As the founder of White Owl, Sarah Maxwell, PhD, is living her true calling and leading with an open heart. Dr. Maxwell is an organizational psychologist with 25 years of professional experience across industries. The early part of her career built business acumen in multiple functions, and she has spent 10 years in consulting roles focused on organizational and leadership development. She has managed large-scale projects and enterprise-wide initiatives within medium-sized to large companies, and advised leaders at all levels on instituting their vision, shaping behavior change and improving performance. Sarah holds a doctorate in Consulting Psychology and has trained in multiple coaching modalities.

In Sarah's words:

My personal coaching style is an intuitive blend of evidence-based practices and adaptation in the moment. The client is always at the center of this emergent process as we move toward holistic integration of all parts of oneself. I hold a balanced energetic container that invites you to show up as your true self. One of my gifts is a deep capacity to be fully present, positive, and unconditionally accepting of my clients, who often say they feel seen, heard, appreciated, and safe to open up with me. 

Executives rarely have the luxury of being able to unfold and share their inner world with a professional confidante who works with them at the core of their being. The intimate and confidential relationship between coach and client can be healing and transformative. My highest intention as a coach is to support you in returning home to yourself and reflecting your insight to the world as you evolve. 

As a seasoned meditator and mindfulness teacher, I incorporate these experiential learning practices into my coaching. An avid yogi and certified instructor, I surround myself with community who seek health in mind, body and spirit. I value my connection to the universal energy that permeates everything, and I feel this life force especially in nature. My favorite leisure activities include hiking in redwood forests, soaking in salt water and camping at secluded sites.

Looking back, I see infinite connections that led me to where I am today. I felt called to a helping profession from a young age and studied psychology to understand the workings of the mind and heart. My graduate research on mindfulness and executive coaching illuminated a niche to fill in this space. I created White Owl to reflect my personal journey and optimal workplace values: purpose-driven, progressive and humanistic. Looking forward, I am honored to share this work with you.