Today we’d like to introduce you to Sandy Pather.
Hi Sandy, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I spent over 20 years leading procurement and transformation at Honeywell, Barclays, Thomson Reuters, and American Express. I built high-performing teams and turned strategy into results.
But I discovered my real passion was developing people—mentoring professionals and watching their careers flourish. That became my purpose.
Now I coach executives, entrepreneurs, and professionals in transition. In an era of mass layoffs and AI disruption, many talented people are asking, “What’s next?” I help them answer that question with intention, not fear—exploring renewed careers, business ownership, or entrepreneurship aligned with their strengths and values.
I also serve as a fractional Chief Procurement Officer for organizations that want to scale with strategic discipline and purpose.
Houston’s been the perfect place for this work. When people get the right guidance, they don’t just rebuild a career—they create a life of purpose and freedom.
My story is about evolution: from leading global organizations to helping people own their pivots and lead confidently in this new era of work.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like most meaningful journeys, it hasn’t been smooth — but it’s been purposeful.
I still remember my corporate days vividly — the conversations with colleagues about “one day” starting our own businesses, waiting for that one great idea that would take off like a Silicon Valley success story. The ideas never quite came, but I still loved what I did. I focused on the parts of my work that brought me joy — leading people, solving problems, and creating meaningful results.
Then, an opportunity came for me to work with a coach to explore what was next in my career journey. That experience changed everything. It helped me see that I didn’t need to wait for a perfect idea — I could build a business around my strengths, experience, and purpose. Around the same time, I became aware of large planned layoffs, and I realized I could either wait and hope for security, or take ownership of my future.
So I made the decision to bet on myself — to choose self-reliance and self-empowerment over fear. That pivot into business ownership wasn’t easy. There were moments of doubt, uncertainty, and steep learning curves. But it was also freeing — because I was finally building something that reflected who I am and the impact I want to make.
Every bump along the way reinforced the same lesson I now share with my clients: you don’t have to wait for the “perfect” idea or the “perfect” time. You just need to start where you are, with what you have, and trust that clarity comes through action.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My business is about transformation—personal, professional, and organizational. I work with executives, entrepreneurs, and professionals at pivotal moments: navigating leadership growth, career transitions, or exploring business ownership.
Through executive coaching, career pivot strategy, and fractional CPO consulting, I help clients gain clarity, align goals with values, and design meaningful work.
What sets me apart is the blend of corporate experience and human-centered coaching. After decades of a corporate mindset, I bring deep business and operational expertise—balanced with empathy and a genuine focus on helping people thrive.
My brand stands for empowerment through self-awareness and action. Clients often arrive feeling stuck or uncertain. They leave with clarity, confidence, and a roadmap forward.
In today’s climate of mass layoffs, AI disruption, and shifting definitions of success, I help people “own their pivot”—whether that’s redesigning a career, stepping into entrepreneurship, or leading with renewed purpose.
At its heart, my business helps people and organizations evolve—intentionally, strategically, and with integrity.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I’m a lifelong learner, so I’m always immersing myself in resources that help me grow — personally and professionally. I’m a member of the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and part of a coach support network that keeps me grounded and inspired. I love exchanging ideas with other coaches and staying current with evolving practices in coaching excellence.
I’m also an avid reader — I participate in book clubs focused on leadership, mindset, and personal mastery, which spark some of my best insights. I really enjoy Mel Robbins’ work for her authenticity and practical tools for taking action, especially when it comes to confidence and self-leadership.
On a lighter note, my podcast list right now includes a fair bit of political news — it helps me stay connected to the broader shifts happening in our world, which often influence the way people think about work, purpose, and leadership.
From a professional standpoint, I make it a point to stay updated on the latest technologies and trends in procurement and business strategy. Lately, I’ve been diving deeper into artificial intelligence — not just its technical aspects, but how it’s reshaping the workforce and the opportunities it creates for business owners and professionals navigating their next chapter.
Continuous learning keeps me energized — it’s how I stay relevant, adaptable, and aligned with the ever-evolving needs of my clients.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.stepin2stepup.com
- Instagram: https://spather.esourcecoach.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandy-pather/
