Tag Archive for: positivity

Sally J. Clarke: Entrepreneur and Author

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Sally J Clarke“It took me a long time to realise that I am a verb, not a noun,” says Sally Clarke. “That’s why I now have a portfolio career.”

From leading communications at some of the world’s largest fintech companies to writing novels, building a business, and advising boards, Clarke has consistently evolved while staying true to her values of creativity, integrity, and impact.

Clarke shared with The Glass Hammer her experiences in shaping a career defined by movement, meaning, and a refusal to be boxed in.

On embracing a portfolio career:

“At the world’s largest financial technology companies, I led global marketing and communications over an eleven-year period. I’ve built and sold an online arts business, won multiple awards in the technology industry, published my fiction novel  Ringside Gamble, established the advisory practice of Asia’s leading think tank, visited Iran and Kazakhstan on writing assignments, sat on several boards across both the arts and technology sectors, and am now writing two new books. One non-fiction and the other fiction.

“It took me a long time to realise that I am a verb, not a noun. That’s why I now have a portfolio career. From my home in Singapore, I divide my time between advising technology companies solving complex problems, writing, and participating on boards.  My career continues to be an evolutionary process, not a ladder, but a landscape.”

On the personal qualities that shaped her path:

“I’m an optimistic team player — resilient and reflective. I was born into a working-class family and had my first job at the age of 14, delivering newspapers in rain, sunshine, sleet, and snow on my not-so-trusty, rusty bicycle. To this day, I can still remember the click-clacking sound the pedals made! I supported myself and earned scholarships through university and two postgraduate Master’s degrees — one in International Finance and the other in Asian Art History. I work hard to stand in the other person’s shoes.”

On living her values in high-stakes moments:

“Thanks to my parents, I have an internal compass forged in tungsten, a North Star I’ve trusted throughout my life.  I take time to reflect and rely on qualitative as well as quantitative data when forming decisions.

“In Singapore, I faced significant pressure to tell a potential customer at one firm that we had paid pilots — when the company did not. The same founder misinformed about the readiness of the software, employed bullying tactics and took credit for other people’s achievements. As a consequence I found opportunities aligning to my integrity and transitioned from the firm.

“The second challenge was leading the development and rollout of a content management system (CMS) and the front-end client interface. I pitched and secured USD two million in funding to lead a team of developers, designers, and project managers to rapidly build a web platform for data distribution. When it came time to go-live, self-doubt crept in. Many people told me the CMS would be rolled back — I had countless sleepless nights. But I trusted the process, and the so-called Greek chorus of naysayers was wrong.”

On mentorship and the power of stories:

“I’ve had the honour of working on the teams of some incredible people, such as Michael Rushmore who was pivotal in contributing to the growth of IHS Markit, a company I joined as head of marketing and communications in 2007.  Data giant S&P Global agreed to buy IHS Markit in a deal worth $44 billion in November 2020.  Michael had phenomenal insights, which I still share to others.  For example, “don’t make them have to work it out.” This golden nugget refers to the importance of communicating in such a way that your ideas land.

“Cristobal Conde former President, Chief Executive Officer and FIS and Chief Executive Officer at SunGard is a leader I admire.  He was incredibly supportive of the sustainability framework I helped build during my time at the latter firm.  At SunGard I won the President’s 100 per cent award.

“I read. A lot. Both fiction and non-fiction. Some of my favourite start up books, Shoe Dog by Nike co-founder Phil Knight,  Start Up CEO, by Matt Blumberg,   Play Nice but Win, by Michael Dell, and  Venture Deals: Be Smarter than your Lawyer and Venture Capitalist by Brad Feld and Jason Mendelson are examples.  I am inspired by stories. Indra Nooyi , former Chairman and CEO of PepsiCo, is another business leader I follow, and can thoroughly recommend My Life in Full.”

On how she leads with positivity and empathy:

“One piece of advice that shaped me early on was: “Don’t wait for permission.” It gave me the confidence to lead with conviction, long before I had a formal title. That mindset has served me well: whether I am building global brands, launching a start-up, or navigating difficult company mergers.

“But perhaps more influential than any single piece of guidance has been the example set by the leaders I’ve most admired. They led with clarity, composure, and care, especially in high-pressure situations. They didn’t command attention with noise; they earned respect with consistency. And they made people feel seen.

