Villanova Univeristy Athletics

VILLANOVA WOMEN ON THE RISE Q&A SERIES
Meet Sarah Francis-Bland

Today for our Empowering Women series we’re sitting down with Sarah Francis-Bland, Executive and Board Network Leader for the Americas Financial Services Organization of Ernst & Young LLP (EY). Sarah is the recent recipient of the Villanova University Alumni Association’s Young Alumni Medal, which recognizes alumni who have made outstanding contributions to one or more areas of society. She is a cum laude graduate of Villanova University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and was a four-year starter on the D1 Field Hockey team. Read on to check out her aspirational story!

Sport: Field Hockey

Tell us about your current role

My role, as leader of EY’s Executive and Board Network, involves overseeing a team which helps organizations source top talent (board members and C-level executives) and build the leadership bench critical to long-term organizational success. We also play a role in advising and supporting the next generation of leaders in navigating pathways to the executive suites and boardrooms of tomorrow. It’s an entrepreneurial, innovative role and a lot of fun.

As a woman working in a male-dominated field, what has your experience looked like and how do you think it can become more diverse and inclusive?

I’ve worked for two different companies in my career– one a small venture capital firm right out of college– and at EY for the last 12+ years. EY has been a longtime champion of D&I and I’ve personally benefited from progressive company policies (including taking 6 month maternity leaves following the birth of my sons, Walker, 6, and Thaddeus, 3) and from working alongside colleagues across the globe who bring really different perspectives, backgrounds and life experience. With that said, we can’t ever take a foot off of the pedal – and we have to constantly look at the cultural inertia that often prevents women and people of color from progressing into influential decision-making roles. I find that unconscious bias is perhaps the most pervasive of all barriers to inclusiveness – and eliminating that bias while making strategic, measurable investments in training, leadership development and succession planning is key. Organizations spend a lot of time on CEO/C-suite succession and very little time at the mid-management levels where talent is groomed, mentored and afforded opportunities that position them for continued leadership progression. 

How did Villanova & being a female-student athlete on the field hockey team help shape the person you are?

Villanova is a special place and I loved my time there as a student-athlete. I found the course work highly engaging and majored in Philosophy – which certainly shaped my ability to think critically, problem solve, and influence others around big ideas. The leadership lessons gained on the field and the mental toughness and grit developed by playing a competitive Division I sport for four years were formative in terms of preparing me for the realities of life and work. The field hockey team became my 2nd family and the friendships started almost 20 years ago at Villanova are tighter now than ever.

What’s your favorite memory from Villanova?

There are so many. I’ve been a longtime basketball fan and my favorite memory may be the 2005 win over Kansas that really put Villanova basketball back on the map. The energy in Wells Fargo Center that day was unbelievable and we all rushed the court following the win. The game took place during one the biggest snowstorms that year and the ride home was equally memorable, as I drove a packed car full of friends back to campus from Philadelphia through 15 inches of snow. My friend was sitting in the front seat using his hand as a wind shield wiper because the snow was so thick that the wipers were defunct. I-76 was filled with Villanova fans and we were crawling at a snail’s pace -- so the windows were down, the Villanova V’s were out, and the fight song rung loud the whole way home.

What does female empowerment mean to you?

The right and ability to make self-directed choices paired with access to institutions and environments that support and enable those choices.

What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?

In 2014, I was a year into my current leadership role at EY and was asked by the Managing Partner of our financial services business to join his operating committee. It was my first “seat at the table” and I asked if I could observe the first meeting to get my sea legs. His response? “No one takes a seat at this table without bringing their voice." It was a candid lesson in authenticity. I was worried about finding my voice, perfecting my voice, and the one I had was perfectly capable of filling the seat.

What have been a few highlights of your Villanova journey?

I feel lucky to be an alumna of a university that really lives and breathes its mission. Over the past three years I’ve taken part in some incredible initiatives including the launch of the McNulty Institute for Women's Leadership, the 50th Anniversary of Women's Athletics and the 2019 Leadership Summit. The best highlights are always tied back to opportunities to meet and engage with current Villanova students -- I learn so much through every interaction.

FAST FIVE
 

Q: Last book you read?
A: The last book I read was “An American Marriage” by Tayari Jones. I’m currently reading Adam Grant’s “Give and Take” which is an interesting exploration of social styles and has helped me to better spot, cultivate and nurture “giver” talent within my own team and company. 

Q: If you could have lunch with any woman, who would it be and why?
A: Serena Williams – she’s an entrepreneur, investor, mom, and one of the greatest athletes of our time. A complete force. 

Q: Favorite city to visit?
A: Paris 

Q: Favorite way to unwind?
A: Reading to my kids or listening to a podcast. I’m a big fan of “How I Built this” by Guy Raz and “Hidden Brain” by Shankar Vedantam.

Q: Favorite place on campus
A: The Oreo will forever be my all-time favorite spot. It’s iconic. The Anne Welsh McNulty Institute for Women’s Leadership office in Tolentine Hall is also a great little oasis to hang out. I only wish it was around when I was a student!