The thought of leaving a job can be scary, especially in uncertain times, but for Sarah Gibson Tuttle, leaving her 10-year-long successful career as an equity sales trader at Morgan Stanley changed her life in the best of ways. 

After moving to LA, Gibson Tuttle opened the nail salon Olive & June , which she has since expanded to become a successful at-home manicure company.

She tells Thrive her best advice on leadership and entrepreneurship, and how she manages stress. 

Thrive Global: What’s the first thing you do when you get out of bed? 

Sarah Gibson Tuttle: Check my phone. Ugh, I know – it’s the worst habit. I want to say meditate!

TG: What gives you energy? 

SGT: Smart, curious people. 

TG: Name a book that changed your life. 

SGT: Setting the Table by Danny Meyer. Real, genuine customer service can get you through any tough client conversation.

TG: How do you deal with email? 

SGT: Inbox zero every other day, if not every day. I delete or forward anything that I don’t need to personally respond to. I respond to everything I need to, even if it’s a one or two word response. I have learned that my time is the most valuable thing I have, so I really try to not let my email suck me in.

TG: You unexpectedly find 15 minutes in your day, what do you do with it? 

SGT: Read something from my “must read!” folder. I always want to learn and grow my brain. 

TG: When was the last time you felt burned out and why? 

SGT: The more you have space to think, to relax, and to enjoy purely fun moments in your life, the more you can bring to your work. I try to really indulge in those unplugged moments so that I’m the most energized and creative when I’m on.

TG: When was the last time you felt you failed and how did you overcome it? 

SGT: At a startup, you fail daily. I never think of these moments as failures. They are always opportunities to learn and grow.

TG: How do you prioritize when you have an overwhelming amount to do? 

SGT: Lists and more lists. But I also try to make sure I’m focused on only what I need to be doing. My team is strong and they don’t need to be micromanaged on their projects.

TG: What advice would you give your younger self about reducing stress? 

SGT: Sleep, get a strong team around you, and move from a “react immediately” mindset to one where you pause before responding.

TG: Do you have any role models for living a thriving life? 

SGT: I look to people who have an inner peace with themselves, with their work, and with their family and dear friends. That is the goal.

TG: What’s your personal warning sign that you’re depleted? 

SGT: I get snappy and my thoughts get pretty stale. That’s always a sign to put a pin in the conversation or just get a good night’s rest.

TG: When you notice you’re getting too stressed, what do you do to course correct? 

SGT: I love to talk through whatever it is with the right person. The reason they were hired is because they really know their stuff. I also lean on our advisors. I feel very grateful for the people in my life who truly support me.

TG: What’s a surprising way you practice mindfulness? 

SGT: When I got married, the best advice I received was to take a step back, mid-celebration, and look around. All of the people there, in that room — they are your people and they love you. There are not many moments in life where you will feel that feeling. Bask in it! I think of that advice often now —take a step back, look around at what life has given you, and focus on gratitude. I am very fortunate.

TG: How do you reframe negative thinking? 

SGT: I’m not a particularly negative person so when I start to feel down or negative, I immediately try to see the silver lining. Sometimes it calls for jumping on the treadmill and blasting some fun music.

TG: What brings you optimism? 

SGT: The biggest joy in my life is my daughter. It’s hard to stay frustrated when she’s giggling and dancing around like a lunatic.

TG: What was the biggest turning point in your life? 

SGT: Ending my first marriage was the hardest emotional moment but it transformed me. I became less judgmental and more selfish about my own happiness. And ultimately it led me to meeting the love of my life.

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Author(s)

  • Lindsey Benoit O'Connell

    Deputy Editor, Entertainment + Partnerships at Thrive

    Lindsey Benoit O'Connell is Thrive's Deputy Editor, Entertainment + Partnerships. Prior to working at Thrive, she was the Entertainment + Special Projects Director for Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, Cosmopolitan, Redbook and Woman's Day booking the talent for covers and inside features. O'Connell currently lives in Astoria, NY with her husband Brian and adorable son, Hunter Fitz.