Sharon Saffold began her career as a motivational speaker nearly 20 years ago
with just one story to tell, the story of beating the odds. One of eight children,
Sharon spent her early life being victimized through molestation, rape, violence,
kidnapping, and years spent in difficult foster environments. Giving herself a new
script, she decided to use those challenges to inspire those overcoming traumatic
experiences and educate those who serve them.Her commitment to not just raising awareness about commercial sex trafficking, but also helping victims reclaim their lives led to years of dedicated advocacy work with law enforcement, political, medical and service organizations. National media,
including New York Times Pulitzer Prize-winning author Nicholas Kristoff and PBS
Now‘s “Fighting Sex Trafficking” have shaped in-depth coverage of this issue through her experience and expertise. Broadening her message, Sharon now includes her path to professional success. Before climbing the corporate ladder, she had every job imaginable – often several at a time – including being a tax preparer, a legal secretary, and owning mobile detailing and house cleaning businesses. Her speaking toolkit also incorporates messages of encouragement around making the impossible possible: She received a jumpstart to her career through personal guidance from renowned speaker Les
Brown, whom she pursued after learning about him through a television appearance. In her seminars and workshops, Sharon relies on all of her life experiences in training audiences to rediscover their passions and reach their highest potential. Taking her own advice, she got her GED to encourage her daughter who was having a challenging high school career. She and her daughter are currently pursuing undergraduate degrees at Spelman College, after which Sharon plans to attend law school.
Sharon is the co-author the Cake and Combat Boots…Able Giant book series and
the creator of numerous transformative DVDs and CDs. She is regularly called upon by organizations like the Department of Justice, the National Labor Relations Board and Blacks in Government for workshops and keynote addresses. Through corporations, churches, schools and community groups, she has motivated thousands to take charge of their lives with her “If I can do it, you can do it” style of delivery. In appreciation of those opportunities and her path, Sharon has launched the Giant Movement, an initiative that honors those who exhibit ordinary behavior that has extraordinary impact. “Everyone can live their giant life,” says the Atlanta native, who is married and the mother of six children. “I help them by teaching perseverance and the importance of identifying patterns and people that support their achievements and have common goals. The goal is to become an independent authority on telling the story that creates your glory.”