Today we’d like to introduce you to Sharon Byers
Hi Sharon, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I worked for the Coca-Cola Company for 28 years. Traveled the world with Coke and fell in love with international travel. My last job at Coke was running Sports and Entertainment group which also provided me great opportunities to make life long friendships throughout the industry. After leaving Coke, I took a C suite position at The American Cancer Society as my four grandparents died of colon cancer. Now, I currently work as an Executive Consultant for several clients in the sports and entertainment industry as well as several non profits including Lead From Behind. I also manage our luxury rental home in Exuma, Bahamas which is named exumaontherocks.com or Vrbo/2980816 and am also the foreign homeowners representative to the Exuma’s Director of Tourism. All of my steps in my career have been built on relationships. I think I am most proud that my success was driven by my ethics and loyalty.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Always an adventure sometimes filled with road blocks and some bumps in the roads. It was challenging at times as a woman in a male driven culture. However, I was always true to myself even when people were telling me to act and be something I wasnt which was hard at times. I was a wife and a mother as well as an executive. My husband also worked as an executive so we both had to sort through how to be active parents with careers. To me, I waited 30 years to be a mom so I wasnt going to let someone else raise my daughter. To this day, many women have shared with me how much my decisions helped them have the courage to say its ok to go support your children in all their schools events. In addition, within the sports industry, frequently I was the only woman in the room but I will say that the industry was wonderful and continues to be wonderful to me. I felt supported and respected by my male counter parts.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am an executive consultant focused on creating value for my partners through creative thinking and unique story telling for break through marketing. I am known for being a woman who plays it forward for the next generation. I have been recognized throughout my career from Woman of The Year, WISE, to Sports Illustrated Most Powerful Woman in Sports to Marketer of the year from numbers organizations. I have mentored over 300 young women and continue this work even today. I think what sets me apart from others is that I have always embraced who I was – I never tried to be the “model” executive. I love being personable and approachable – I never took my title too seriously which I believe is why I have been a successful leader. I am most proud of watching my 22 year old daughter now creating her own path in the sports world. She is currently at the Paris Olympics working at the USA House. Although she respects my accomplishments, she is charting her own successes which is inspiring to me. Her goal is to work for the Dallas Cowboys and I know she will accomplish that!
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I am a fitness fanatic so MYFitnessPal keeps me on track. I am active on instagram and FB. With our second home in Exuma, Bahamas, I have to market constantly on all social channels and I actively search blogs and Podcasts on life in Bahamas.
Pricing:
- consulting fees $800-2500 hourly
- Exuma Home rental $1750-2500 nightly rate
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.exumaontherocks.com
- Instagram: @exumaontherocks or @sharonbyers50
- Facebook: exuma on the rocks or Sharon Byers
- Twitter: @sharonbyers50
Image Credits
all personal photos
