Co-Founder of Amazing If, Chief Learning Officer, Sunday Times Bestselling Author of ‘The Squiggly Carrer’, Podcast Host & Career Development Expert
Sarah Ellis is the Co-founder of Amazing If, a leading career development company, and one of the UK’s most respected keynote speakers on learning, leadership and the future of work. As the co-creator of the widely recognised ‘Squiggly Careers’ concept, Sarah has helped redefine how individuals and organisations approach career progression. She is a Sunday Times bestselling author, podcast host, and trusted advisor to global brands, known for translating complex workplace challenges into practical, actionable insights that audiences can immediately apply.
Sarah began her career on the Business Management Leadership Scheme at Boots, building strong commercial foundations before progressing into roles at GlaxoSmithKline and Barclaycard. She then joined Barclays, where she held senior marketing and proposition roles, developing expertise in customer strategy and communications. Her career accelerated at Sainsbury’s, where she held multiple leadership positions including Head of Content, Head of PR, and Head of Corporate Responsibility and Society, before becoming Head of Marketing Strategy. These roles shaped her understanding of large-scale organisations, brand leadership and cultural transformation.
In 2013, Sarah co-founded Amazing If alongside Helen Tupper, turning a passion project into an award-winning business that now supports organisations worldwide. She later became Managing Director of Gravity Road, part of the You & Mr Jones group, further strengthening her leadership credentials in creative and digital transformation. Sarah is the co-author of three Sunday Times bestselling books: ‘The Squiggly Career’, ‘You Coach You’, and ‘Learn Like a Lobster’. She is also a Harvard Business Review contributor, a Fellow of the RSA, and currently serves on the Makers Advisory Board, in addition to holding non-executive roles focused on improving work and career opportunities.
Beyond her corporate and entrepreneurial work, Sarah is a highly influential voice in modern career development. She co-hosts the Squiggly Careers podcast, which has achieved over 5 million downloads, and regularly appears across major media platforms including the BBC and Women’s Hour. Her TEDx talk, ‘The Best Career Path Isn’t Always a Straight Line‘, has reached a global audience, reinforcing her reputation as a leading thinker on navigating uncertainty. Through her work, Sarah continues to empower individuals and organisations to embrace change, build resilience, and create meaningful, adaptable careers.
Why Hire Sarah Ellis?
Sarah Ellis is in high demand for her ability to turn complex career and workplace challenges into clear, practical action. Her speaking style combines warmth, clarity and commercial credibility, shaped by senior leadership experience across global brands. Covering topics such as squiggly careers, learning, leadership and AI, she delivers sessions that resonate across all levels. Her TEDx talk and global client base, including Google and Microsoft, demonstrate her impact. Audiences leave with tangible tools they can apply immediately, making her sessions both inspiring and results-driven.
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“I’ve attended countless presentations over the years, but I’ve rarely seen someone communicate with this level of clarity, presence, and purpose. The message was captivating, the delivery flawless, and the blend of enthusiasm, precision, and authenticity was something I’ve never experienced in person before. If you ever have the chance to bring Helen in to speak to your organisation, take it! One hour completely rewired how I think about learning.” – Microsoft
“I really enjoyed this session – I can imagine how hard it is to land on a keynote that works for all levels and teams, but this genuinely felt like a great fit. It didn’t try and cram in too much; instead, it focused on rethinking the basics and sharing insights you can actually apply in your day-to-day, which I really appreciated. Also loved the ‘learn like a lobster’ analogy – that one will definitely stick with me.” – Trainline
“Thank you so much for your insightful and engaging session that you gave at NatWest Group this morning. It was honestly one of the best digital learning workshops I’ve been to in a long time… from the presentation format (I loved the live slide builds), interactivity via questions and the mind map to the content/topic itself; and of course not forgetting your delivery. I’ve come away with lots of actionable insights to take into my day to day.” – NatWest Group
- The Five Skills You Need to Succeed in a Squiggly Career
- How to Use AI as a Tool for Career Development
- Why We All Need to Learn Like a Lobster
- How to Be a Brilliant Manager in a World That Keeps Changing
- Learning in the Age of AI
- Learning Through Ambiguity
The cost of hiring Sarah Ellis depends on your event format, location, duration and any travel requirements. For an accurate and tailored quote, please contact a SpeakOut booking agent for expert guidance.