Intention, Community, and the Power of Choice
Here at Hula, we’re surrounded by people who are not only building careers—they’re building lives that reflect clarity, intention, and values. Sarah O’Brien Hammond is one of those people. As a Career and Life Strategist, Sarah helps others find their footing at life’s major crossroads, guiding them to define what they want, chart a course to get there, and take aligned action along the way. She’s the founder of The Network of Women (The NoW), a global community focused on connection and growth, and also leads transformational wellness retreats that help women reconnect to purpose.
Sarah’s work is rooted in a powerful personal mission: empowering people to live consciously and intentionally—creating lives they design, not lives built around “shoulds.” It’s a mantra that emerged from a mentor early in her journey and has stayed with her as a guidepost, both personally and professionally.
Following Flow, Finding Alignment
When Sarah talks about alignment, she lights up. “When your work is aligned, it doesn’t feel like work,” she says. “You wake up excited. You stay up late thinking about it. It energizes you instead of draining you.” That kind of clarity didn’t happen overnight, but a pivotal moment arrived when she realized she had matched her former corporate salary through her entrepreneurial efforts. It was a clear signal she was on the right path.
But Sarah also knows that even the most aligned work needs balance. She’s developed practices that help her stay grounded—like carving out quiet moments overlooking Lake Champlain from Hula’s waterfront campus. “I meditate a few times a day and take time to be still. No distractions, just space to think and feel. That simple act—especially with a notebook nearby—has had a massive impact on my clarity and creativity.”
Setbacks, Community, and the Long Game
Setbacks still sting, Sarah admits. But she sees them as valuable data points—opportunities to learn, recalibrate, and try again with new insight. That mindset, paired with a deep commitment to personal growth, keeps her motivated even through tough stretches.
One of the biggest sources of support on that journey? Community. “I’ve always prioritized connection,” she says. “I crave it. And I have a pretty good radar for finding rad people—nailed it on the Hula front!” But, she adds, truly great communities don’t just happen. They’re built with intention, generosity, and shared investment over time. When done right? “Pure gold.”
The Power of Choice
If Sarah could leave aspiring leaders or entrepreneurs with one truth, it’s this: “You have more choices than you think. Your ego might try to convince you otherwise, but possibility is always there. The real question is: Will you say yes to it?”
Here at Hula, we’re grateful to be a part of the ecosystem Sarah has chosen—and inspired by the work she’s doing to help others choose themselves, on purpose, every day.
