When Mentors Are Miles Away – The Unexpected Inspiration That Drove Her Wellness Company
Corporate Competitor Podcast Episode 247
For more than a decade, Sara Jensen carried a secret.
She and her husband had spent 14 years navigating unexplained infertility, telling no one—not even their closest friends. Then, on a hike, a family member casually asked, “Do you want kids?”—a question that set in motion a life-changing journey.
That conversation gave Sara a revelation: vulnerability opens doors you never knew existed.
Today, as Founder and CEO of Hugh & Grace, Sara leads with that same openness—sharing her story with employees, customers, and communities. That approach has fueled the company’s rapid growth, recently earning them a spot on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing companies, as well as recognition from Real Leaders as one of the Most Transformative Companies in the world.
In our conversation, she also reveals how a woman she never met—Brownie Wise, the pioneer who turned Tupperware into a household name—became one of her most influential mentors.
Her journey is a powerful reminder that leaders don’t have to choose between strength and vulnerability—and that mentorship can be found in unexpected places if you’re willing to look.
As a Hall of Fame keynote speaker, longtime Associate Editor for Sports Illustrated, and 14-time New York Times Best-Selling author, Don Yaeger is one of America’s most provocative thought leaders. From walking into Afghanistan with the Mujahadeen to living with football legend Walter Payton, Don has spent three decades embedded with the world’s greatest "Greats." Now a sought-after executive coach and host of the Corporate Competitor Podcast, he translates the lessons of sports and business legends into actionable strategies for building a culture of greatness.
"Don is one of the best storytellers I’ve ever met. I’ve known him for a long time and every time we talk I walk away wiser and more inspired. He is the best in the business at teaching you a skill – storytelling – that will last you a lifetime.”
“The ability for athletes to get hired is carried on through you because you are putting out the message that lessons learned from sports are important in life. It is embedded in this podcast, what you’re doing is significant.”
We speak the same language. I am inspired by the stories you tell, the people you have met, and the things you’ve done. Those of us that are competitors like to follow others that have been down that journey, so it is always fun talking to you!”
“Many of the leaders I have worked with were excellent athletes, and I think there is a direct correlation. You’re one of the few people that really has pursued this study, Don. Keep up the great work. What you are doing really makes a difference.”
“Don, you have mastered the skill of interviewing and asking great questions. That is a great skill all leaders need in order to understand their team members’ thought processes.”
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