Sharon Blackborow is the vice president of learning, talent, and organizational development at Inova Health Systems. In her role, she helps organizations in the midst of transformation by providing facilitation, teaching, leadership development, program design, and mentorship. Sharon’s work on Inova’s leadership development programs has been featured in Forbes. She also founded Blackborow Coaching + Consulting, which provides coaching, leadership development, program design, and more. Sharon enjoys supporting others as they embark on making meaningful changes in their lives. She says this of her work, “I get to live into my life’s purpose—to help others untangle and grow every day.”
Extracurriculars
I like to keep my social calendar full. If you’re looking for a lunch date or a hangout, I’m your girl (except Wednesdays, which have been date nights for 13 years)! I love live music, a good conversation (preferably with coffee), a unique experience – especially if it’s creative. I have no artistic talent, but I love to play! My best friend and I are watching our way through the AFI Top 100 films of the last 100 years, and you’ll usually find me at the Film League at Warehouse Cinema.
Why we love Sharon
On a personal note, I’m delighted to see Sharon whenever I run into her in the Cowork Frederick kitchen or hallway. She is friendly, fun, and always willing to give you her undivided attention. Her cheerful personality and inner light shine through. I enjoy learning more about her new projects and undertakings during our chats. Recently, she shared that she is launching her website, Blackborowcoaching.com, in September. Also, she started recording a podcast, “Untangle with Sharon Blackborow,” which will drop in November.
Q&A with Sharon
How did you get into being a learning and leadership coach?
Whenever I mentor people, I’m happy to share my experience, but truth be told, I fell into this work. It was divine intervention and combines everything I have ever aspired to be—a teacher, an artist, a radio DJ, a nun, a writer…it’s all the things!
Any tips for others who want to do similar work?
Yes—volunteer to do the worst job in the biggest room! Most people who do what I do have some type of advanced degree in Organizational Psychology or Adult Learning. I’m an experiential learner, so that was not going to be the path for me. Instead, I took notes, built binders, and said yes to every menial task I could. This helped me to work alongside the organization’s top leaders from the beginning of my career. Now, I bring people along with me!
Which of the guiding values defined by Cowork Frederick members speaks to you?
Hands down, Boldness, Authenticity, and Generosity! I aspire to add Balance to this list, but I’m a work in progress…what can I say?!
How do you define success?
My favorite quote sums up how I define success – “And as the curtain falls, just know you did it all, the best that you knew how, and you can hear them cheering now, so let a smile out and show your teeth ‘cause you know you lived it well.” (from the song “This is Not an Exit” by Saves the Day). It’s about loving and being loved, giving more than you take, failing and getting back up…living a life that fills your soul.
Who/What inspires you and keeps you going?
My three children inspire me daily. I’m also so grateful to the love of my life (for 21 years and counting!) for our beautiful life. Two of my children are neurodiverse (my eldest is autistic / ADHD, and my middle is dyslexic). We like to call it “neuro spicy.” Their experiences have broadened my understanding of learning differences, leading me to focus on coaching a neurodiverse audience.
Why Cowork Frederick?
OMG, why NOT Cowork Frederick? The first time I drove past Cowork Frederick, I felt a magnetic pull and instinctively knew I would be part of this community. The ethos of Cowork Frederick aligns with my values. I love the focus on community. The space is so vibrant and special. I also love Cowork Frederick’s resident dog, Gracie!
For those who want to learn more, how can you be reached?
You can email me at sblackborow@blackborowcoaching.com or find me on LinkedIn at Sharon Blackborow | LinkedIn.
About the author:
Bethany Good is the founder of Good Writing Co., which provides professional writing, developmental book editing, book coaching, and ghostwriting services. Her writing has appeared in Innovation and Tech Today, Columbia Inspired Magazine, and Frederick Lifestyle Magazine (among others). Bethany works with authors to help guide them through the book-writing process so that they can finally finish their memoirs or nonfiction books. Specializing in eldercare, dementia, and Alzheimer’s, she also works with home health businesses to provide content and resources for their patients and families. Bethany is also a dedicated wife and mother to two active kids. In her limited time, she enjoys gardening, long nature walks, reading, cooking, and snuggling with her Boston Terrier, Scout.