I often counsel my clients through implementing work-life integration by harping on how “the struggle behind the juggle is real”, and, when I watch Dr. Sarah Glova authentically and skillfully live out the best parts of work-life integration, I’m reminded of how much benefit there is in repeatedly working through that struggle. As a CEO, writer, instructor, public speaker, advocate, active member of our community, mother and wife, Sarah continually strives to make the world a little better each day. Even more importantly, she does so with positivity and a deep, genuine care for those around her. As President-Elect of our Greater Raleigh Chapter for the National Association of Women Business Owners, Sarah reached out to me about how much it would mean to her for me to be part of her leadership team, and the timing was right; I couldn’t miss out on being part of the impact that would be made by this board of directors. Sarah is a force for good, her positive energy is contagious, and she amazes me every day. I know you’ll be equally impressed. Enjoy this peek inside the mind and heart of this absolute rock star!

Dr. Sarah Glova is the CEO of the award-winning eLearning media firm Reify Media, and she has spoken from California to Qatar on topics ranging from business and entrepreneurship to tech trends and Smart City initiatives. She writes as a tech journalist for the southeastern media group WRAL TechWire and was named the 2021-2022 Public Policy Advocate of the Year by the women’s entrepreneurship organization NAWBO. Most recently, Sarah was appointed by Raleigh City Council to serve a three-year term on the city's Community Engagement Board.

Sarah has a PhD from NC State in Instructional Technology, having previously taught technical writing to engineering and business undergraduates; she continues to work with students as a guest lecturer and mentor for senior design projects.

Sarah’s company, Reify Media, is celebrating its 10th anniversary! She filed the paperwork for REIFY MEDIA, LLC on Nov. 2nd, 2012, and it's been a roller coaster of a decade. When asked about this adventure, Sarah shared that “I've had a blast, worked on some amazing projects, made about a billion mistakes and learned a ton. But perhaps most importantly -- I've met some wonderful, supportive people along the way. The entrepreneurial community is powerful!”

First Friday Female Founder Feature:

Sarah Glova

How would you describe your company and the products / services you offer?

Reify Media is an eLearning media firm—we create engaging online training. Most of our clients are digitizing their onboarding or certification training, and we build eLearning modules or online courses for them. In addition to running Reify Media, I’m also a writer and speaker. I love helping audiences understand technical topics—my superhero power is translating the complicated into authentic, engaging discussions.

Why did you start your company?

I began freelancing in 2009, established my company in 2012 and became a full-time entrepreneur in 2015.

What has been the most rewarding part of your journey in founding this company?

Honestly—that I’m still here! It’s such a learning process. You make mistakes, fall down and get back up. And, each time, you’re a bit stronger, a bit wiser. I’m so proud of the mistakes I’ve overcome and the things I’ve learned. And I’m grateful that I get to continue doing this work!

About what are you most proud?

I’m most proud of how I’ve learned to show up authentically. It’s tempting to try and be someone else—to create a professional, perfect persona. But I’ve worked really hard to stay true to myself. I love when I hear from other women who are doing the same, and we often find each other—women who are ignoring expectations, dress codes and the “how things are done.” It’s very freeing.

Are you naturally organized, was it a skill you learned or is it something with which you regularly struggle, and what tips or tools do you use to stay your most organized?

Organization is a daily struggle for me. I’m not naturally organized. What I am is caffeinated and just-a-little-bit-late. I’ve been this way my whole life. So, for me, learning to slow down is important. I have to remind myself every day to write things down, to put things on a list or in my calendar, to schedule reminders… because my brain loves to think, “No worries, I’ll remember.” But I’ve learned that it is a big ol’ liar! So, I’m a diligent Google Suite user—my Google Calendar and Gmail tasks list keep me sane.

Sarah with her husband and first-born son, after receiving her PhD

What words of wisdom would you have for someone who is overwhelmed with staying organized and / or productive?

My life changed when I finally realized one thing — there’s no way to do it all. Learning to say “No” to things is really important. Learning to ask for help is vital. Setting kind expectations for yourself is just as important as what calendar tool you use.

Beyond that, to anyone who’s overwhelmed, my first comment is always that they’re not alone—burnout is prevalent, and, especially for women, expectations are simply unrealistic. Then, my next comment is always to ask— “What are you doing that IS working?” Usually, people know what works for them; they just need more support—permission to set different expectations, for example.

Do you use technology to help stay productive or organized? If so, what’s your favorite program, app or tech tool?

I use Otter AI to record transcripts of most my meetings (always with permission of participants). It’s an invaluable, searchable transcript. I also triage my Gmail obsessively—when I get an email, I immediately take an action: I either reply, schedule a task or archive. It keeps my email inbox from acting as a to-do list.

How do you feel about work/life efficiency or integration in your life, including any tips or challenges for managing the personal and professional commitments in your life?

My mission is to have a calendar that reflects the kind of life I want to have. I am constantly practicing the art of saying no, setting expectations and protecting my energy so that I can have that kind of life.

That doesn’t mean every moment is this perfect, meaningful moment—I have to manage my taxes and prepare invoices and schedule my kids’ doctor appointments! But I know that if, for example, I spend the morning doing those tedious things, I’m going to need to protect my afternoon for something that recharges my battery. So, my calendar is weird. I have blocks of calendar in the middle of the week sometimes. I work on the weekends sometimes, because that works for me. Sometimes I schedule meetings with my husband so we can catch up on house-type stuff. I like being creative with what my week should look like.

About what causes are you most passionate?

I have two: (1) Supporting and amplifying the legacies and advocacy work of women and minority entrepreneurs, and (2) Supporting children and families who are struggling financially and need access to supportive systems that will meet their immediate needs and support their path to more sustainable livelihoods.

Sarah with fellow National Association of Women Business Owners member, Wendy Coulter

What have you found to be the most effective way to relax after a long day or super long week?

Book + wine + Taylor Swift jams, please!

What is your favorite author/book?

The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

What is your favorite inspirational quote?

“Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we're supposed to be and embracing who we are.” – Brené Brown

What are your go-to accessories?

Coffee and a clipboard

What are the fundamentals of your beauty routine?

Sunscreen and dry shampoo

What is your favorite food?

Sushi

Of the locally-owned and -operated establishments in the place you currently live, which are your top 3 favorites and why?

Raleigh’s community bookstore, Quail Ridge Books

Raleigh’s pay-what-you-can café, A Place at the Table
Raleigh's local boutique featuring impact-driven brands, The Flourish Market

Sarah being awarded the Public Policy Advocate award from NAWBO-GR

What is your favorite place that you have visited?

Siena, Italy, where my husband Matt proposed

What streaming show or movie could you watch on an endless loop?

2005 Pride & Prejudice with Keira Knightley

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

Synthesizing and explaining a lot of information in a manageable and understandable way. (It’s a bit niche, but it’s great for the work I do!)

What advice would you give your 21-year-old self?

Worry less about other people’s expectations and think really, really critically about what you want and why. And wear more sunscreen!

If you could have lunch with anyone (living or deceased), who would it be and why?

TAYLOR SWIFT

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