“Something I’ve carried with me through every chapter of my career is this: always role model the positive. Culture is shaped by what we tolerate, and by what we choose to amplify. So even when things are tough, I make a conscious choice to lead with optimism, empathy, and purpose. It’s not about pretending everything’s perfect; it’s about showing up in a way that helps others believe in what’s possible.

“And finally, I’ve learnt that how you leave matters as much as how you lead. It’s easy to focus on beginnings, but endings reveal who we really are. Whether moving on from a role, a company, or a chapter, I try to exit with the same integrity and thoughtfulness I brought to work itself.”

On redefining success:

“I often tell those I mentor that you can define success on your own terms, but only if you’re brave enough to step outside the conventional path. Early in my career, I tried to fit into other people’s expectations. It wasn’t until I started backing myself that I truly began to build things of value.

“I’ve learnt that leadership isn’t about knowing everything; it’s about being willing to go first, to take risks, and to bring others with you. I’ve built global brands, scaled start-ups, and now manage a portfolio career, and through it all, what’s mattered most is clarity of purpose, emotional resilience and having smart colleagues who challenge you.

“I would also say this: creativity is not a luxury; it’s a leadership superpower. Whether you’re building a business or writing a novel, the ability to imagine something that doesn’t exist yet and make it real is what sets great leaders apart. That, and the ability to walk away from what no longer serves you.

“Your career is not a ladder, it’s a landscape. Don’t be afraid to move sideways, take a leap, or build something of your own and test a hypothesis. Solving a big problem is where the real growth lies. If you opt to build a hobby business that’s fine too.  Just define what success means to you.”

On blending purpose with creative pursuits:

“I aim to continue supporting the efforts of sustainable companies using technology to make the world a better place. One particularly impressive firm I have worked with is Yokahu, a leading innovator in parametric insurance.

“That same sense of purpose carries into the passion projects that are a part of my portfolio career. In 2023, Ringside Gamble, a universal story about a young boy with a big dream, was published. Christopher Hatton (Star Trek: The Next Generation, Raven’s Hollow) is attached as producer for the feature film adaptation. I donate a percentage of the royalties to support the purchase of books and school equipment for children in Khao Lak, Thailand.

“With Deborah Overdeput, Chief Operating Officer of Innovative Systems, I’m currently working on a non-fiction book. It features a series of interviews with C-suite women, many of whom have founded their own successful companies or hold senior roles at the world’s leading banks and technology firms. More than a series of personal narratives, it is a testament to resilience, ambition and the power of choice. Each story shares hard-won insights, lessons in leadership and practical guidance for those looking to shape their own future. We’re currently seeking a publisher, with submissions expected to begin in September 2025.

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Jennifer Marsland: Head of Sales, North America, World Travel Protection

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Jennifer Marsland“While I’ve always worked in travel, this role is truly unique because we’re saving lives,” says Jennifer Marsland. “That’s what makes this company and our work so meaningful.”

A Passion for Sales in Travel Risk Management

For nearly two decades, Marsland has thrived in the travel industry, energized and excited to drive sales in a space she is personally passionate about.

“Once you’re in the travel industry, you never want to leave,” says Marsland. “I talk to friends who’ve been in travel for years, and we all say the same thing: What else would we do? I love that this job takes you all over the world and lets you connect with people about where they’re going and what they’re experiencing.”

Now as Head of Sales for World Travel Protection, Marsland is thrilled to take that passion to the next level by being involved in an area of the industry that makes a tangible difference in people’s lives.

“I’ve always been in sales. My first real job was in a shoe store, so I feel like I’ve always sold something. But here, we’re not just selling, we’re saving lives. We’re helping business travelers travel safer and get the care they need.”

World Travel Protection specializes in helping business travelers navigate risks, from securing accommodations in safe areas to managing major crises like medical emergencies, political unrest, or natural disasters. Marsland’s belief in the company’s mission is deeply personal. She recalls the moment she landed in Paris in 2015, just as terror attacks unfolded, leaving the city in lockdown. “It was pretty scary with flights canceled, uncertainty everywhere. How do you navigate that?” That experience solidified her understanding of the real need for travel risk management.

Returning to the travel industry after a brief pivot during the pandemic, Marsland is energized by the chance to build something new as the Head of Sales for North America. “They were looking for someone to develop their North American sales team and drive growth. Now more than ever, people need what we do.”

