to be constructive. Get involved in groups, professional organizations and leadership programs; but do all that with an awareness of how the organizations and people make you feel. Just because a group is oriented towards your industry, your age or your gender, doesn’t mean it will be where you find your people. Find your people!