SARAH SHERMAN
About
I’m a multidisciplinary creative and strategy leader with 15+ years working across the full storytelling spectrum — from foundational brand positioning through creative campaigns and content. I come from film, editorial, advertising, and New York City.
Right now, I lead strategy at SpecialGuest, a global creative agency. My work spans Ray-Ban Meta’s AI glasses launch, ChatGPT’s first consumer campaign, Bumble’s first integrated global campaign, and breakthrough creative platforms for Lyft and Zocdoc (among many other projects).
Before SpecialGuest, I helped build The Atlantic’s brand studio into an award-winning creative group recognized by Fast Company, AdAge, and Vimeo. I’ve also worked on long-form documentary projects in many different capacities, including on Emmy-nominated and Peabody-winning films.
A few quick hits: I’ve remotely directed Jeffrey Wright recording VO from his home studio in Hawaii, pitched to Sam Altman across a giant conference table, and creative-directed 100-person shoots. And my agency was recently nominated for our first Grammy.
Select Work
Bumble, Finally
HPE, Longform
Ray-Ban Meta, Live All In
Lyft, Check Lyft
Zocdoc, Ready to be Seen
Foundation, Brand & Content
Vurvey Labs, Rebrand
Cove, Brand & Content
Lizzo x Meta
Dogchurch
Bumble, Voices
Clients
Zocdoc, Ray-Ban, Meta, Google, OpenAI, Lyft, Google, Oatly, Bumble, Jaguar, Porsche, Playboy, The New York Times, TikTok, IBM, Foundation, Instagram, The Washington Post, The Atlantic, CNN, Dyson, Kohler, Boeing, AT&T, VMware, Cove, Marriott, Cathay Pacific Airlines, Vurvey, Sunbit
Some Awards
Cannes Lion Silver Lion (2025), NY Addy's Silver 2025 (x3), NY Addy's Social Silver 2025, Cannes Social Shortlisted 2025 (x2), Indie Agency Top 40 Independent Agency 2024 (SpecialGuest), Webby Nominee 2025, Shorty Finalist 2024,Small Agency of the Year (SpecialGuest), AdAge Silver Addy (Shortlisted), Shorty Awards, Vimeo Staff Pick (Moral Code), Folio Class of Top Women in Media in the Up & Comers, 100 Significant Women in Native Advertising, OMMA finalist, Emmy nomination: Investigative Journalism, Webby nomination: Best Branded, OMMA Finalist, Folio Awards
Films & Shows
Fault Lines (Big Sky Film Festival Official Selection, Apple TV, Amazon Prime), American Pathogen (narrated by Jeffrey Wright), Chicagoland (CNN), Freeway (Al Jazeera America), Letters From Baghdad (Amazon Prime), (Dis)honesty (Amazon Prime, PBS), Gainesville (CMT)
Coaching
“Coaching” is a silly word, but I sometimes do work that a lot of people would describe as coaching.
What I offer: (1) Counseling through work challenges and transitional moments, e.g., managing tough relationships with colleagues, navigating negotiations, advocating for role growth or change. (2) Developing and refining the story you tell about your work experience and aspirations.
Who I support: I am field-agnostic, but I have a particular edge with people coming from media, creative industries, advertising, etc. I have the most experience with early and mid-career women.
Substack
Sarah Sherman © 2026