I lead the strategic direction of the company with a focus on advancing regulatory compliance and operational excellence within the accounts receivable management industry. In this role, I’m responsible for implementing and deploying our company’s vision in alignment with evolving industry trends and client needs. I manage day-to-day business operations while also serving as a trusted advisor to clients, delivering consulting services that help them mitigate risk, navigate regulatory expectations, and improve their overall performance.

A key part of my work includes championing the integration of emerging technologies into compliance practices and educating industry professionals on the impact of innovation in our space. Through thought leadership, content development, and strategic consulting, I’m committed to driving meaningful progress across the financial services ecosystem.

In my mid-20s, I left a fulfilling leadership role in the telecommunications space with a Fortune 500 company due to relocation. After moving, I struggled to find a position that matched both the challenge and reward I’d been used to, until I received a call from a recruiter about an opportunity in the receivables industry. A small Birmingham, AL business had just been acquired by Portfolio Recovery Associates and had a promising future of growth and innovation.

I took a leap of faith, joining to lead a department focused on state, city, and municipal recoveries. My role was multifaceted: managing government client relationships, supporting business development through educational outreach, and overseeing a third-party agency. A couple of years later, I transitioned into a role with Portfolio Recovery Associates directly, where I managed their outsourced collection strategy. And just like that, I was in the industry for good.

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence is, without question, the most exciting trend. I’ll admit, I’m often a skeptic when it comes to tech buzzwords. But AI isn’t just hype. It has real potential to solve everyday efficiency problems and bring measurable improvements to operations. When implemented responsibly, it could fundamentally transform how we work.

I hope to see our industry invest more intentionally in leadership development and ongoing education, from the front-line collector all the way up to executive management. Too often, we overlook the power of structured training programs to shape future leaders and strengthen company culture. I’d love to see more organizations embrace education as a core business strategy, not just a checkbox.

One major challenge is the meaningful adoption of digital communication strategies. Ironically, the barriers are often less about compliance or operational risk, and more about limitations imposed by technology vendors. Now, with AI entering the picture, the stakes are even higher. Companies need to truly understand the capabilities, risks, and legal implications of these tools. Those that get it right will thrive; those that don’t will struggle to keep up.

When I founded ARM Compliance Business Solutions, my goal was straightforward: to help companies make sense of complex compliance requirements while improving their day-to-day operations. I wanted every engagement to leave the client in a better place than where we started, and I’m proud to say we achieve that consistently.

What makes us unique? For starters, we’re an all-women team. That wasn’t planned, but it’s become one of our greatest strengths. The collaboration, energy, and diverse expertise each consultant brings make our work stronger and more impactful.

But above all, it’s the client relationships that mean the most. I say it all the time, we have the best clients. The trust they place in us, and the fact that so much of our business comes through referrals, is the most meaningful validation of the work we do.

This business has a lot of nuances, and much of it involves balancing risk. If you’re just starting out, stay flexible and be open to learning constantly. Most importantly, remember that this is a relationship business. Building strong, genuine relationships internally and externally will set you apart and create opportunities you never saw coming.

I draw inspiration from many places, but one quote I always come back to is from Marcus Buckingham. It resonates deeply with how I view leadership.

“Leaders are fascinated by the future. You are a leader if, and only if, you are restless for change, impatient for progress and deeply dissatisfied with the status quo. Because in your head, you can see a better future. The friction between ‘what is’ and ‘what could be’ burns you, stirs you up, propels you. This is leadership.” – Marcus Buckingham

That restlessness, the drive to improve, to challenge norms, and to build something better, is what has shaped my entire career. It’s what keeps me motivated and passionate about the work I do every single day.

For me, it wasn’t exactly advice, it was more of a challenge, and it completely changed the trajectory of my career. Let me explain. When I first entered this industry, I was young, a little arrogant, and easily frustrated by the lack of data analytics and key performance indicators. Coming from a more sophisticated environment, I felt the industry was behind, and I wasn’t wrong, but my delivery left something to be desired.

I vividly remember venting to our VP of Business Development. Looking back, it was probably more of a rant, and I’m sure I came across as your typical twenty-something who thought she knew better. After listening patiently, he simply said:

“Sara, what I’m hearing is that you’re excellent at managing people and processes when someone else has already built the structure, but you haven’t built systems from the ground up.”

Bam. That hit me hard. I paused and said, “David, you’re right, I haven’t.” I stood up, thanked him, and walked out of his office. From that moment on, I approached every challenge with the mindset: If I were to rebuild this from scratch, what would I do differently?

That one moment, more than any advice I’ve received, shaped how I approach work and problem-solving. It was a turning point, and it’s ultimately what led me to do what I do today.

Professionally, I’m most proud of building this business from the ground up. Growing ARM Compliance Business Solutions into a company with a strong team and a reputation for delivering real impact is something I don’t take for granted. Watching our clients succeed, and knowing we’ve played a role in that, is incredibly fulfilling. This year, we’re celebrating our five-year anniversary, and that milestone means the world to me.

Personally, there’s no pride like the kind that comes from raising a child. I became a mom at a young age, and my daughter, who just turned 24, is the greatest blessing of my life. Watching her grow into such a smart, confident, and kind woman has been my most rewarding accomplishment of all.

I read a lot! But the real growth comes from collaboration. I stay connected with colleagues across the industry, and when I run into something unfamiliar, I pick up the phone and call a friend. I’ve learned that staying curious and leaning on your network is one of the best ways to keep learning.

Running a consulting business also keeps me on my toes. My clients are constantly throwing curveballs or bringing creative ideas to the table, which pushes me out of my comfort zone and forces me to think differently. I love the challenge of finding innovative, compliant solutions, it’s one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.

A lawyer.

Hands down, the best part of working from home is having my dogs by my side. I have two amazing Golden Retrievers, Bentley and Luna. They are the best coworkers I could ask for. Whether they’re keeping me company during calls or reminding me to take a break, they make every workday better.

Outside of work, I love going to live music events, there’s just something about the energy of a great performance that feeds my soul. I also love to travel. Whether it’s discovering a new city or relaxing somewhere quiet, getting away helps me recharge and find fresh inspiration.

Yes, I have two lovable Golden Retrievers who bring so much joy to my life. Bentley is 11 years old and has the kindest soul. Everyone who meets him falls in love with his gentle, affectionate nature, he’s just the absolute best.

Then there’s Luna, who’s 5 and full of personality. She’s equal parts sassy and sweet, loves getting messy, and is always up for playing with other dogs. She definitely knows how cute she is, when she’s being ornery, she’ll flip to her sugar-sweet side in a flash, usually sealing the deal with a kiss on the nose.

They make me laugh and smile every single day, and I wouldn’t trade that for anything.

I’ve flown planes! Years ago, I worked as a Special Events Coordinator for a small airport in Michigan that sold Cessna single-engine airplanes. While I never got a pilot’s license or went through formal training, I had the opportunity to take the controls a few times, and it was an unforgettable experience. Not your typical career detour, but definitely a fun one!

I’ve always wanted to explore Australia and New Zealand. My dad visited Australia years ago and had the full outback experience, ever since hearing his stories, that trip has been at the top of my list. I’d love to follow in his footsteps, soak in the culture, and take in the incredible natural beauty both countries have to offer.