Spotlight On: Anne Staines, President & CEO of Sagent

What are the top three things people should know about your business?

1. Sagent was created to be purpose-driven 21 years ago, before there was much awareness or understanding of what that meant.
2. Sagent is a marketing, advertising, branding & PR agency that helps those who do good, do better. Our clients include other purpose-driven companies, public agencies and nonprofits.
3. We serve clients across the US with a team of more than 20 professionals who care passionately about making a difference.

What inspired you to get involved with WeTheChange?

I have always been passionate about mentoring and working with other purpose-driven women business owners. We became a B Corp to prove to ourselves that we were living up to the highest standards that we were founded upon, and when I learned about WeTheChange, I was very excited to meet other women with similar values and missions.

What has been your greatest accomplishment or joy in your leadership journey?

My greatest joy is seeing Sagent grow and thrive as my leadership team of seven strong and strategic women brings Sagent to ever more successful heights. They lead our diverse team, continually improve our systems, and are delivering amazing outcomes for our clients — allowing me to focus on being the best CEO I can be.

What has been your greatest challenge as an entrepreneur?

The greatest challenge was all of the growing pains, as we had to keep overhead low while building the systems and processes that an ever-growing organization needs. I passionately believed there was space for a marketing firm that only served other purpose-driven organizations, despite so many “experts” telling me I would be more successful if I diversified and sought other, more traditional types of clients. I put in so many 80 plus–hour weeks and was fighting burnout, but I care so much about our clients, team, and potential to make the world better that I refused to give in. We have finally reached a point where we have the depth of leadership and breadth of expertise that allows Sagent to thrive without me having to put in the crazy hours.

What makes your business a stand out in your field?

Our authentic passion for helping other purpose-driven organizations has led to long-term relationships with amazing clients (several for more than a decade). And those relationships also lead to referrals. Our clients are our biggest advocates because they see firsthand how our strategic focus on inspiring positive action through our work is successful –  and leads to their success.

What has been the most surprising thing about running a business?

My grandmother taught me her secret to her success: “The harder I work, the luckier I get.” I don’t know if we would be as successful as we are if I had not worked so hard for so long, but now I have a different point of view: The more I listen to the universe and am open to “what wants to happen” in reaching my goals, the more the opportunities show up. I try to be clear about my goals, open to wisdom, and ready and willing to respond.

What led you to create a purpose-driven business?

After working for 5 years at one of the world’s largest advertising agencies, I realized the success, impressive clients and recognition were not feeding me. I felt empty and knew I needed to focus my energies on making the world better rather than just making money for large corporations. I thought going into nonprofit work would be the answer, but found that while the mission was powerful, the culture was often toxic. It was like working for a corporation without the budget to do things right or invest in people. I went back to the advertising world and discovered social impact marketing, but the leadership at the agency just saw it as another way to make money. 

I kept wondering what the perfect job would be like. I developed a vision for it, but could not afford to quit my job to try it. But when my grandmother died and I inherited $30,000, I decided to see if I could make it last a year as I started my own marketing firm focused exclusively on creating positive social impact. My goals were that we would only work on causes we care about, only work with people with whom we have mutual respect, and have enough success to give back to our community through our time, talents and treasure.

What’s something most people don’t know or wouldn’t guess about you?

My husband and I have raised our own three kids as well as fostering three others (two toddlers and a teen) for many years. And I loved paragliding over Interlaken!

What learnings, connections, or other benefits have you experienced through WeTheChange?

I am constantly learning from the other business leaders in WTC what it means to be purpose-driven, and we continue working to make a bigger difference in all the ways Sagent has relationships and influence. I like to refer to us all as “companies with a conscience.” 

How can people learn more about you and your business?

Visit https://www.sagentmarketing.com and watch this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTqSz6XoBVs.

Email us at admin@wethechange.net to get your own Catalyst Spotlight in motion.

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