Meet Sandy Pharaon

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sandy Pharaon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sandy, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
As a senior technology leader in a Fortune 200 company, I used to believe that pushing through—no matter what—was the answer. Burnout? Just work harder. Disappointment? Shake it off. That mindset worked… until it didn’t.

In 2020, the pandemic hit—and so did a hard personal reckoning. The company I worked for was acquired, and the promotion I had been promised disappeared in the shuffle. It was the third time I’d been passed over. I remember sitting at my kitchen table in tears, asking a mentor, “Who am I now? How do I come back from this?”

He didn’t give me a pep talk. He gave me a mirror.

He reminded me to believe what was true. He told me peace is a God-given promise that I have access to. That hit deep. It forced me to stop chasing titles and start reclaiming God’s plan for my life.

So how do you know when to keep going or give up?

You give up the version of the journey that’s breaking you down. The version that you write-up and want approval of. The version that does not reflect complete surrender.

I chose to keep going—but differently. I shifted. I invested in myself. I became a certified health coach, speaker, and wellness advocate. I learned that healing and high performance are not opposites—they’re partners.

In three years, I earned two promotions—not because I worked harder, but because I worked healthier. Now, I help career-driven women do the same: find harmony at work, peace at home, and the promise in their faith.

So, if you’re asking whether to give up or keep going—quit the patterns that are costing you your peace, not the patterns that are able to build you up.

And if you’re ready to move towards value-driven decisions that prioritize well-being, let’s get started.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My career has been a blend of strategy and service.

With over 15 years of leadership experience in corporate America, I’ve worked my way up to a Technology Senior Manager role at a Fortune 200 company, while also holding certifications in health coaching, IT audit, and data privacy. But titles alone don’t tell the full story.

What sets me apart is my dedication to service: helping career-driven people—especially women—achieve harmony and healing at work, at home, and in their faith. I founded Abundant Wellness LLC to do just that. I’m proud to bring a perspective that integrates corporate excellence with personal wellness, because I’ve lived through the burnout and imbalance that so many professionals face.

My journey wasn’t easy. In 2020, I was passed over for a promotion—again—during a company reorg. It was a defining moment. I felt lost and undervalued. But through mentorship, prayer, and deep personal work, I rediscovered my identity and realigned my life with a Christ-centered purpose over performance. That painful detour led me to become a certified health coach, a speaker, and a wellness advocate. And in just three years, I earned two promotions and launched a platform that’s now helping others do the same.

Lessons I’ve learned?
• Your value doesn’t come from a title.
• Boundaries aren’t a luxury—they’re a lifeline.
• Rest is not a reward for exhaustion—it’s a requirement for sustainable impact.

What I want the world to know is this: Success doesn’t have to cost your sanity. You can lead, thrive, and show up fully—without burning out. And if no one has given you a blueprint, I will.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My Bestie’s Boston + Beyond Adventure: A Week of Food, Faith, and Fun
The moment I heard my best friend was flying in, I knew this trip had to be epic. We’re talking unforgettable food, soul-refreshing moments, and just the right amount of adventure. Here’s how we’d spend the week — tailored by season, but filled with timeless joy:

Sunday: Faith + Flavors
We’re kicking things off right with brunch at Ellie’s Farmhouse in Methuen—think chocolate chip pancakes and eggs Benny with a modern twist. Then it’s off to Full Deliverance Church, Inc., where we’ll worship, recharge, and hear a Word that challenges and uplifts. It’s not just a church—it’s a place to experience love, unity, and full deliverance.

Monday: City Sights + Seafood Delights
Time to hit Boston! We’re hopping on a Duck Tour or a City Cruise — yes, we’re doing the tourist thing, and yes, it’s absolutely worth it. After soaking up skyline views and city history, we’re heading to Saltie Girl for lobster rolls so good they should come with a warning label, or Stephanie’s On Newbury for next-level comfort food with Back Bay charm.

Tuesday: Creative Recharge
This is our midweek breather. Think journaling in the Boston Public Garden, stopping for a Swan Boat ride (because: classic), and grabbing matcha or coffee at Tatte Bakery.

Wednesday: Nature + Nostalgia
Midweek calls for a little road trip! We’re heading back north to Mann Orchards’ The Barn in Methuen for premium Gifford’s Ice Cream — Butter pecan for me, something wild for them. Then it’s games, mini golf, and maybe a little friendly competition at Jay Gee’s Fun Center. Childhood joy, unlocked.

Thursday: Mind, Body, Soul
Wellness day! Morning walk along the Charles River, journaling + prayer time, and then lunch at Life Alive Café for vibrant, nourishing bowls. Evening vibe: maybe a wellness talk, a creative workshop, or just catching the sunset with good conversation.

Friday: New Hampshire Chill Vibes
We’re making a day trip to explore nearby NH towns — maybe Portsmouth or Exeter. A little boutique hopping, seafood on the coast, and plenty of time to laugh, reflect, and soak in God’s goodness in the slower pace.

Saturday: Celebration + Connection
Last night together, so we’re going big: dinner in Boston at 🐚 Legal Sea Foods – Harborside. This flagship location offers three floors of dining, including a rooftop lounge with panoramic harbor views. Enjoy classic New England seafood dishes in a lively atmosphere. Then maybe a night cruise or dessert crawl — we’re ending this trip on a high note!

Final thought:
This week isn’t just about the places — it’s about joyfully reconnecting with a great friend.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people and resources that have shaped my journey—but there’s one thread that ties them all together: they love God, they love people, and they live it out.

While I’ve drawn wisdom from countless books and mentors, nothing compares to the ultimate source of truth—the Holy Bible. It has grounded me, challenged me, and continually brought me back to center.

That said, I can’t talk about my growth without honoring the people God placed along the way:

• My mother, who instilled in me the values that still guide my decisions.
• The educators who sparked my love for learning and believed in my potential.
• The mentors who saw more in me than I sometimes saw in myself and didn’t hesitate to pour into me.
• And the preachers who had the courage to preach the truth—even when it wasn’t comfortable—so I could become the woman God always intended me to be.

My success is not just the result of hard work—it’s the fruit of daily faith, relentless grace, and a village of people who showed up with purpose and love. So this shoutout isn’t to just one person—it’s to every person who pointed me back to Him.

Website: https://linktr.ee/sandypharaon

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandypharaon/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandy-pharaon/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourabundantwellnessjourney

Other: Learn to use create systems that will help you find the time to serve your loved ones and prioritize your personal well-being, by making small impactful long-lasting changes built on a solid foundation.

https://sandypharaon.com/finding-your-daily-calm