Sarah Hodges

About

Experience

• Founder & Executive CoachCurrent

  Hodges Coaching · United States

  Jan 2016 – Present

  When unproductive chronic stress sabotages personal and professional goals for individuals and teams, we call that the Corporate Cycle of Hell. Our mission is to stop the cycle so individuals and teams can thrive. We do this through our neurophysiological approach to coaching, consulting, and leadership development. We envision helping individuals and teams thrive across the world using our science-based leadership and team development methods as standard protocol. The A+ Method® This method is our highly tested, sustainable, and powerful approach to goal setting and solution exploration for both individuals and organizations. As humans, we have what we like to call "stress buckets." They are constantly overflowing with toxic and chronic stress. We teach clients how to drain the bucket first in order to create capacity for new goals and how to take on these new goals in a way that is not stress-inducing. Our A+ Method™️ was created and designed as a feedback loop for conscious and continual evolvement - the solution is a continuous innovation of the problem. Conversation Algorithms™ Effective communication isn't just about the words you use. It's about creating a space where the other person can hear you. Your ability to effectively communicate is only as good as the listener's ability to take in what you say. Our Conversation Algorithms™️ use brain-based techniques to foster psychological safety and openness in the listener so that messages are received and innovative solutions are possible to find. When everybody in a team uses this technique, the results are solution-focused conversations, an increase in innovative ideas, and overall healthier culture. The Stress Matrix™ Most organizational systems are built for efficiency to remove the possibility of human error, but this can negatively impact personnel. By treating humans like robots, these systems damage culture and diminish psychological safety over time.

• Chairman of the Board of DirectorsCurrent

  Opera Grand Rapids

  Mar 2025 – Present

  Michigan's longest-running professional arts company and one of the top regional opera companies in North America, Opera Grand Rapids boasts a full production schedule and produces Grand Opera, Contemporary Opera and an Explore Opera series annually. Opera Grand Rapids is also home to one of the Nation's top collegiate vocal competitions, The VanderLaan Prize.

Education

• Vanderbilt Peabody College — Doctor of Education, Leadership and Learning in Organizations · Jul 2029
• Harvard University — Master of Liberal Arts, Extension, PSYCHOLOGY · 2026

Skills