Keys to Success: Positivity and Adaptability

A strong belief in positivity has been a guiding force throughout Marsland’s career. “One of my core leadership values is positivity. I truly believe things happen for a reason, and that even when difficulties arise, it will all work out in the end.”

Beyond optimism, Marsland credits adaptability as essential. Having worked at a company where she reported to 17 different managers in 15 years, she learned to navigate constant change. “Whether it’s a reorg, a job change, a new manager, stick it out, things will shift. If a move wasn’t right, it will course-correct. You’ll get a different manager, or land in the right role. It’s about being open to change.”

Marsland’s own adaptability was tested during COVID-19, when the travel industry ground to a halt. Instead of waiting for things to return to normal, she pivoted to a Silicon Valley startup specializing in identity verification technology. The shift forced her to stretch beyond her usual expertise and reinforced an important lesson: “You also have to be willing to take risks. No one is going to tap you on the shoulder and promote you. You have to apply, ask, put yourself out there.”

Learning from the Best

Marsland’s tenacity stems from an early mentor: her mother. A successful artist and master negotiator, her mother taught her the value of asking for what she wanted. “She negotiated all her own contracts. She passed away ten years ago, but we’re still getting royalties because her contracts were so strong.”

As a self-described shy child, Marsland credits her mother for pushing her outside her comfort zone, whether encouraging her to take a job selling shoes in college or urging her to seize new opportunities.

“She really influenced how I approached my career — whether it was landing a job, excelling in a role, or advocating for myself. I often think back to how she never hesitated to ask for what she wanted or go after opportunities.”

Listening and Letting Go

Among the most important skills Marsland’s honed as a leader is the ability to listen. “I always remind myself to listen to understand, not to respond.”

In sales, this lesson is particularly relevant. Too often, she notes, salespeople focus on delivering information rather than asking the right questions and truly hearing the customer’s needs.

Another key insight she highlights is letting go of the need to dictate how things get done, particularly as leadership requires a shift from being an individual contributor to keeping the larger picture in mind. “I’ve been in sales. I know how I would do it. But I’ve learned that different people have different styles — and that’s a good thing.”

She recalls a former manager who exclusively hired people with identical approaches. “You end up with a team that lacks diversity in thinking. I don’t think that’s great for business.”

In building the team at World Travel Protection, Marsland is intentional in looking for diverse viewpoints and approaches. “I want different perspectives, different strengths. One person might be great at presentations; another might excel in negotiations. As long as the job gets done, I don’t need everyone to work the same way.”

Mentorship and Women in Leadership

Committed to supporting the next generation of female leaders, Marsland mentors through GBTA’s (Global Business Travel Association) WINiT program. She helps mentees explore what they want to do next in their career, touching on such issues as how to showcase leadership skills or build out a better resume.

“I impart experiences that I’ve been through and what’s worked for me, encouraging them to talk to other women within the industry that they admire and learn from them.”

Interestingly, Marsland’s own mentors have primarily been men. “I’ve worked in male-dominated industries, so that’s just how it worked out. But now, at World Travel Protection, I’m surrounded by strong female leaders. My boss’s entire leadership team is women. Even at our parent company, Zurich Insurance Group, more than half of the executive leadership team is women. It’s refreshing to be in an environment where female leadership is the norm.”

Building for the Future

At this stage in her career, Marsland finds the greatest satisfaction in building, whether it’s teams, strategies, or relationships. “You don’t always get the chance to leave your mark, but I feel like I’m doing that here — this is my team, and I’m shaping what we’re building.”

With geopolitical shifts, evolving risks, and an increased focus on corporate travel safety, she sees immense opportunity ahead. “Companies need risk management now more than ever. We have great momentum, a strong team, and a supportive leadership structure. This year is going to be an exciting one.”

Work-life integration also plays a role in her enthusiasm. “World Travel Protection makes it easy. Sometimes I have late-night calls with Australia, but if I need to step out during the day for an errand, I can. That flexibility makes all the difference.”

Having that flexibility also allows Marsland to care for her six beloved pets: two dogs and four cats. And while travel is central to her career, it’s just as much a passion in her personal life. “I try to visit a new destination every year. We just booked Argentina and Uruguay. But my favorite place is Tokyo — I’ve been nine times, and I’d go again in a heartbeat. I’ll travel anywhere, anytime, just for the experience.”

By Jessica Robaire

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