EWTAlliance Spotlight: Uplifting Leadership Through Recognition – A Conversation with Sarah McVanel
- Stephanie West
- May 8
- 5 min read
Updated: Jun 13
An Interview with Sarah Mcvanel, Chief Recognition Advisor at #EWTAlliance
EWTA Spotlight: Uplifting Leadership Through Recognition
If you had to describe Neelima Mangal in one word?
Abundant. She leads with generosity, clarity, and vision. It’s contagious.
In today’s workplace, recognition is more than a feel-good gesture—it's a strategy for transformation. As Chief Recognition Advisor at the Empower Women in Tech Alliance (#EWTAlliance), we are on a mission to embed gratitude, empowerment, and visibility into the fabric of organizational culture. We spoke with her about the power of appreciation, her career journey, and her inspiring vision for inclusive leadership.
💬 What inspired your involvement with #EWTAlliance?
My connection with #EWTAlliance began at the Women in IT Award Gala, where I served as keynote speaker and emcee. That’s where I met Neelima Mangal, the visionary founder of EWTAlliance. Her warmth and brilliance were undeniable—and I knew I had met a kindred spirit.
That evening, I witnessed something powerful: a room full of ambitious, kind, human-centred IT leaders focused on one theme—recognition as a catalyst for success. Neelima made a public pledge to keep that energy alive all year long. Her belief that recognition uplifts women and fosters gratitude inspired me to join the movement.
What is your aspiration as Chief Recognition Advisor?
My goal is to sprinkle recognition like confetti—to ensure every individual, regardless of gender identity or background, feels seen and valued. Recognition is not just a nice-to-have; it’s a leadership tool. When we embed appreciation into culture, we unlock confidence and fuel purpose-driven progress.
Can you share your career journey?
I began with a BA in Psychology and an MSc in Family Relations. I originally envisioned a path in therapy, but I quickly became fascinated by work psychology. Why couldn’t work be a source of joy and fulfillment?
A defining career moment came when I began supporting struggling organizations. The consistent gap? Lack of recognition. Once teams embraced appreciation, transformation became possible—and sustainable. That was a turning point. I’ve since dedicated my life to helping people feel valued across all life domains: workplaces, communities, and homes.
What is the F.R.O.G. philosophy, and how did it come to life?
F.R.O.G. stands for Forever Recognize Others’ Greatness™. It was born from observing crisis after crisis in workplace cultures. Neuroscience, behavioral economics, and psychology all reinforce this simple truth:👉 “What gets appreciated gets repeated.”
Why compete when we can connect, co-create, and collaborate? F.R.O.G. is about recognizing shared greatness over individual ego. It’s how high-performing teams—and enduring cultures—are built.
Why is recognition often overlooked?
Recognition is often seen as fluffy or time-consuming. But I challenge that mindset. It’s actually the fastest path to deeper engagement. Leaders can start small—a thank you, a shout-out, a handwritten note. These moments scale up to lasting change.
In our strategy work, we guide organizations to embed appreciation into their People Strategy, not as an afterthought, but as a cultural foundation.
How does recognition address burnout and disengagement?
In my first book, Forever Recognize Others’ Greatness, we explored how recognition helps prevent burnout and support recovery from compassion fatigue. During COVID, gratitude was one of the few tools the world could wield to uplift healthcare workers. It matters—and it works.
Can you share a story of recognition creating change?
One story that stays with me involves a healthcare organization with high burnout. One of the patients, Sonya—while undergoing chemo—started writing hundreds of kudos cards to the staff. Her act of appreciation ignited something powerful. It reminded everyone of their impact. I later interviewed her on my podcast—it’s one of my favorite episodes.
What about hybrid and remote work?
Out of sight must not mean out of mind. Leaders need to be intentional about appreciation in hybrid environments. Virtual shout-outs, e-cards, and surprise deliveries can keep teams connected.
One of my clients, Bucketlist Rewards, is fully remote. They recently jumped in the Great Place to Work rankings—a testament to how recognition can thrive even without an office.
What brings you joy beyond your work?
I’m an unapologetic carbivore and dance enthusiast—tap, salsa, hip hop. I recently became a certified yoga teacher and dream of leading retreats that blend wellness with recognition. I love reading psychology and business books, but when I want to escape, a cozy wartime romance and a cup of tea are my go-to.
Final Thoughts
Recognition isn’t a perk—it’s a leadership imperative. Through her role at #EWTAlliance, Sarah is championing a culture where people are valued, voices are amplified, and leadership potential is unlocked.
Let’s build a world where everyone knows they matter—starting today.
Learn More About Sarah McVanel
Sarah McVanel is Canada's leading recognition expert, a dynamic keynote speaker, coach, author, and founder of Greatness Magnified. With over 25 years of experience in organizational development, human resources, and leadership coaching, Sarah is renowned for helping individuals and organizations harness the transformative power of recognition to drive engagement, retention, and performance.
She is the creator of the F.R.O.G.™ (Forever Recognize Others’ Greatness) philosophy, a movement that encourages leaders and teams to embed meaningful appreciation into everyday interactions. Known affectionately as the “Frog Lady,” Sarah is often seen handing out squishy frogs to acknowledge greatness in others, sparking joy and connection in unexpected moments.
Sarah holds multiple professional designations, including Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), Professional Certified Coach (PCC), Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL), and Certified Senior Organizational Development Professional (CSODP). She also serves as the Past-President of the Toronto Chapter of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers (CAPS).
Her academic background includes a BA in Psychology, an MSc in Family Relations, and diplomas in Human Resources and Healthcare Administration.
Sarah is the author of several books, including Forever Recognize Others’ Greatness, The FROG Effect, FLIP Side of Failing, and Rockstar: Magnify Your Greatness in Times of Change. Through her writing, speaking, and coaching, she empowers leaders to create cultures where people feel valued, connected, and inspired to contribute their best.
When she’s not “frogging” audiences or coaching leaders, Sarah enjoys kayaking, snowshoeing, dancing, and indulging in audiobooks at double speed. She lives in St. Catharines, Ontario, with her husband and two children.
Learn more about Sarah and her work at Greatness Magnified.
Explore ‘The Power of Women in the World of Tech’ Podcast
Join host Neelima Mangal as she spotlights the inspiring journeys of women shaping the future of technology. Dive into thought-provoking conversations with industry trailblazers, all dedicated to redefining what’s possible in tech. Learn more
Explore Our Seasons:
#Season1 – #FoundationalEmpowerment: Building blocks for success in tech
#Season2 – #InnerStrength: Developing the mindset for growth
#Season3 – #EmotionalMastery: Self-awareness & emotional intelligence
#Season4 – #CountHerIn (IWD Special): Real stories from real leaders
#Season5 – #NextGenVisionary: AI, cloud, & executive leadership
Watch on YouTube: YouTube Playlist
Listen on Spotify: Spotify Podcast
🎧 Available on all major platforms:
Let your voice be heard. Let your story inspire.
Get Involved with #EWTAlliance
The #EWTAlliance (Empower Women in Tech Alliance), founded by Neelima Mangal, is a vibrant network of like-minded professionals united by a shared passion for connection, learning, and innovation.
Join #EWTAlliance and become part of a powerful movement that champions women in technology worldwide. Whether you’re an aspiring professional, an established leader, or an ally, there are many ways to contribute: share your story, participate in mentorship programs, attend events, or support initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion in tech. Together, we can create opportunities, inspire growth, and build a lasting impact. Ready to make a difference? Visit www.ewtalliance.com/getinvolved and take the next step in empowering women in tech today!
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