Sarah Forth-Smith
Career Coach
About
Software development is about people.
In my last role as a Director of Software Engineering, I led a team of 20 full-stack engineers supporting Yahoo Search, one of the most recognizable and highly scaled products on the internet. By fostering a people-first culture based on transparency, collaboration and inclusivity, investing in the growth of each team member and setting ambitious but meaningful goals, I built a team with a reputation for excellence.
I have always been drawn helping others succeed. I began my career as a full-stack software developer and as I gained more experience, I naturally gravitated toward leadership roles. As a senior engineer, I led large projects, trained new team members and mentored junior developers. After a decade as an individual contributor, I transitioned into an management role so that I could focus on what I do best: developing people and building teams.
During my management journey I've learned to navigate organizational changes, resolve conflicts, remove roadblocks and most importantly be a champion for my team. I've developed a coaching approach based on recognizing the unique talents of each team member, providing clear practical guidance and encouraging them to take risks and confidently face challenges.
I'm excited to share what I have learned and help you build the skills you need to become a confident, effective leader.