Introduction
Sarah de Lagarde is a senior corporate strategist, communications leader, and globally respected motivational speaker whose story combines professional excellence with extraordinary personal resilience. Known for her clarity of thought, calm authority, and human-centred leadership, she represents a modern form of influence built on credibility rather than noise.
Her journey is defined by both positive achievements and a profound negative turning point that reshaped her life. Instead of retreating, she transformed adversity into purpose, becoming a visible advocate for resilience, inclusion, and leadership grounded in empathy. Her career reflects consistency, while her personal story reflects courage.
Quick Bio
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sarah de Lagarde |
| Profession | Corporate Strategist, Communications Leader, Motivational Speaker |
| Nationality | French |
| Current Role | Brighter Future Strategist, Janus Henderson Investors |
| Education | ESCP Business School; Cornell University; UC Berkeley |
| Known For | Leadership, resilience, disability advocacy |
| Residence | United Kingdom |
| Family | Married, mother of two daughters |
Early Life and Background
Sarah de Lagarde grew up in the south of France in a culturally diverse environment that exposed her early to different languages and perspectives. This upbringing shaped her ability to move comfortably across borders, cultures, and professional contexts, a skill that later became central to her global career.
During her teenage years, she moved to Germany with her family, an experience that strengthened her adaptability and independence. Living across European cultures at a formative age helped her develop resilience, curiosity, and a strong sense of identity rooted in openness rather than limitation.
Education and Intellectual Formation
Her academic path reflects a strong foundation in business and communication. She completed a Master’s degree in International Business at ESCP Business School, where she developed strategic thinking skills and a global outlook on markets and organisations.
She later pursued postgraduate studies in Digital Marketing Communication at Cornell University and completed an executive leadership programme on climate change and biodiversity at the University of California, Berkeley. These experiences broadened her understanding of responsible leadership, sustainability, and modern stakeholder communication.
Start of Career
Sarah de Lagarde began her professional journey in financial services communications, entering a sector that demands precision, trust, and long-term thinking. Early roles exposed her to complex regulatory environments and high-stakes reputation management.
Her initial career phase was marked by disciplined growth rather than rapid visibility. She built credibility through results, learning how institutions communicate with clients, regulators, and the public under pressure, a skill set that later defined her leadership style.
Corporate Career Overview
Over more than two decades, Sarah built a distinguished career in global asset management and financial services. She held senior communications and corporate affairs roles at major international institutions before joining Janus Henderson Investors.
At Janus Henderson, she served as Global Head of Communications and later Global Head of Corporate Affairs, shaping the firm’s global narrative, internal culture, and external reputation. Her work focused on clarity, trust, and long-term brand integrity rather than short-term visibility.
Current Role and Professional Focus
In her current position as Brighter Future Strategist within the Responsibility team, Sarah focuses on stakeholder engagement, purpose-driven communication, and representing the organisation at global forums. Her role bridges strategy, ethics, and human impact.
She brings a strong voice to conversations on responsible leadership, inclusion, and sustainable decision-making. Her work demonstrates that corporate strategy can be both commercially sound and socially meaningful.
Life-Changing Event and Resilience
In 2022, Sarah de Lagarde survived a serious accident on the London Underground that resulted in the loss of one arm and one leg. This moment marked the most challenging chapter of her life and introduced physical, emotional, and psychological trials.
Rather than withdrawing from public life, she chose visibility with purpose. Her recovery and adaptation became part of her leadership narrative, showing that strength does not eliminate vulnerability, but works alongside it.
Public Speaking and Advocacy
Following her recovery, Sarah emerged as a powerful motivational speaker, addressing global audiences on resilience, leadership, inclusion, and mental health. Her talks resonate because they are grounded in lived experience rather than abstract theory.
She speaks to corporate leaders, students, and policymakers, advocating for inclusive design, disability awareness, and humane leadership cultures. Her message balances realism with optimism, acknowledging hardship while emphasising agency.
Personal Life
Sarah lives in the United Kingdom with her husband and two daughters. Family remains central to her life and has been a source of strength throughout her recovery and professional journey.
She often speaks about the importance of support systems, compassion, and balance, emphasising that leadership is not only exercised in boardrooms but also at home and within communities.
Legacy and Impact
Sarah de Lagarde’s legacy is still unfolding, but her influence is already clear. She represents a generation of leaders who redefine success as integrity combined with resilience, not perfection.
Her story contributes to changing perceptions of disability, leadership, and human potential. By continuing her professional work at the highest level while advocating for inclusion, she leaves a lasting imprint on corporate culture and public discourse.
Conclusion
Sarah de Lagarde’s life reflects both light and shadow. Her achievements demonstrate excellence, while her challenges reveal depth and courage. Together, they form a narrative that inspires without exaggeration and motivates without denial.
Her legacy lies not only in titles held or speeches delivered, but in showing that leadership grounded in humanity is not a weakness, it is a strategic strength.
FAQ
Who is Sarah de Lagarde?
Sarah de Lagarde is a corporate strategist, communications leader, and motivational speaker known for her leadership and resilience.
What is Sarah de Lagarde known for professionally?
She is known for senior leadership roles in global asset management and for purpose-driven corporate communication.
Why is Sarah de Lagarde considered inspirational?
She transformed a life-altering accident into a platform for advocacy, resilience, and inclusive leadership.
What topics does Sarah de Lagarde speak about?
She speaks on leadership, resilience, mental health, disability inclusion, and responsible corporate culture.
Where does Sarah de Lagarde work now?
She currently serves as Brighter Future Strategist at Janus Henderson Investors.
