People in Fundraising, ep. 134: Sarah Hall, Director of Data Governance, Harvard University

It is wonderful to share this fun and engaging conversation I had with Sarah Hall, who was my manager at Harvard Business School for almost 12 consecutive years! During that time, our team moved from a heavily reactive-prospect research model into prospect management and data, over two capital fundraising campaigns. She is hilarious, smart, and supportive, which was especially helpful for my career - during our time working together, I went from single to married, renter to homeowner, and then welcomed four kids with my wife. Having constancy in key aspects of work life was terrific.

In our conversation, Sarah talks about some things that I've long known are always important to her, and other topics:

* What experiences as an undergrad at Kenyon College transformed her life, and what have compelled her to be a longtime advocate for her alma mater.

* Insights into her current role as the Director of Data Governance for Harvard University's Alumni Affairs & Development.

* Sarah's thoughts on one of my all-time favorite quotes: "If you need a machine and don't buy it, you will ultimately find that you have paid for it and don't have it," from Henry Ford.

* Experiences from Sarah's career evolution, going from prospect research to prospect management and now data governance, and as a manager, that reflect this quote from one of my favorite actors, John Malkovich: "I'm wary of all the things that people believe which make them think, 'This is me.'"

* Several meaningful anecdotes from our time working together. We both started at HBS in fall 2000, and Sarah became the prospect research director in spring 2003.

Thank you, Sarah, for a delightful conversation! I loved reconnecting with you and learning more about your current role, while sharing laughs and reflections about our earlier career days.