One woman featured who is a woman in the workplace
who are they - what do they do - why you should know them
Sarah Lesh is an independent Web Developer living in Toronto's West End. She teaches Web Development at HackerYou and at Canada Learning Code, and is a lover of yoga, exercise and chocolate.
What is your story? What do you do and how did you get to where you are today in your career?
10 years ago, I was planning to live my life as a nomad; with all my time and money spent travelling the world and living out of a backpack. I came back to Toronto for what I thought would be a short stint to fund my next adventure. That short stint ended up being my first digital gig, working as a content editor for a travel deals company.
The next thing I knew, the contract was over and I had just gotten a taste of what digital life was like. I decided that instead of blowing all my money and time on another trip, I'd see what this tech world was all about and signed up for a Web Development bootcamp in Toronto. I didn't actually know much about coding when I started but it seemed interesting, creative and a skill that would be of value to get hired. I decided to take the risk and jump in with a good attitude and the willingness to learn.
This ended up being the best decision I could have ever made. 3 months out of the program I walked into my first real web development job, at an agency that focuses on non profit tech, and I fell in love. This agency allowed me lots of autonomy and challenge, molding me into a strong developer, while I built apps, websites and fundraising tools for some really awesome clients.
When I finally felt like I had built my skills up enough, I decided I wanted to try my hand at starting my own business and started working independently. The rest is history!
What is one piece of valuable advice you would give someone who wants to get into your field?
Get ready for a lifetime of learning, pivoting and being open to change. Web development is constantly changing and you have to be willing to grow with or risk being left behind.
Name one thing that you WILL make happen this year?
I am going to take more advantage of my freedom to work from anywhere in world! On the docket already this year is New York, Miami, and Iqaluit!
Give one valuable piece of advice you can give women on how to overcome challenges in the workplace.
Take risks! You never know what will come of them if you don't try. Don't worry, the safe option will always be there waiting for you if you need it.
Name three things someone has told you, you are good at or what they admire you for.
I can always look on the bright side, I can toggle between tasks like octopus and I am willing to take risks.
How do you keep motivated?
I am 100% motivated by the worry that if I don't get something done today, I'll be too busy to do it tomorrow. It's a waterfall of anxiety for tomorrow's anxiety that fuels my motivation for today. It's a weird system, but works well for me!
What are your strategies on avoiding burnouts?
Taking breaks, doing yoga and going on vacation - when working for yourself you can accidentally let self care fall by the waste side, but it should be more important then ever and will reflect in better quality of work.
What is your hidden skill or talent?
I used to be a stand up comic. The ability to make people smile, laugh and look on the bright side in stressful situations really comes in handy.
What is your secret sauce to success?
Start with saying 'yes' to opportunities. Mix in a heaping spoonful of hard work and surround yourself with people who challenge you. That, and lots of hot sauce.
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