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March 06.2025
3 Minutes Read

Charting Her Course: Ola Sage on Business Leadership and Vistage Insights

Ola Sage Business Leadership, confident woman in red smiling warmly.

Discovering Ola Sage: A Beacon in Business Leadership

In today's fast-paced business landscape, effective leadership is more crucial than ever. Vistage Chair Ola Sage shines as a guiding force in this space, blending her personal discovery with professional expertise. Her journey of entrepreneurship and mentorship illustrates the profound impact of peer collaboration and intentionality in leadership.

The Entrepreneurial Spirit: Embracing Challenges

Ola Sage, raised in a family of entrepreneurs, brilliantly encapsulates the dual excitement and intimidation that comes with launching a business. Her first venture, a government services business in 1999, was not merely a path to profit; it was a carefully calculated decision fueled by her diverse experience across multiple business functions. “I’ve always been pretty intentional about making business decisions,” she emphasizes, underlining a thoughtful approach that many aspiring CEOs should model.

The Transformative Power of Peer Groups

Every leader can benefit from a robust support network, and Sage is no exception. Introduced to Vistage by a friend, she discovered the unmatched strength found within a peer group. “I didn’t even realize I needed a peer group,” she admits, reflecting on how her initial year with Vistage unfolded like an eye-opening adventure. The network proved pivotal during a 2012 business crisis when her fellow members rallied to provide crucial support, demonstrating the essence of community over competition.

Strategic Decisions on the Path to Success

Years later, as unsolicited offers to purchase her business flooded in, Sage found herself equipped with the knowledge garnered from her experiences at Vistage. She deftly navigated the sale process with confidence—an endeavor she credits largely to the insights gained through the group’s structured learning and expert speakers. “I don’t think I would have been prepared for the sale had I not been in Vistage,” she reflects, showcasing how comprehensive mentorship can lead to lucrative outcomes.

Charting New Courses: Life After Business Exit

Following her business's successful exit in 2018, Ola Sage discovered fresh opportunities within Vistage. With the encouragement of a fellow CEO, she transitioned to the role of Chair, fostering an environment of accountability and growth among her own members. “Why didn’t I think of that?” she mused, highlighting how mentors can open doors to new possibilities. Within nine months, she was guiding her own group, displaying remarkable adaptability right after significant career changes.

Addressing the Transition to Retirement: A Unique Perspective

As a chair, Sage frequently addresses the sensitive topic of retirement with fellow CEOs, prompting them to consider what they’re retiring to, rather than simply escaping work. “Being a Vistage Chair is something I want to do in retirement,” she shares, reframing retirement as not an end but a transition into fulfilling contributions to the community of leaders.

Balancing Work and Passion: The Sweet Side of Life

While business is at the core of her identity, Sage’s passions extend into culinary delights. Along with running CyberRx, a cybersecurity company, she indulged her love for baking by launching the Carrot Cake Factory, celebrating a beloved dessert. This underscores an essential message for business leaders: the importance of balancing professional ambition with personal joy.

Why Vistage Matters: Insights and Opportunities for Leaders

Ola Sage embodies the belief that leadership and personal growth go hand in hand. Her involvement with Vistage not only fostered significant professional development but also led to personal revelations. “Vistage groups give you a safe space to discover and rediscover the gifts you’ve been stifling,” she explains, highlighting the intrinsic value of peer support in the leadership journey. Her story invites other leaders to explore the potential benefits that come from such exclusive communities.

Call to Action: Join the Vistage Community

If you resonate with Ola Sage’s journey and are aspiring to elevate your leadership performance, consider joining the Vistage community. With its focus on peer advisory groups and structured coaching, Vistage offers invaluable resources for CEOs and business leaders to thrive.

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