Have you ever met someone who seems to juggle everything effortlessly?
If not, prepare yourselves for a journey into the depths of intelligence and the limitless possibilities of one’s aspirations.
Meet Sara Malo – A woman of remarkable drive and determination.
Living in a rural town in Western Massachusetts with her two awesome kids – Molly and Shane (heartbeat of her world).
Molly, at 18, is rocking her senior year of high school, while Shane, at 16, is making his mark in his junior year.
Apart from her children, one of the things that truly lights up Sara’s world is her love for sports.
Sara herself puts it beautifully: Running and hiking are activities I absolutely adore. I have two dogs, and together we venture deep into the woods, often to catch a breathtaking sunrise. It’s a joy I cherish to the fullest.
But what sets her apart is her creative side – she’s an inspired blogger! Through her writing, she not only expresses herself but also inspires others along the way.
Sara says: “My belief in self-branding and authenticity isn’t just a philosophy; it’s a way of life for me. It’s what makes me stand out in a crowd and leaves a lasting impact on everyone I meet.
Continuing on Sara Malo’s journey, Sara’s career journey is nothing short of incredible!
Cutting teeth in the digital realm and the vibrant world of marketing events for over two decades.
She explained. ‘My expertise revolves around building relationships, driving sales, and nurturing client success.’
But here’s where it gets interesting. Sara doesn’t just stop at marketing; she’s got a whole lot more going on.
Inspired by her own experiences, she recognized the need for a supportive community that empowered women in the male-dominated field of technology.
‘The absence of a supportive community for women in tech was a glaring omission,’ recalled the founder, her voice resonating with determination. ‘We were not feminists by any means, but we recognized the need for a platform where women could uplift and inspire one another.’
And Drum Rolls, Here comes the LINKUNITE.
In 2019, alongside her visionary business partner, Amanda Farris, she co-founded LinkUnite – A Women’s Forum.
LinkUnite isn’t just a professional network. It’s a vibrant ecosystem where women could share knowledge, forge connections, and pursue their dreams with unwavering confidence.
Both Sara and Amanda’s unwavering belief in the power of mentorship propelled her to launch a groundbreaking program that paired aspiring mentees with industry leaders.
‘Our mentorship program has been a transformative force,’ she beamed. ‘We’ve seen mentees grow in confidence, expand their professional horizons, and achieve remarkable milestones.’
“Branding the organization and gaining recognition proved to be an uphill battle,” Sara recalls. ‘We believed in our mission, and we were determined to make LinkUnite a force for good in the industry,’ she asserted.
‘What sets LinkUnite apart,’ Sara emphasized, ‘is our unwavering belief in self-branding. We encourage our members to embrace their authenticity and leverage it as a powerful tool for success.’
As the organization grew, so too did its impact. LinkUnite became a catalyst for job placement, providing opportunities for women to break into the field and advance their careers.
‘Our goal is to make a tangible difference in the lives of women,’ Sara explained. ‘By giving back to the industry, we ensure its continued growth and prosperity.’
“As President/COO of LinkUnite, I dedicated myself to creating a transformative experience for its members. From organizing workshops to hosting networking events, and providing invaluable mentorship to aspiring professionals.
In addition to her leadership role at LinkUnite, Sara held several other prominent positions. She served as VP of Partnerships at Lead Generation World, the organization behind the prestigious Contact.io Event, AFFY Gala Event, and Elevate. Through these platforms, she played a pivotal role in shaping the industry’s landscape and connecting businesses with innovative solutions.
As the interview drew to a close, she brought up how she maintains balance in her overall life, and how it has shaped her life.
‘Finances have been a constant concern, especially as my children approach college age,’ she confided. ‘But I’ve learned the importance of budgeting, prioritizing expenses, and seeking support from my family and community.’
When asked about handling unexpected expenses during challenging times, she shared, “Unfortunately, at first, I didn’t have a system in place. As a single mom caring for a home and three vehicles, unexpected expenses always come. I have used a credit card and savings to help pay for things. I try to live within my means, but when I have unexpected expenses, I find ways to bring more money in to pay for everything. Sounds crazy, but I believe in manifestation. I’ve had some low spots where finances were a huge burden. Stressing over this wasn’t helping, so I tried to find ways to manifest change. Luckily for me, this has worked in my favor! Positivity and believing in yourself is great karma.”
