MY NAME IS… Sara Gullickson.
I’VE LIVED IN SCOTTSDALE AND THE VALLEY FOR OVER 14 YEARS AND I LOVE IT BECAUSE… the restaurants, the weather, the overall ease of living, the spas, the people…I could go on and on! I’ve worked all over the country and really have always been proud to call Arizona home.
A TYPICAL DAY IN MY LIFE INCLUDES… as the CEO and founder at the Cannabis Business Advisors (CB Advisors) and a busy mom, there is no such thing as a typical day. CB Advisors is a national consulting firm headquartered in Phoenix. In my role, I guide stakeholders on corporate structure, financing, and operations to better position their companies for growth and potential exit.
MY FAMILY IS… everything. I have two children, two dogs, and a supportive network of family and friends. When they say it takes a tribe they didn’t lie. Having kids later in life is probably one of the most important things I’ve done for them. I think waiting also helped me to be less reactive as a parent because the more life experience I had prior to my kids has given me a better, more well-rounded perspective.
ONE THING I CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT IS… my village. It takes a village to run a company while juggling my children’s needs and schedules. There are so many people who I am thankful for who have helped me get to where I am today. Whether it’s the other moms who I’ve reached out to for advice, the teachers at school, professional colleagues and mentors, or my office team and company partners, I couldn’t do this without them.
MY FAVORITE MOVIE I COULD NEVER GET TIRED OF WATCHING AND WHY IS… “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.” I love Matthew McConaughey!
WHEN I WAS YOUNGER, I WANTED TO BE… an entrepreneur. I’m an entrepreneur at heart and always saw myself owning my own business. I always wanted to be a mom and I worked to get to a point where I was established and then have children. I’m blessed to be back in my career with two children.
THE SONG I WOULD SING AT KARAOKE NIGHT IS… “Work” by Rihanna.
THE ONE PERSON WHO MOTIVATES ME IS… Maxime Kot, who serves as president of CB Advisors. We learn from each other and have truly grown up in this industry together and I couldn’t ask for a better business partner and friend.
THE LAST THING THAT MADE ME LAUGH OUT LOUD WAS… life in general! Isn’t that funny?
THE PERFECT DAY IS… if my best friend was visiting for the weekend, we would check in at Mountain Shadows and book some treatments at the Sanctuary Resort Spa. In the morning, before it gets too hot, we’d either take a hike on Camelback Mountain or a yoga class at Radi8. For an evening activity, it would be cocktails and dinner at Steak 44. If I was with my kids, I’d let them loose at Papago Park.
MY FAVORITE LOCAL NONPROFIT IS… Maggie’s Place (maggiesplace.org), which provides a variety of services to help Valley moms and families in need.
MY LIFE IS… crazy, but I wouldn’t have it any other way! I’m a full-time mom and full-time business owner and couldn’t ask for more.
THE BEST GIFT I’VE EVER RECEIVED WAS… my mom, because I would not be here today if it wasn’t for her.
MY DREAM VACATION WOULD BE… to go back to Croatia with my kids or on a safari, which I’ve never done.
THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE I’VE EVER RECEIVED IS… even if someone tells you that you can’t do it, do it anyways.
