Reinvention at Any Age

A Conversation with Sarah Harrison, New Business Director at New Dawn Resources

At New Dawn Resources, we believe in the power of transferable skills, lived experience, and the confidence to embrace change—at any stage of life. That’s why we’re thrilled to share insights from one of our team members, Sarah Harrison, who has made several shifts in her career path but has made the most surprising ones in her late 40’s and early 50’s. 

Now back firmly in the fold of New Dawn (the company she founded with Vanessa) In this Q&A, she shares how life experience, people skills, and a little courage can go a long way—plus some words of encouragement for anyone considering a new direction later in life.

What made you come back to New Dawn from the security of the education sector and re-join the team—and how did your previous colleagues take the news?

Well honestly, I was ready, and I wanted to come back and work across many sectors and organisations. Working in the education sector was a huge privilege but it is very cyclical – you know what’s coming and whilst that can be good, for me it ultimately meant I was losing a bit of drive.

I was also invited by the team at New Dawn, which helps! The business was at a stage when it was looking at expanding and wanting another team member who had experience of HR and business strategy. It felt like the right time to come back.

What made you move into education from the world of business in the first place—and how did those around you react to the switch?

An opportunity and a challenge. The switch to education was more of a surprise to me after a long career in Operational Management for me and most of my colleagues and friends. You could say that I have had what some may call a “portfolio career”.

I was offered the opportunity by someone who thought I could contribute to his school and leadership team. It was a huge decision, but one I wanted to embrace. It turned out to be a fantastic opportunity and experience.

I have never been frightened to change direction or take a different step, and every role and position has enabled me to use the skills and knowledge that I have, but also learn more skills and hone the ones that I have.

Did you find any surprising similarities between education and managing people in the workplace? (Be honest—are adults easier or harder than young people?)

All workplaces have their own challenges but fundamentally it is about people of all ages. People are fascinating, challenging, inspiring and diverse and their behaviours and impacts in a workplace are similar for all organisations.  In many respects younger people are easier to manage as they do want to listen and also have the ability to change their minds. A growth mindset is key.

Education is the key to real equality and social mobility and to be a part of supporting young people forge their futures was amazing. I also worked with some truly inspiring people who taught me a lot about managing people and myself.

What life skills from your earlier work roles gave you a secret edge when stepping back into the business world and ER (Employee Relations)?

Patience and understanding are a big one and that comes from experience and age. Seeing all sides of the story and putting things into context for organisations and their individuals. I also believe that seeing and experiencing situations and the actions of organisations managed well and badly have enabled me to be able to truly affect change for the better in organisations.

The other skill that I would say I have is being able to talk to anyone. Relatability is really important when working with, alongside and leading people. This means listening to them – a skill I am always trying to improve on.

At 53, you made a big career pivot. What would you say to someone who thinks reinvention is only for the under-30s?

Rubbish (polite phrase used!) It is essential that you keep learning and growing. It keeps you mentally healthy and physically healthy. It gives you resilience and whilst there are moments of apprehension and even fear it is so rewarding when you achieve that reinvention.

Sometimes in our lives that reinvention comes out of the blue. Redundancy, illness, a pandemic, or another event that affects your life like bereavement. Learning to embrace those events is empowering albeit at the time it may not appear to be that way. 

I will of course slow down a little, but I want to be around people and exciting businesses and organisations for as long as they and I feel that I’m making a positive contribution. That for me is the secret of longevity.

You’ve probably mediated a few schoolyard squabbles in your time—did that prepare you for office politics?

Agreed and in most cases of conflict it is down to poor communication – be it a text/email sent in anger or a misunderstanding that can fester – sometimes for years. Learning to unpack that – sometimes very quickly and de-escalate situations is key and that is one thing that being in education taught me. 

Education also models the importance of restorative conversations and learning to self-reflect. We could all learn a little from that at times. 

What’s one thing you’ve brought into New Dawn from your previous roles that your colleagues secretly love (or maybe pretend not to)?

Annoying positivity. Never give up – there is always a solution even if it is not the one you were thinking of or working for.

Have you noticed a difference in how you’re perceived as a senior woman in business—and how do you handle those moments with your trademark grace (and maybe a little sass)?

I would like to think that I am regarded as a “Senior Woman” of business but honestly, I still do not feel like that at times. I do reflect on my career journey so far and look back with pride on what I have done. However, that has not been achieved on my own – I have been lucky to have been surrounded and supported by incredible colleagues along the way. 

I enjoy being able to give good advice and also being appreciated for that advice and guidance but equally having a good sense of humour really helps and also not taking yourself too seriously.

What’s been the biggest “oops” moment in your career so far—and what did it teach you?

That’s a difficult one as I think there have been many……..HR is not black and white and neither are people and sometimes decisions are not always seen as fair or correct. Being able to reflect and see that other point of view is important. 

Misjudging someone for better or worse generally features in “things I wish I had handled differently” categories. Speaking too honestly to my Line Managers at times in my younger years may also be there but I think I mean disrespectfully.

Other moments include being escorted off a plane to give permission for my luggage to be blown up safely, having to explain why a golf buggy had been driven through a town centre at midnight after a work Christmas party to the local constabulary are amongst other interesting moments.

Apart from taking responsibility for your actions, there is learning in most situations. Not having a free bar at Christmas parties is one lesson I can give you for free!

If someone’s standing on the edge of a career change cliff, what’s your nudge to help them jump?

Don’t think what’s the worst that can happen – think what’s the best that can happen.

Finally, what’s your go-to piece of advice for women aiming for leadership roles—especially those coming from different industries or life paths?

Leadership takes many forms but most importantly for me it is about role modelling and setting the best example. The greatest part of being a leader is the ability to develop your team. I have been lucky enough to be surrounded by people who are more talented than me in many different ways and I have learnt and developed from them. Our family motto is “Have courage and be kind” and that very much summarises for me what great leadership is about.

For more information and to enquire how Sarah may assist your organisation please email: [email protected] or visit our website HERE