Sarah Franklin: From Engineer to CEO, How Relationships Shape a Career

In this episode of Who Got Me Here, Sarah Franklin traces her path from chemical engineer to CEO—and makes a compelling case that relationships, not resumes, are what truly shape a career. Through stories of being rejected 14 times, creatively breaking into tech, and rising from individual contributor to President at Salesforce before becoming CEO of Lattice, Sarah shares how self-awareness, gratitude, and intentional networking quietly compound over time. This conversation goes beyond titles and transitions, exploring how clarity of purpose, generosity toward others, and the courage to ask for help can redefine success and unlock opportunities you can’t see looking forward—but only connect looking back.

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Time Stamps:

00:00 Introduction: Why Relationships Matter

02:04 Defining Fulfillment & Purpose at Work

04:54 From Chemical Engineering to Tech

07:58 Learning to Translate Tech for Business

08:33 How Relationships Actually Create Opportunity

10:00 The 14 Rejections That Changed Everything

14:14 Salesforce: From IC to President

16:01 Leaving, Returning, and Seeing Clearly

17:33 Servant Leadership & Helping Others Rise

19:08 Goal Setting That Works (V2ME Framework)

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