Winning the HR Rising Star Award is a powerful reflection of growth, curiosity and the impact of saying yes to new challenges. In this Q&A, Sarah Howell, our HR Rising Star Award recipient, shares what the recognition means to her, how internal development at WTW has shaped her career and the advice she’d offer to others looking to make an impact in an enabling role.
What does this recognition mean to you and how did you feel when you found out?
I’m truly honored to have won this award, especially when I look at the incredible past winners. I was very surprised when I got the news and I’ve been completely blown away by people’s responses since. It has been incredibly humbling and really feels like a reflection of the collaboration and support I’ve had from the HR team over the years.
You have had a few different roles at WTW. Can you tell us how these opportunities have played a role in your evolution with us?
I’ve experienced significant internal development within Recruitment over the last eight years. Supportive leadership and a strong team environment have allowed me to grow, take on new challenges and shape the role I’m in today.
I’ve always put my hand up to get involved and I enjoy learning new things. That mindset has helped raise my profile and led to opportunities to work on some really interesting projects and initiatives.
What motivates you in your role within HR and how do you approach supporting others as you continue to grow in your career?
What motivates me is connecting people with opportunities where they can thrive. I love seeing others grow and that drives me to keep learning and challenging myself.
I also enjoy problem-solving, whether that’s using data to tell a story, building presentations that clearly communicate insights or being someone people can turn to for guidance or advice. That sense of impact and trust is incredibly fulfilling.
Can you share an example of a moment or project where you felt your work made a real difference for colleagues or teams?
One project that stands out is helping streamline a recruitment process that was causing delays for hiring managers. By working closely with the team, we introduced a few key changes that improved the experience for both candidates and colleagues, which was incredibly rewarding to see.
Another example is more personal. When I joined WTW, PowerPoint wasn’t a strength. I invested time in developing those skills and now I not only use them regularly to deliver presentations but also share that knowledge across the recruitment function. While not a formal project, it’s made a real difference in how I deliver information and support others.
Which WTW values resonate most strongly with you and how do you bring them to life in your day-to-day work?
Teamwork resonates most strongly with me. I believe the best outcomes come from collaboration and shared purpose and that mutual support is what makes work truly rewarding.
What advice would you give to colleagues who are early in their careers and looking to make an impact in a support or enabling role?
I’d encourage colleagues to stay curious, ask plenty of questions and take the time to really understand the business and its people. Building strong relationships and seeking out mentors can open doors you may not have even considered.
Don’t be afraid to take on challenges. Put your hand up and say yes even if it means putting in a little extra effort. Those moments often turn into the best opportunities for growth.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
Thank you to HR Leadership and everyone who has supported me throughout my time at WTW. I feel hugely proud of this achievement. I love what I do, and I genuinely love working for WTW.
Ready to build a career that moves you?
If Sarah’s story inspires you, consider joining WTW. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your career to the next level, WTW offers support, flexibility and opportunities to help you grow.
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