Our Lead(H)er series features impressive women leaders in the tech industry. In this Q&A, we are featuring Sasha Hibbard, Senior Director of Marketing at Lightforce.
What did you study in college and what was your first job out of school?
I attended Tulane University in New Orleans where I studied public health. After finishing undergrad, I stayed at Tulane and completed a Masters in Health Administration. My first job out of college was as a financial analyst at Weill Cornell NewYork-Presbyterian (NYP) in New York City. This role was an excellent opportunity to apply my academic knowledge to real-world financial and operational challenges within a leading healthcare institution and set the stage for my career in healthcare and medical devices.
Can you share the details on your career path and what were the critical moments that got you to where you are today?
I've had quite an interesting career journey filled with several critical comments that really shaped where I am today. I was finishing up my Master’s program. Unlike many of my classmates, I was still on the hunt for my first big girl job as graduation approached. I was planning to move back to Texas to be closer to my family, but life had other plans.
Within just a few weeks, I found, interviewed for, and accepted a job in NYC—a place I had only visited once as a kid! Even though I wasn’t actively looking for jobs there, I decided to just go for it. That leap of faith opened so many doors for me and pushed me way out of my comfort zone. It was definitely a stressful time, moving to a new city where I only knew one person, but honestly, I wouldn't change a thing.
Starting out at Weill Cornell gave me a solid foundation in analytics and business, which eventually helped me switch gears and join the healthcare advisory team at Ernst and Young. Working at EY allowed me to dive deep into the healthcare sector and expand my skill set even more. Another major turning point came when I transitioned into the medical device space. I wasn’t actively looking for a change, but an opportunity at Align Technology came up, and I jumped at it. This move put me on a path to marketing and leadership, and I’m so grateful for it.
What you'll see as a theme in my career is saying yes to new opportunities, even if they are new or different. My prior roles have not only expanded my skills but also allowed me to build my network, opening the door for future opportunities. In a similar fashion, one such door opened, and I am now leading the marketing and clinical education teams at LightForce. Transitioning to a startup in the orthodontic space has been an amazing journey, and none of that would have been possible without taking that first leap.
If there’s one piece of advice I’d love to share with you all, it’s this: don’t be afraid to take risks. Whether it’s a new role, a challenging project, or even moving to a new city, those leaps can lead to the most rewarding experiences. Betting on yourself and saying yes to opportunities can truly make all the difference in your career.
What is your current role and responsibilities?
I'm currently the Senior Director of Marketing at LightForce Orthodontics, an exciting startup revolutionizing orthodontics with 3D-printed, fully customized brackets.
In my role, I have the pleasure of leading an incredibly talented marketing team. We develop and execute dynamic marketing strategies aimed at building brand awareness and driving customer engagement and growth. What excites me the most is being part of a company with such a vibrant culture and a clear vision of becoming the most requested brand in an era of personalized orthodontics. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities to make a significant impact, and I love being part of this journey.
For people who are looking to be in a similar position, what advice would you give to others in terms of helping them achieve their career goals?
For those looking to advance in their careers, embrace new opportunities, whether it's a new role, project, or city. Building your personal brand is crucial, so showcase your strengths and network actively. Always be learning—stay updated on industry trends and continually refine your skills to remain versatile and valuable. Embrace your unique journey, take risks, and keep growing your skills and network to achieve your career goals.
What are the most important skills that you need to do your job well?
In a fast-paced startup environment, being able to pivot and respond to new challenges and opportunities is vital. Every day brings something new, so being adaptable and comfortable working in the unknown is critical. This flexibility allows me to adjust our strategies to meet evolving market demands. Equally important is having a deep understanding of our industry and customers. This knowledge enables us to focus and ensure that our strategies and tactics resonate with our audience and effectively address their needs.
Q&A
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I absolutely love to travel and explore new places. My husband and I tend to explore new countries by car, which allows us to discover charming towns, beautiful scenery, and, of course, incredible food. Trying new restaurants and different cuisines is always a highlight for me. I also enjoy cooking at home, experimenting with new recipes inspired by our travels. It’s those moments that really help me recharge.
How do you manage stress?
For me, reading is a great way to unwind and focus on something other than work. I also love trying out new hobbies as a way to be creative and engage in something completely different from work. These activities help clear my head and manage stress, allowing me to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
How many cups of coffee do you have in a day?
I love coffee and my trusty Nespresso. I kickstart my mornings with a triple iced latte with oat milk.
Any book or podcast recommendations? (professional or fun)
There are so many great books out there, and I love alternating between fun reads and more business-focused ones. For leisure, I enjoy books by Kristin Hannah and Colleen Hoover, with "The Nightingale" and "Verity" being some of my favorites. When it comes to business books, while they can sometimes be a bit dry, I recently found "Talk Like
TED" by Carmine Gallo and "Dare to Lead" by Brené Brown incredibly engaging and insightful.
What advice do you have for recent college graduates?
For recent college graduates, my advice is to embrace new opportunities and take risks, whether it’s a new role, project, city, or company. These experiences can be incredibly rewarding and provide valuable growth opportunities. Building your personal brand and continuous learning are essential, so network often and stay up to date on your industry's trends. Remember, your career journey is unique and never linear; every step, even the unexpected ones, contributes to your growth and success.