To dive deeper into her budgeting journey, I asked her to share a specific example of her budgeting method, and she explained, “I use a Budget Journal. I break this down into individual weeks and by month. I try to foresee things like car insurance (paying for three cars right now) and monthly and yearly bills. I know some months I have commission dollars coming in to help offset things, and I do my best not to spend money that isn’t needed. I have tried to download different apps for financial help, but after I download them, I forget they’re there. My journal is my go-to!”
Prioritizing Expenses: Could you share an example of how you prioritise expenses during a challenging time? For instance, cutting back on eating out or finding affordable entertainment options for your children?
We definitely find ways to cut back. If I know we have some larger bills coming, especially during tax season, we try to eat our meals at home, avoid Amazon, and plan our meals. Not to venture out too much and waste gas money. This is easier to do in winter because it’s cold and the roads are lousy. We also have a beautiful lot with a fireplace we built and a finished basement, so our friends often come here, which saves money as well. My friends and I are considering rotating dinners where we each cook one night a week which I love! We then share the meal we made with the other families. This saves time and money!
Did you explore ways to reduce your fixed expenses, such as negotiating lower rates with cable or phone companies?
YES! I actually try to review our cell phone bill, Comcast cable bill, and other monthly bills that I have on auto withdrawal every 3 months. Other monthly charges the kids and I have include Apple Music, Netflix, Hulu, etc. I keep it to a minimum. These auto-withdrawal subscriptions can creep up on you fast if you are not paying attention.
How did you find affordable alternatives for things you still needed? Did you utilize coupons, shop at discount stores, or participate in community events for free entertainment?
We do a lot of volunteering in the community, so we definitely participate in free events. Paying attention to coupons or Amazon Prime Day also helps to save money. We live a fast-paced lifestyle, so coupons can be tough for us, but we pay attention to free shipping or sales our favorite stores have, especially during the holiday months.
I believe that balance is essential, both in life and in business.
Through the trials and triumphs of motherhood and entrepreneurship, the founder has gained invaluable lessons. She has discovered the power of perseverance, the importance of seeking support, and the boundless capacity of women to achieve their dreams.
As a single mother, she had always faced the daunting task of managing her finances on a single income.
Years ago, an unexpected divorce forced her to tap into her retirement savings, leaving her with a significant financial burden. Undeterred, she pivoted her career, taking on multiple jobs and working tirelessly to provide for her two children.
As Sara navigated the challenges of being a single parent and a breadwinner, she discovered a hidden strength within herself.
“I became more frugal, cutting back on unnecessary expenses and actively seeking ways to maximize my income,” Sara recounts.
Maximizing Income: You mentioned actively seeking ways to increase your income. Did you take on freelance work, learn new skills, or find other creative ways to boost your income streams?
I am always seeking ways to increase my income. A few years back, I had an affiliate program I was using where I drove some sales. I have a large network, being in the industry for 20+ years, so leaning on colleagues for freelance work or building someone’s website who is local are always things I am up for doing. My goal someday would be to speak publicly and continue to help women grow their businesses, especially Single Moms!
Through her resilience and determination, Sara slowly began to rebuild her financial security. She started a small investment portfolio, investing any extra funds she could spare.
Over time, Sara’s financial progress filled her with pride. She had faced adversity head-on and emerged as a financially responsible and independent woman. Despite the financial setbacks she had encountered, she remained optimistic about her future.
Being a single mother has taught me the true meaning of perseverance,’ Sara shared in the interview. ‘I’ve learned that with hard work and a positive attitude, anything is possible.’
Being a single mom has its challenges,’ Sara admits, ‘but it has also taught me the importance of resilience and adaptability. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be both a successful businesswoman and a loving mother.’
When asking about Retirement and the plan ahead, she excitedly says, ‘As a single parent, we do whatever it takes to make things work one day at a time,’Retirement may not be a typical goal for someone in my situation, but I am determined to create a stable financial foundation for myself and my children.’
For Sara, financial success was not just about numbers in a bank account. It was about providing a secure and fulfilling life for her family. She taught her children the value of hard work and the importance of managing money wisely.
To other women and moms who were also juggling multiple responsibilities, Sara offered words of encouragement. ‘Take one day at a time,’ she advised. ‘Be kind to yourself and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Remember, you are capable of achieving anything you set your mind to.’
As Sara reminisced about the time gone by, she spoke softly, reflecting on her incredible journey. She realized that she had not only forged a successful career but had also left behind a legacy of empowerment for women in technology.
Her unwavering spirit and strong belief in the power of connection had inspired countless others to chase their dreams and leave a meaningful mark on the world.
Her story is a reminder that diving into life with excitement and a “go-getter” attitude can lead to a fulfilling journey packed with happiness and success.
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