Sarah Liu

Founder of The Dream Collective

Join us in getting to know more about Sarah and her entrepreneur journey as the founder of The Dream Collective.

How did The Dream Collective come about and what were some lessons you learned through setting it up?

The Dream Collective – a global diversity and inclusion consultancy helping companies attract and advance female talent, came about with my own lived experience seeing gender inequality in the corporate world and the perpetual gender gap in leadership representation.

A key lesson I learnt was that every set back is an opportunity to not just bounce back but bounce forward and take you further. We have learnt more from failures and setbacks than successes – in fact every time we overcame a failure and challenge it has taken our business to the next level. Every setback is an opportunity to pivot, grow and accelerate. Welcome, embrace and learn from every setback has been the biggest lesson I learnt.

"It takes the same amount of energy to dream big vs dream small – so why wouldn’t you dream big anyway!"

How can we encourage young girls to dream big and believe in themselves to achieve their fullest potential?

I think we grow up being told what we should start doing, but my encouragement for young girls is to actually not change and to STAY the way they are. Stay curious, stay ambitious, stay imaginative and stay unrealistic. Kids actually grow up dreaming big, thinking sky is the limit – it’s the society that keeps on putting boundaries and limitations around us that took that innocence and that belief away. So my encouragement for young girls is to stay the way you are and don’t let people tell you otherwise!

What are some important skills/tools young women should equip themselves with to lead their best life?

I think it’s the ability to not care too much about what others think of you. We can care about other people without caring about what they think of us. Don’t aspire to be liked by everyone – it’s not possible and it’ll become a distraction. Aspire to be respected for who you are instead. Focus on your craft, be the best you can be, stay true to your values and respect will follow!

" STAY the way you are. Stay curious, stay ambitious, stay imaginative and stay unrealistic."

Who was your support system that encouraged you to pursue your dreams?

My husband – Sheryl Sandberg said in her book one of the most important decision a woman can make is who you marry and if you will marry at all. My husband has been an encourager, supporter as well as a challenger and “butt-kicker” to help me achieve my goals.

What do you think is the best way women can help other women?

Women are naturally more collaborative and numerous research has uncovered that when women have resources and money, they give back to the community more than man. Therefore all the more important we make sure women are equipped and supported by men and women alike.