What does it really take to lead a successful team, navigate change, and build a workplace culture where people thrive?

On this episode of the Believe in Your Office podcast, host Johnathan sits down with Sara Hagner, General Manager of Common Sense Office Furniture, to discuss her journey from working in the warehouse to leading the company. They explore the importance of hands-on experience, adapting to an evolving workplace, and why strong leadership starts with understanding and appreciating your team.

Building Leadership from the Ground Up

Great leadership doesn’t happen overnight. For Sara, it started with cleaning warehouses, receiving furniture, and learning the business from the ground up before stepping into the general manager role in 2015.

Having worked in nearly every department, she understands the challenges her employees face and believes effective leadership is built on respect, trust, and shared experience.

Her approach to building a strong team focuses on:

• Leading with Empathy: Understand employees as individuals, recognize their efforts, and create an environment where everyone feels valued.
• Prioritizing Attitude Over Experience: Look for honesty, loyalty, and a willingness to learn rather than expecting every employee to have all the answers immediately.
• Embracing Change: Introduce better systems, technology, and processes that help teams work more efficiently while supporting them through the transition.

The Value of Bringing People Together

As hybrid and remote work continue to reshape the office furniture industry, Sara believes the physical workplace still plays an important role in collaboration, communication, and team morale.

While flexibility has its benefits, being together creates opportunities for spontaneous conversations, faster problem-solving, and stronger relationships that aren’t always easy to replicate virtually.

For Sara, a successful office isn’t just about productivity or hitting sales goals. It’s about building a positive environment where employees feel connected, motivated, and appreciated.

That culture also extends to the customer experience. When employees are happy and supported, they’re better equipped to deliver the kind of service that builds lasting relationships.

Creating a Workplace Where People Thrive

Leadership isn’t just about managing operations—it’s about creating the conditions for people to succeed. From her early days in the warehouse to guiding Common Sense Office Furniture through growth and its transition with Boomerang, Sara’s journey highlights how humility, adaptability, and a people-first mindset can shape a stronger organization.

Catch the full conversation and subscribe to future episodes at Believe in Your Office Podcast.